MAIA City Insider: Dubai
March 25, 2024
Welcome to MAIA City Insider: a curated guide helping you find the best spots to eat, stay and play in some of our favourite cities.
With its year-round sunshine, world-renowned dining, and incredible architecture, our first city needs no introduction. MAIA is proud to have its roots in Dubai, a place that fosters diversity, inclusivity, and kindness as well as a plethora of amazing experiences.
Whether you’re planning a trip here or a resident on the hunt for some new spots, here’s our top pick of where to eat, stay and play in Dubai.
EAT
Mott 32: A luxury Chinese restaurant brand born in Hong Kong and now in seven of the world’s most iconic cities, the Mott 32 Dubai chapter can be found on the 73rd floor of the Address Beach Resort, JBR. Expect elevated Chinese cuisine, a chic atmosphere, and spectacular views.
NETTE: Timeless French dining meets the playful flavours of Japan at this urban sanctuary situated in one of Dubai’s coolest neighbourhoods of Al Quoz. Crafted by Hasan and Husain Roomi of award-winning H2R Design, the beautiful space makes for leisurely breakfasts, quick lunches after mid-morning yoga or well-earned, post-padel dinners with friends.
Cassette: An incubator of cool (and another design masterpiece from H2R), Cassette is homegrown concept inspired by great food, music, art and the culture that surrounds it. We recommend popping in for a bite to eat and the best coffee in town.
STAY
Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah: Did you really do Dubai without a stay at a luxury beach resort? Elegantly situated on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, Waldorf Astoria Dubai is designed for relaxing getaways offering modern luxury alongside unparalleled services – the perfect haven to escape to after exploring the city.
Meliá Desert Palm: This boutique retreat is located just 20km from the heart of Dubai and promises a stay of pure serenity. Set within a 64-hectare polo estate, the aptly polo-themed Meliá Desert Palm features a collection of suites and villas with private pools so you can go full relaxation mode.
The Lana: Dubai’s Business Bay is now home to the first Dorchester Collection hotel in the Middle East with the much-anticipated opening of The Lana. Designed to make the most of the city’s captivating vistas, the hotel is a new hallmark of luxury in the heart of the city and Dubai’s ultimate expression of trusted hospitality and elevated living.
Raffles The Palm Dubai: A stunning 500m private beach? Tick. An award-winning Cinq Mondes Spa? Tick. Six amazing dining experiences? Tick! This vibrant beach palace is for those looking to add an extra level of luxury and elegance to their Dubai experience.
PLAY
Discover The Arts Club: Located in ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC, The Arts Club Dubai is the first international outpost of the historic private members’ club established in 1863 by Charles Dickens, among others. Set over four floors with 65,000 square feet to explore, you will find three restaurants, seven craft cocktail bars, a library, rooftop terrace and more.
Horse riding at Meliá Desert Palm: Explore the grounds of Meliá Desert Resort and you’ll stumble upon the resort’s dedicated horse-riding school – a Spanish-style villa covered in bougainvillea and stables home to 45 horses. Enjoy a guided tour of the stables, try yoga on horseback, or treat your little ones to a pony ride.
Evening cocktails at attiko: Sunset chasers, drinks at attiko are a must-do when in Dubai. Perched on the 31st floor of W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, attiko offers three experiences: a sprawling terrace to spend golden hour, a restaurant serving a vibrant Asian menu, and a high-energy lounge.
