What is the best place to watch the sunrise or sunset?

There are so many Insta-worthy places to catch a beautiful sunset or sunrise in Dubai, but my favourite is the view of Burj Al Arab from Umm Suqeim Beach. For more touristy landmarks, you can try the view from the top of Burj Khalifa and The View at The Palm Observatory.

Tell us about an off-the-beaten track adventure that only locals know about…

Al Madam ghost town is a deserted village from the 1970s where you can see actual homes that are being gradually filled with sand.

What’s the best hidden beach in the area?

Mercato Beach. It is extremely quiet, especially during weekdays. The beach is hidden behind a residential area right along Jumeirah Beach Road.

Where do you recommend for great local food?

Arabian Tea House in Al Fahidi neighbourhood is a great spot to hang out if you’re visiting the Old Dubai souks. Another must-try restaurant is Orfali Bros Bistrot in Wasl 51. It’s not about local food, but more like reinvented Levantine cuisine, where each dish is made from surprising combinations of ingredients, with a nice story behind it.

Where can you find the best coffee in Dubai?

% Arabica Café in City Walk, The Espresso Lab in D3, and Dips Café in Jumeirah 2 are all great coffee spots that are worth trying. For breakfast, I would say, Society Café in Jumeirah 1 or Home Bakery in Galleria Mall.

What’s your top place for a date night?

Gohan restaurant. The setup and experience is very intimate. It offers authentic Japanese cuisine in a hidden location inside La Cantine du Faubourg.

Only Here Insider’s Guide: Dubai