One of the oldest hoods in Dubai, Al-Satwa is best known for its dense retail shops, busy streets, and crazy mashed-up community. This place takes you out of the typical glamerous picture the media paints of Dubai. Simple and cheap, yet full of hidden gems, this neighborhood is mostly visited by locals or long-terms expats who know the hotspots. Vivid, lively and vibrant especially after dark, it is great to just take a walk and get lost in this place; something that you'd rarely get to experience in D-town. The greatest asset of Al-Satwa is its residents and shopkeepers. Known to be super friendly and helpful, most people you meet here are fantastic storytellers with lots to tell, so don't hesitate to strike up a conversation with a worker, your waiter or the guy trying to sell you flowers; their stories will make your experience unforgettable!
Print is definitely not dead here! Walk into a world of the best book collection in the neighborhood.
Full of color, this tiny store catches your eyes from afar. Flowers of all kinds in simple buckets on the sidewalk remind you that maybe you want to liven up your home this morning with some freshly cut roses or buy some Aloe Vera for your garden. If you’re a gardening hobbyist, you can also find all types of seeds for planting your own foods. The super helpful workers know all things plants, so don’t hesitate to ask for some tips and tricks!
