The New Dubai Hotspots - Just Around the Corner

Discover Dubai’s trendiest districts on the doorstep of Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre. Downtown Dubai is buzzing with attractions and landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain and Dubai Mall, but new exciting areas are emerging. Head Concierge Peter Wharmby, who is a member of Les Clefs d'Or UAE, shares his insights on the hottest up-and-coming developments to keep on your radars:

City Walk

Located on Al Safa Street, City Walk has an edgy European street style with modern architectural design displayed with the French graffiti artist Blek le Rat trademarks. Home to more than 140 retail outlets, cool restaurant concepts and family friendly attractions, it is a self-sustaining community with a fun and quirky vibe. Entertainment highlights include the indoor rainforest found at the Green Planet, and an indoor gaming park at Hub Zero. As for the City Walk’s food scene, there are plenty of options – both inside and outdoors. The Burger Joint New York is a burger hotspot and has now opened its first branch in Dubai, offering an urban vibe with exposed brickwork and graffiti. For chocolate lovers, Cocoa Kitchen is a must where every dish, savoury or sweet, features cocoa.

• Peter’s tip: “If you want a side of art with your food try the Farzi Café, known for their unique and creative ways of serving and displaying their colourful dishes.”

d3

The new Design District known as “d3” is one of the hottest and trendiest new areas in Dubai. Putting the region on the world fashion map, d3 is a hub for design with a variety of unique lifestyle boutiques, designer headquarters and talented artists. However, fashion is not the only reason why the area is booming; it has become a hotspot for the slickest new dining and entertainment destinations too. Housing Michelin-starred chefs, d3 offers exciting eateries from Italian street food at Vicolo to healthy organic lunches at One Life Kitchen and Café, or a ravishing three-course French dinner at Chez Charles. The area also hosts a range of art events, innovative pop ups and festivals such as Dubai Design Week in November and Sole DXB festival in December. D3 is a creative community designed to steer away from commercial franchises and will keep expanding over the coming years.

• Peter’s tip: “Don’t miss the boutique-style concept store and restaurant The Lighthouse Café – try the delicious passion fruit yuzu cheesecake.”

Marasi Business Bay Promenade

Business Bay is known to be more low-key then its exuberant neighbours, but this district is about to have a luxury makeover that will completely change the game. The new Marasi Business Bay Promenade will open along the Dubai Water Canal and this mega-development will be even larger than the popular Dubai Marina and will feature five palm tree-lined marinas with several entertainment facilities including amphitheater, parks and more than 100 retail outlets. Marasi Business Bay will also house UAE’s first-ever water homes, floating restaurants and cafes. The project will bring a new dimension to Business Bay and add a leisure vibe to an otherwise predominantly business area and will be fully complete in 2023. However, there are already some exciting sights to visit in the area. Don’t let the water show end at the infamous Dubai Fountain; the mechanical waterfall between 8:00 and 10:00 pm at Dubai Water Canal is a delight to watch with water cascading along Sheikh Zayed Road lit up in neon lights. For a city escape the Treehouse Dubai is a must try, offering a lush garden in a concrete jungle. Referred to as Burj Khalifa’s back garden, this decadent rooftop lounge is a playful urban hideaway with uninterrupted views of the world’s tallest tower.

• Peter’s tip: “Try Urban Yoga in Aspect Tower set in a beautiful loft studio on the 37th floor with double high ceilings and views over the skyline.”