Experience the best of Dubai with Withlocals

Take a stroll in Deira, get lost in the markets

Deira (Old Dubai), the heart and the soul of the city, is the perfect getaway from the upscale luxury of Dubai.

Your host will be thrilled to walk with you through the bustling markets around Deira. You will find the winding gold, spice, and perfume souks (markets) and the beautiful textile and pashmina souk across the waterway in Bur Dubai. Don’t forget to bargain for the best deals! Your host will be happy to take you on an ‘abra, a waterbus ride around the creek where you can enjoy the contrast of old and new—skyscrapers and old markets.

Spend the day and night on Palm Jumeirah Island

Although it is touristy, the Palm Island is not to be missed, shaped like a Palm tree; this manmade island is best seen with a local who can show you its impressive design. Take a drive, bike ride, or walk around the leaves of the island, marvel at the view and stop in at a few of the luxurious hotels. Your host will explain and show you the brilliant architectural design of the island, its backstory and its hidden gems.

In the evening head to Nasimi beach, a local hangout for a night out in the town. Enjoy the experience with a local host where you can devour a delicious Mediterranean meal and a night of Dubai clubbing, which many say is the best in the world!

Experience the thrill of night crab hunting

Yes, go hunting for crabs at night! Night crab hunting is a very unique and splendid experience that you can only do with a local in Umm Al-Quwain, a short drive from Dubai. Many locals enjoy this nighttime sport and you can too! Your host will lead you on a glass bottom boat ride into the mangroves. You will look for the crabs with special underwater lights.

You will also see the fascinating wonders of the sea. Afterwards bring your appetite because you will enjoy the crab you just caught as part of a delicious dinner. It is an unforgettable experience! We highly recommend you give it a try with a local host!

Marvel at the Mosques

If you’ve never been to a mosque, it is an experience you should not miss. If you have been, then you don’t want to miss seeing the incredible mosques in Dubai. Visiting a mosque is best done with a local. It is a moving and beautiful experience; the Grand Mosque and Jumeirah Mosque will leave you stunned.

Go with one of our hosts who will keep you informed of the appropriate customs for an authentic visit and will also give you both a detailed history of each of these places of worship and an overview of some of the main rituals of Islam, the main religion in the United Arab Emirates.

Local tipIf you're planning to step inside a mosque, make sure you're dressed according to their house rules. They've got some specific guidelines, so it's better to be prepared!

Enjoy a day at the local Kite Beach

Seeking some rest and relaxation on a beautiful local beach? Or perhaps an active beach day filled with water sports, kite surfing and volleyball? Well, you’re in luck because Kite Beach is a local favorite and has it all! Head to Kite Beach for the day and you will find a gorgeous beach, emerald blue waters, a view of the famous “Burj al Arab,” lots of shops, and cute little cafes to stop in for a snack.

Walk around letting your toes sink in the sand, spend the day swimming, tanning or kite surfing with your host! Maybe even take a surfing lesson with your host? Or perhaps ask your guide if they can personalize your tour for one of many water sports activities? The sky's the limit!

Go ritzy at Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall

Craving some of the ritz and glitz Dubai has to offer but the local version? The tallest building in the world and largest mall in the world. What? Go with a local and you won’t regret it! Have a private tour of Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall with one of our guides and avoid the boring touristy version. Your host will offer a fascinating tour.

They will tell you the backstories, the controversies and everything in between about the biggest and largest that the world has to offer. That way you also won’t get lost in the overwhelming experience of being in the largest mall in the world. Your host will show you the incredible aquarium and many other gems including the biggest shoe store in the world. Ladies and gentlemen, you’re in for a treat!

Enjoy a delicious traditional Bedouin meal

Dubai is well known for its Desert safaris followed by a traditional Bedouin meal. Bedouins are communities who live in the desert year round. To avoid the touristy generic tours, go with one of our local hosts for an authentic Bedouin experience. Your host will take you on an amazing ride into the heart of the desert sand dunes. You will see some falcons and admire the sunset.

The evening’s main attraction will be a delicious Bedouin prepared meal. It usually consists of grilled meats, fresh salads, rice and chicken and lamb, awesome sweets with tea and perhaps even a hookah pipe. You shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity of this experience with a local and making new friends?

Go on a Dubai nightlife tour

No visit to this tiny Emirate would be complete without a night spent out on the town. And it is well worth it! You haven’t partied until you’ve partied in Dubai! There are several unique and incredible clubs you should spend your time in: White (an outdoor club), Stereo Arcade (80s and 90s music and theme), and Cirque le Soir (bespoke circus act).

Go with your host to get the full nightlife experience, hopping from club to club, dancing with your new friends late into the night, and then in the early morning satisfy your hunger at Zaatar w Zeit on Sheikh Zayed Road for some amazing freshly baked Lebanese breakfast pies.

Get lost in Al-Bastakia

There is rich cultural history hidden in the glitz of Dubai. Visiting Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood dating back to the 1890s is one of them. Also known as the Al-Bastakia quarter located in Bur Dubai is a top thing to experience with a local. The neighborhood was initially built by Iranian merchants from Bastak, where it got its name.

Take a private walking tour with your host who will guide you through the great labyrinth of roads, old merchant houses, historic buildings, cafes and art galleries. Its bohemian flavor is a lot of fun, especially when you have a host to make sure you don’t miss any of its local hidden gems!