Have you ever read a poem about Karak chai? Well, you’re about to.

The Early Morning Karak

The chaotic school drop-off’s through,
Dubai is calm, the sky still blue.
Before the heat begins its grip,
Nothing’s sweeter than a Karak sip.

…Okay, that was weird, my bad. Here’s your weekend plans:

Nad Al Hamar Baker

This one’s a classic Dubai drive-thru: pull up, beep the horn, and you’re served straight to the car. Their karak might actually be the best in the city, but you’re here to eat.

They use a large traditional oven to bake their pastries fresh to order, and they’re served to you piping hot. I’ve tried their cheese pastry and Nutella pastry, and me likey.

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Wawe Specialty Coffee, Festival City Mall

Set inside the Middle East’s largest indoor food hall, Wawe knows coffee. They use Archer’s beans, too, which are my go-to.

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Safa Park, Al Safa

This one is for the evenings until winter comes in. Safa Park is underrated in my opinion. Lots of green space for picnics, downtown views, and a charming Iranian restaurant right in the middle.

I make a point of taking my family here when they visit Dubai in the winter. It shows a greener, calmer side of the city that tourists don’t get to see.

3 AED entry fee.

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Sharjah Desert Park, Sharjah

Want to look at the great outdoors from the great indoors? I’ve got you.

Sharjah Desert Park includes four attractions: Arabia’s Wildlife Center, Natural History Museum, Islamic Botanical Garden, and Children’s Farm. The Arabian Wildlife Center is totally indoors, and it’s probably the most interesting part. You’ll be surprised by what animals live among us here in the Arabian Peninsula.

Entry is 40 AED per adult and 15 AED for kids (3–12).

🔗 Google Maps

Spinneys has a 25 AED meal deal package near their bakery section. But the real hack? Make your own deal: grab a 9 AED tuna sandwich, a 5 AED honey croissant, and a 1 AED water. That’s a filling lunch from Spinneys for just 15 AED.