Skyscrapers, malls, and beaches are only one side of Dubai. The city has another layer that rarely makes it into guidebooks – cozy parks, old neighborhoods, secret waterfronts, and creative art spaces.
We’ve handpicked 15 places loved by locals, and they’re absolutely worth discovering.
It gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. To feel confident on the road, you’ll also need to know the traffic rules and common fines.
At the end of this guide, you’ll find a bonus section😉 with the most frequent penalties and a simple checklist on how to check and pay them.
Navigation
- Mushrif Park
- Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
- Dubai Creek Abra Ride
- Jebel Ali Beach
- Jumeirah Fishing Harbour
- Satwa Street Food
- Al Jaddaf Walk
- Al Shindagha Museum
- Dubai Design District (D3)
- Theatre of Digital Art (TODA)
- Al Qudra Lakes
- Al Marmoom Heritage Village
- Warsan Desert
- Majlis Ghorfat Umm-Al Sheif
- Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara
- Bonus! Fines for Drivers in Dubai
1. Mushrif Park
A huge green space perfect for a family day out. Think picnics, cycling, a mini-zoo for kids, and plenty of shade.
It’s a refreshing oasis right inside Dubai.
Here and below – the average timing from Rentico head office.
📍 Mushrif Park at the Google.Maps
2. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
A district where time stands still.
Narrow alleys, wind towers, traditional houses, and small museums – this is where you can truly feel the spirit of old Dubai.
📍 Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood at the Google.Maps
3. Dubai Creek Abra Ride
The most atmospheric way to see Dubai from the water. Hop on a wooden abra for just 1 dirham and watch the city the way people did decades ago.
Sunset rides are unforgettable.
📍 Dubai Creek Abra Ride at the Google.Maps
4. Jebel Ali Beach
A quiet stretch of sand popular with campers and kayakers.
No tourist crowds here – just open space and the freedom of the sea.
📍 Jebel Ali Beach at the Google.Maps
5. Jumeirah Fishing Harbour
A small harbor that still feels like old Dubai.
Perfect for a relaxed stroll and a bite at a no-frills waterfront café.
📍 Jumeirah Fishing Harbour at the Google.Maps
6. Satwa Street Food
The street where locals grab the best falafel and hot parathas at night.
A true foodie gem far from overpriced restaurants and malls.
📍 Satwa Street Food at the Google.Maps
7. Al Jaddaf Walk
A modern promenade with views of the creek and city skyline.
Best enjoyed in the evening when the heat fades away.
📍 Al Jaddaf Walk at the Google.Maps
8. Al Shindagha Museum
A cultural complex on the waterfront that tells Dubai’s story through interactive exhibitions and rare artifacts.
📍 Al Shindagha Museum at the Google.Maps
9. Dubai Design District (D3)
The creative heart of Dubai, buzzing with art shows, fashion events, and installations.
Right next to it is a peaceful park with a waterfront, where you get a striking contrast between the city skyline and nature.
📍 Dubai Design District (D3) at the Google.Maps
10. Theatre of Digital Art (TODA)
A unique digital space where classics meet immersive technology.
It’s more than a show – it’s an experience that surrounds you with art.
📍 Theatre of Digital Art (TODA) at the Google.Maps
11. Al Qudra Lakes
Man-made lakes in the desert where you’ll spot flamingos, swans, and dozens of bird species.
Ideal for camping or a romantic walk away from the city.
📍 Al Qudra Lakes at the Google.Maps
12. Al Marmoom Heritage Village
A traditional desert village with camel races, craft shops, and cultural events.
A deep dive into Emirati heritage.
📍 Al Marmoom Heritage Village at the Google.Maps
13. Warsan Desert
A less-known desert area perfect for picnics or buggy rides.
It’s easy to reach thanks to paved roads, and you’ll get some of the most dramatic photos in Dubai.
📍 Warsan Desert at the Google.Maps
14. Majlis Ghorfat Umm-Al Sheif
The former summer residence of Sheikh Rashid.
A quiet museum where you can step into the daily life of Dubai’s rulers just a few decades ago.
📍 Majlis Ghorfat Umm-Al Sheif at the Google.Maps
15. Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara
One of the largest Sikh temples outside India.
Open to everyone, it’s an architectural masterpiece and a place of peace, where visitors are offered a free community meal – a unique hospitality experience.
📍 Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara at the Google.Maps
🚨 Bonus!
Fines for Drivers in Dubai: What You Get Penalized for Most Often and How to Pay
Dubai has strict traffic laws, and most violations are recorded by automatic cameras.
Common reasons for fines
| 💨 Speeding | AED 300 to 3,000 (the higher the speed, the higher the fine) |
| 🚦 Running a red light | AED 1,000 (vehicle may be impounded) |
| 🤷♂️ Not wearing a seatbelt | AED 400 |
| 📱 Using a phone while driving | AED 800 |
| 🅿 Parking violations | from AED 150 |
| ⛔ Illegal U-turn or turn | AED 400 |
| 🛣 Driving on the hard shoulder | up to AED 1,000 |
| 🍷 Driving under the influence | AED 20,000 to 100,000 plus possible jail time, vehicle confiscation, and license suspension |
| 👶 Transporting a child under 4 without a certified car seat or allowing a child under 10 (under 145 cm) to sit in the front | AED 400 |
| 🚸 Overtaking a school bus with its stop sign activated | AED 1,000 (possible license suspension) |
How to Check and Pay Fines
1️⃣ Go to the official website: ums.rta.ae/violations/public-fines/fines-search
2️⃣ On the page, choose the search option Plate Details. Enter your car details:
Plate Source: Dubai
Plate Category: Private
Plate Code: your vehicle code
Plate Number: your vehicle number
Click Search.
3️⃣ You’ll see a list of unpaid fines, including the date, type of violation, and amount.
4️⃣ Select the fine you want to pay and click Pay.
Important:
For fines issued in Dubai, an extra 20 AED Knowledge & Innovation Fee is always added.
This is a mandatory government fee charged per fine to cover RTA IT services and transaction processing. Even if you pay multiple fines at once, the 20 AED fee is applied to each fine separately. In other emirates (like Abu Dhabi or Sharjah), this fee may differ or not apply.
5️⃣ Choose your payment method, enter the details, and confirm.
