Looking for the latest trends in art, food and architecture?
Then a visit to Dubai this winter is a must.
Not only will you have access to all the important art fairs, such as Design Miami Dubai, Nomad and Art Basel, but you will also experience the best sports and health scene in the city, from high-tech to slow.
Strolling through Alserkal Avenue will keep you updated on the who’s who of the international art world, with the spotlight now on Dubai. Alserkal’s latest partnership is with the Design Miami brand, founded in 2007 by Emirati business leader and culture patron Abdelmonem Bin Eisa Alserkal. Alserkal Avenue has quickly established itself as one of the region’s leading destinations for contemporary art and community engagement. Transforming a former industrial site into a key cultural district, Alserkal Avenue also features an arts foundation and a creative consultancy.
Dubai is also a hub for a creative food scene, highlighting its diverse culinary landscape. This ranges from traditional Emirati dishes such as harees (a wheat and meat porridge) to international flavours and fine cuisine. Examples include TakaHisa, the Gault & Millau award-winning restaurant which serves a menu that takes you on a culinary journey from north to south Japan. You will also find small food vendors selling organic vegetables and homemade pickles at the farmers’ market, which takes place every Saturday at Alserkal.
Dubai is in a constant state of flux, and there is always something new to learn, such as flower binding at Gosha Flowers, a workshop that inspires you with colour and flower combinations. Or the bookstore at the Jameel Arts Centre, currently the only contemporary art centre for Arabic art in Dubai, but soon to be followed by the Guggenheim Dubai, which is under construction.
These days, you can find the unexpected in Dubai. Comptoir 102, a health food shop and concept store along Jumeira Beach, feels like a place in Venice Beach, California, with freshly made salads, juices and matchas, as well as a concept store stocking mostly French jewellery and clothing brands.
Shopping only has relevance when it takes place in a different setting. There’s no need to go to the mall to find Gucci, Dior and Prada — you can find those everywhere else anyway. Instead, visit Orient 499, which showcases Lebanese designers and interior objects. Much more unique. Dubai is authentic nowadays. It feels like they have finally found their own identity without losing their curiosity for the new, the best and the future.
We stayed at the Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach, which was perfect for our first few days in Dubai. Their spa is a real treat, with a hammam and the best massages and treatments you could hope for after a long flight.
Then we moved to the Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre, which was the perfect spot for visiting galleries right on your doorstep and close to Alserkal.