Photo 3 - Hidden Stairways

Dubai is obviously well known the world over for it's beautiful malls, wide Downtown Boulevard, JBR, glitz and glam. But stray off the beaten path and you'll find some amazing gems. Hidden walkways, tiny corridors, all full of adventure.

I stumbled (literally) across this old original Dubai house on an afternoon exploring Naif. So much mystery and joy in this old area. I encourage you to visit - maybe leave it until it's cooled down a little, though!

Photo One: The Umbrella Shop

One umbrella or two, madam?!

There’s few things in life that are guaranteed.  But in Dubai, there’s a lot you can rely on: always carry 25 passport photos with you, plus copies of your passport…delivery men will be late (if they arrive at all.) 

But one thing is usually true: it doesn’t rain much here. I think we’ve had 8 hours of rainfall in the last year. Not joking.

Which is why it was comical, but also immensely optimistic, to stumble across this shop in Naif. Yes, you saw correctly: an umbrella shop.

Whilst I love the power of positive thinking, this is probably a step too far when it comes to the ideal Dubai business. Love it.

Back To School

Just beautiful..

One of the things I love about Dubai is that even after almost four years, I still stumble across exciting new things and experiences. Take last weekend for example. I’ve caught an abra across the creek COUNTLESS times. I’m always strolling through the spice and toy souks, stocking up on Frankincese and and soaking up the atmos.  And yet, after taking a few twists and turns through unfamiliar alleyways, I found THE most beautiful old restored school.  

Al Ahmadiya School was the first regular school in Dubai, opened way back in 1912 when life was hotter and harsher.  It’s been beautifully restored, and as it’s most definitely off the beaten track, we had the place almost all to ourselves. Treat! I felt a bit like Indiana Jones, only with better shoes, more make up and over-sized sunglasses.

There’s a gorgeous Heritage House next door which is just as exciting (yes, I know I’m a geek). The gift shop alone was worth the visit - they're selling the most beautiful dirham purses, currently in Galleries Layfayette at 300DH for just....15DH. I had to check the price twice and felt like I'd robbed the shop keeper as I skipped out with a handful!

There’s something very intriguing about these beautiful old buildings next to the creek. If you close your eyes to the glittering skyscrapers for a minute, you can almost drift back to days when life in Dubai revolved around pearl diving and dhows…simpler but tougher times.  

We also came across the cutest hotel which I’ve earmarked for a night’s stay. As we headed back to the abra station the adhan kicked in and it was nothing short of beautiful. I’m not sure what I’d do without my weekly creek fixes!