Found in Dubai | Edition 001
Salaam and welcome!
“Dubai has no culture. It’s all fake.”
You’ve heard it. Maybe even said it. But I’m going to be frank with you, it’s a lazy take.
Dubai has culture, but not everyone recognises it.
Culture can take many forms.
In London, where I grew up, the word culture refers to the presence and prevalence of Sunday roasts, museums, bands, beer gardens, sarcasm, and football matches.
That’s British culture.
Dubai’s culture?
You smell it in the perfuming of public spaces. You hear it during the athaan (call to prayer) five times a day. It’s in the date festivals, the camel races, the horse stables, and the late-night karak trips.
It’s in the effort and money going into keeping the UAE’s public spaces genuinely clean and tidy. It’s seen in the kandoora and the abaya. It’s in the audaciousness of the city’s architecture. It’s in the abra rides, the mountain hiking, the desert camping, and the coastal forts. It’s in the dallah filled with qahwa, and the Umm Ali ingredients in the picnic bag.
Dubai’s culture is everywhere, and I hope this newsletter will help you experience it a little more.
Here’s what I’ve got for you this week:
🍽️ Eat This
Samad al Iraqi, Jumeirah 2
Ever heard the phrase, “Eat where the locals eat"? Emiratis, Iraqis, and Arabs in general all know about this joint, and now, so do you. I recommend the grilled Sea Bass and the stuffed lamb.
☕️ Drink This
Julith Coffee & Roastery, Al Quoz
Okay, this place is opening today. August 1st, 2025. That means I haven’t tried it yet. However, it ticks every single box I look for in a great specialty coffee spot. Single-origin beans, an in-house roastery, a barista training center, co-working spaces, and private booths for meetings. I cannot wait to try Julith.
🙂 Chill here
Green Community East Amphitheatre, Dubai Investments Park
Do not spread the word about this place. It’s better in the winter, but it works as an evening walk even in the Summer. You’ll find lots of greenery and a pleasant lake to gaze at as the sun sets. Close by, there’s a small mall called “The Market” with some handy coffee shops and restaurants, as well as a beautiful, fairly unknown park.
🧠 Dubai Cheat Code
From Reddit:
“Want a free, shaded, quiet work spot with WiFi and AC? Most hotels in Business Bay and JLT have open lobbies with zero pressure to order. I work from the lobby of the Taj Business Bay 3 days a week.”
→ u/aldubi
See you next Friday!
That’s all for this week, folks. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for sneak peeks at upcoming editions, as well as food, coffee, and hangout recommendations.
P.S. New here? Reply “HACKS” and I’ll send you our top 10 Dubai life hacks.