Most Underrated Things to Do in Dubai According to Residents

1. Sunrise Cycle at Al Qudra

If you’re up for an early start, locals swear by a sunrise bike ride in the Al Qudra desert. This 86-km dedicated cycling track winds through sand dunes far from the city buzz. It’s peaceful, scenic, and you might even spot oryx or desert foxes along the way. A Dubai resident suggested taking friends for a 6am ride at Al Qudra – a unique way to experience the desert calm before the heat kicks in. Don’t worry if you didn’t pack a bike; you can rent one at the Trek store by the track and join the cyclists who hit the trail at dawn.

2. Camping with Flamingos at Al Qudra Lakes

Yes, Dubai has flamingos – and you can camp near them! Al Qudra Lakes, a series of man-made lakes on the city’s outskirts, offer a tranquil desert oasis perfect for overnight camping and barbecues under the stars. It’s a popular weekend escape for residents seeking nature. One local camper described “going camping at Al Qudra Lakes, BBQing and chilling with the flamingos” as an ideal underrated activity. Bring your grill, marshmallows, and binoculars for bird-watching; just be sure to leave the spot as clean as you found it.

3. Cheer on a Camel Race at Al Marmoom

For a totally only-in-the-UAE experience, head to the Al Marmoom Camel Racetrack at the crack of dawn. Camel racing is a traditional sport, and watching these “ships of the desert” thunder down the track is both surreal and exhilarating. Races usually happen early in the morning in winter months, complete with robot jockeys perched on the camels. “No tourists, no tickets, just locals and robot jockeys,” as one Dubai resident promised about the scene. It’s free to attend, and you’ll get a glimpse into Emirati culture that most visitors never see – plus plenty of great photo ops of camels in action.

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4. Explore Alserkal Avenue Arts District

Tucked in the Al Quoz industrial area is Alserkal Avenue – a cluster of warehouses transformed into art galleries, studios, indie cinemas, and hip cafes. It’s basically Dubai’s creative hipster haven, and a far cry from the polished gloss of Downtown. Wander in and out of contemporary art exhibitions, catch a film at Cinema Akil, or sip single-origin coffee at a trendy café among murals and sculptures. One Google review by a local visitor raved that Alserkal offers a “totally different vibe from the mall scene… if you want to explore beyond the usual tourist spots, Alserkal Avenue is absolutely worth the visit”. In short, it’s the perfect place to see Dubai’s artsy, gritty-meets-chic side.

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5. Discover Jameel Arts Centre

Another off-the-beaten-path art spot is the Jameel Arts Centre, a contemporary art museum on the Jaddaf waterfront. It’s free to enter and features rotating exhibitions, sculpture installations, and even a charming desert garden outside. The center is sleek, peaceful, and rarely crowded – a nice break from busy tourist sites. A local on Reddit enthusiastically urged people to “go to Jameel art gallery. Free entry and always thought provoking art!”. Come here to beat the heat, soak up some culture, and ponder modern art – all with a pretty creek view to boot.

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6. Cross Dubai Creek on an Abra (Old Dubai Charm)

Nothing transports you back in time like a simple abra ride across Dubai Creek. These little wooden ferry boats have shuttled residents between Bur Dubai and Deira for generations, and at only 1 AED (about $0.27) a ride, it’s the best bargain in town. Skip the pricey tourist cruises – the abra is authentic and way more fun with the wind in your hair and the sound of lapping water. “Go to Old Dubai. Get out of the skyscrapers. Grab an Abra. Walk around the spice souq [and] gold souq,” advises one long-time Dubai resident. The old trading boats, bustling souks, and fragrant streets on the other side will make you feel like you found the “real” Dubai that many visitors miss.

7. Spot Wild Flamingos at Ras Al Khor Sanctuary

Believe it or not, a wildlife sanctuary sits right next to downtown Dubai’s skyscrapers! Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected wetland at the mouth of Dubai Creek, famous for its flocks of pink flamingos. Wander the boardwalk and viewing platforms to watch hundreds of flamingos feed and preen in the marshes – with the city skyline oddly looming behind them. It’s a quiet, surreal nature break from urban Dubai. As one local noted, “Ras al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary… It’s free (aside from getting there). It’s generally not too crowded”. The sanctuary is open to the public and costs nothing, so pack binoculars and enjoy this hidden natural gem that most tourists drive right past.

8. Late-Night Karak & Shawarma Run

When the clock strikes midnight in Dubai, many locals get a craving for karak – a strong, sweet milk tea spiced with cardamom – paired with a greasy shawarma or a crunchy Oman chips sandwich. The city is dotted with tiny 24/7 cafeterias (often just a counter or a kitchen window) serving this beloved street food. Join the tradition: pull up in your car at a popular tea joint, flash your headlights for service, and enjoy a car picnic. A Reddit user even pinpointed a favorite spot in Al Warqa, saying “The Al Warqa 1 Koukh Al Shay near Antar Cafeteria has, hands down, the best karak I’ve tried in Dubai”. For a true local vibe, hit up areas like Satwa or Jumeirah’s 2nd December Street where you’ll find late-night crowds sipping karak and munching on shawarmas right out of the foil. It’s the quintessential Dubai expat experience that tourists rarely see!

9. Hatta Mountain Escape (Kayaking & Heritage Village)

To escape the city entirely, take a road trip about 90 minutes out to Hatta – a mountainous enclave of Dubai emirate that feels worlds away from the skyscrapers. Hatta is known for its cool, craggy mountain scenery and outdoor activities. You can kayak on the turquoise Hatta Dam, hike trails with stunning vistas, or visit the restored Hatta Heritage Village to get a glimpse of traditional village life. Many UAE residents insist visitors shouldn’t skip the country’s natural side: “Head to Hatta… You can hike, bike, see flower fields, kayak, horse ride, etc. The UAE has much more than the glitz in Dubai,” one local wrote, encouraging travelers to explore beyond the city. Pack a picnic and enjoy the fresh mountain air – you’ll return to Dubai refreshed and with a new appreciation for the UAE’s landscape.

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10. Old Dubai Food Tour with Frying Pan Adventures

Dubai’s best meals aren’t found in five-star hotels – they’re in the winding lanes of old districts like Deira and Bur Dubai. If you’re a foodie, one of the coolest ways to discover these hidden eateries is with a local food tour. Frying Pan Adventures, started by passionate local foodies, takes you on walking tours to hole-in-the-wall restaurants, spice markets, and street-food stalls that you’d likely never find on your own. You might sample authentic Emirati dishes, Indian chaat, Iranian sweets, or Pakistani curries – all in one evening feast. A resident recommended “a food tour with Frying Pan Adventures to explore the flavors of the older parts of the city” as a must-do. Come hungry and leave with a full belly and a deeper understanding of Dubai’s multicultural food scene (plus plenty of insta-worthy food pics).