How to Live Like a Local During Your Dubai Stay

Introduction

Dubai often makes headlines for its record-breaking landmarks — the tallest building, the biggest mall, the most luxurious resorts. But beneath the glitz and glamour lies another Dubai, one that locals call home. If you truly want to experience the city, you need to look past the tourist checklist and embrace the everyday lifestyle of its residents.

Here’s how to live like a local during your Dubai stay — from the neighborhoods you choose to the food you eat and the traditions you respect.

1. Choose the Right Neighborhood

Locals don’t spend every day in Downtown or the Palm. Instead, many live in vibrant, diverse communities across the city.

• Jumeirah – A family-friendly area close to the beach.

• Dubai Marina – Popular with young professionals, full of cafés and waterfront walks.

• Al Barsha – Affordable and central, with easy metro access.

• Deira & Bur Dubai – The historic heart of the city with souks and traditional food.

When you book a shortlet apartment in one of these areas, you’ll experience the city’s real lifestyle instead of just the tourist side.

2. Shop Like a Local

Skip the oversized malls for at least a day and explore the city’s local markets:

• Karama Market for affordable fashion and quirky finds.

• Spice Souk for aromatic spices, teas, and saffron.

• Ripe Market for organic produce and handmade goods.

• Waterfront Fish Market for fresh seafood at local prices.

Carrying home groceries from Spinneys, Carrefour, or a small neighborhood shop makes you feel like a resident, not a visitor.

3. Eat Where the Locals Eat

While Dubai’s fine dining scene is unmatched, locals often enjoy casual, flavorful meals at smaller restaurants and cafés.

• Al Ustad Special Kabab (Bur Dubai) – Legendary Iranian kebabs.

• Ravi Restaurant (Satwa) – Authentic Pakistani food loved by everyone.

• Local cafeterias – Where you’ll find shawarma, paratha, and karak tea for just a few dirhams.

• Emirati food spots like Al Fanar Restaurant for machboos, luqaimat, and harees.

4. Get Around the Local Way

Instead of relying only on taxis, try the city’s efficient public transport.

• Dubai Metro – Clean, affordable, and connects most major neighborhoods.

• RTA Buses – Great for reaching spots off the metro line.

• Abras (water taxis) – Just 1 AED for a traditional boat ride across the creek.

Even better, walk along Marina Walk or Jumeirah Corniche, where locals exercise and socialize in the evenings.

5. Enjoy Local Leisure and Entertainment

Locals don’t always spend their weekends at malls. Instead:

• Go for a desert camping trip or barbecue with friends.

• Take a morning jog at Kite Beach.

• Spend evenings at shisha cafés, which are social hubs across the city.

• Explore Alserkal Avenue, a local hub for art, film, and culture.

6. Respect Cultural Norms

Part of living like a local is respecting traditions:

• Dress modestly in traditional areas (cover shoulders and knees).

• Avoid public displays of affection.

• Learn a few Arabic greetings like Marhaba (hello) or Shukran (thank you).

• Be mindful during Ramadan — no eating or drinking in public during daylight hours.

7. Blend Into the Daily Rhythm

Dubai has its own pace. Locals often:

• Start the day with karak tea or Arabic coffee.

• Enjoy late-night dining — many restaurants are open past midnight.

• Gather in majlis-style seating areas to socialize.

• Spend weekends (Fri–Sun) with family outings and beach days.

Final Thoughts

Living like a local in Dubai means stepping away from the polished tourist experience and embracing the everyday culture, traditions, and rhythms of the city. From exploring hidden neighborhoods and dining at family-run eateries to riding an abra across the creek, these simple choices let you see Dubai through the eyes of those who call it home.

So on your next trip, don’t just visit Dubai. Live it.