Our top tips for summer in Dubai

1. Zahira

“This modern Middle Eastern restaurant by Australian-Lebanese chef Greg Malouf in the H Hotel is a bucket-list must for a quirky, flavoursome twist on traditional dishes from the Arab world.”

Recommended by Samantha Wood from @foodiva | foodiva.net

About: Samantha is the founder of the UAE-based impartial restaurant review website foodiva.net, the curator of dine around experiences, as well as a freelance writer and F&B/ digital consultant on her favourite subjects: food, travel and social media.

Photo credit: Zahira

2. JG Kitchen

“Near the Four Seasons Resort at Jumeirah Beach and situated underground, lies the discreet JG Kitchen and its open-air terrace. With creations helmed by world-renowned chef Jean-George Vongerichten – owner of a Michelin 3-star restaurant in New York City – his Dubai outpost surely impresses any foodie. Nothing says indulge like his signature “Egg Caviar” - the first item on the menu and the first thing you should order. The restaurant transports you to Manhattan, where you can try his other NYC classics, like the crab toast, the equally-beautiful-as-is-delicious avocado pizza, and the must-order salty-sweet popcorn sundae, as well as Dubai-specific constructions. You’ll pay top dollar for quality food and proactive service from staff that care about satisfying their clients.

P.S. On Wednesdays, they offer a four-course tasting menu – a rarity in Dubai’s dining scene.”

Recommended by Meshal from @KmeshalEats | @KmeshalEats (Snapchat)

About: Meshal explores restaurants one dish at a time, wherever he might be from Los Angeles to Riyadh to Dubai.

“If you find yourself admiring Dubai's spectacular skyline, but you're not quite sure where to go to photograph it, there's a place that not only allows you to do that, but will also get you close to beautiful flamingos. The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is situated along the Dubai Creek and has observation posts from which you can photograph the many flamingos who call it home. At the same time, if you turn around towards the skyline, you'll get a perfect overview of Dubai's older buildings like the Emirates Towers or its newer additions like the Burj Khalifa and Index Tower.”

Recommended by Catalin from @momentaryawe | www.momentaryawe.com

About: Since 2007, he has run a popular travel photography blog, which has attracted more than 1M visitors. In 2011 it won the "Best Asian & Oceanic" photoblog and in 2013 was awarded one of the top 3 photoblogs in the world at the Photoblog Awards.

“There are a lot of breakfast places in the city but I love me a little French every time. The breakfast at Aubaine is something that I can definitely recommend to anyone because the food, the service, and ambiance are all exceptional and considerably above average. I believe this is the closest thing we can get to actually enjoying a breakfast in France and it’s only here in Citywalk. Read full review here."

Recommended by Mark from markmyworldblog.com | @markmyworld

About: Honest and straightforward reviews of restaurants, hotels, gadgets, movies and music.

“The entertainment scene is growing in Dubai, but the jewel has to be La Perle at Al Habtoor City. It’s been created by the legendary Franco Dragone in a tailor-built, state-of-the-art aqua theatre. The show embodies the spirit of Dubai and will have you on the edge of your seat throughout. Be prepared to see artists flying round the theatre, diving into the on-stage pool and even doing ridiculous tricks on motorbikes. Do not miss!”

Recommended by Max from @MaxofArabia

About: Half English, half American. In love with everything Arabic. Living In Dubai and loving it.

“Dubai has plenty of great places to watch the sunset. Just go to any rooftop restaurant or lounge bar and you can enjoy the view of the desert or city skyline while sun goes down. But a few of the places I’d recommend would be the observation deck of Burj Khalifa’s At The Top, the Open Beach at JBR or Kite Beach, or watching the sunset during a desert safari tour.”

Recommended by Ed from dubaitravelblog.com  |  @dubaitravelblog

About: Dubai Travel Blog is an informational site about tourist places, food, hotels, adventure, culture, lifestyle & events in Dubai and beyond, from the eyes of a Dubai expat.

“When kids enjoy, you will definitely enjoy - and trust me when I say Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf Villas in Al Qasr Hotel is by far my favorite and most family-friendly hotel in Dubai. Enjoy the kids’ waterpark at Sinbad Club, take an abra tour around Madinat Jumeirah (which will absolutely delight your little ones) or just relax by the pool having the most delicious food. Did I mention their kids’ menu is fantastic? You also have the option to leave the kids at Sinbad Club while enjoying some alone time with hubby at Pierchic, or you can pamper yourself at the spa/salon.”

Recommended by Waheeba Badhawi from @dubaimother

About: Passionate about motherhood, healthy lifestyle, shopping of course and travel. Mother to Adam and Hana, aged 2 and 1.

“Because the standard Ladies’ Night at a pub is so cliché… treat yourself and your besties to a laidback session of pampering and massages at Fairmont Dubai. Every Tuesday, from 2 to 10 pm, The Spa at Fairmont Dubai offers a highly discounted package inclusive of a leisurely lunch by the poolside, an hour-long session of yoga and meditation, access to the sauna and steam room, and a rejuvenating massage and facial treatment of your choice.

And how much would you expect for all this at one of Dubai’s finest hotel establishments? Hold your breath… it costs a mere AED 349 per person! Envy us boys.”

Recommended by Tehzeeb Huda www.thetezzyfiles.com | @thetezzyfiles 

About: A beauty and fashion curious foodie blogging from the UAE.

“Dubai is becoming the ultimate destination for exploring the coffee scene. Imagine calming colors and a steady but low noise of muddled conversations and the clinking of cups kind of atmosphere. The coziest of all is Roseleaf Cafe, tucked in the Garden Center with lots of sunshine away from the hustle of the malls. The beans are locally roasted and they believe in the rule of ‘no sugar added’ for a light coffee. The process is simple and it doesn’t get any better than this: order a cup of their famous mocha, grab a book and don't forget to buy a plant on your way back (cactus, if I may suggest).

Another gem that allows you to enjoy a perfect cup of coffee is Mokha 1450. Suspended lanterns, dates waiting for you on the wooden tables – it feels like you’ve walked straight into a land full of coffee culture. Connoisseurs say Ethiopian Geisha is a must-have and you get to select the beans and brewing method to satisfy your heart and taste buds.”

Recommended by Nazish Munir from @discoverwishnazish | discoverwithnazish.com

About: Nazish is a coding geek who enjoys eating copious amounts of snack food all the time and everything Taylor Swift.

“Little ones gather at Füme’s popular Kids' Brunch for a fun-filled time from 12PM to 4PM every Friday, Saturday and Public Holidays. The buffet-style kids brunch includes a wide variety of small bites, healthy snacks and desserts, & also features a large play area all priced at AED 30 per child, while adults dine a la carte nearby. Nibble it, chomp it, munch it or slurp it – everything's yummy at Fümé!"

Recommended by Dana from @thescoopdxb | thescoopdxb.com

About: A lifestyle blog that features experiences across the UAE.