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.
This is the first go-to place you’ll be pointed to from any hardcore Satwatian for a unique experience in D-town. Always crowded, especially on the weekends, Ravi will hit all the right spots for those on the lookout for authentic Pakistani and Northern Indian food. Low-key, simple and friendly, this is where you’d want to be on a late Friday night with friends satisfying your cravings with some yummy Paratha, Kebabs and Peshawari.
