Dubai has amazing architecture, imposing structures and an array of sights and sounds to please every palate.
Visitors find it nothing short of wonderful to explore and experience its attractions by foot, road or the Metro under sunny skies.
But when the sun goes down and the lights come on, this city undergoes a complete transformation.
Buildings that are majestic by day become magnificent when they get lit up, inside and out. Streets and bridges come alive with twinkling lights.
The decorated palm trees lining the streets look almost poetic, and ordinary lamp posts seem to be telling a story as they show off strings of lights.
A leisurely night drive is a great way to show Dubai to your guests and mesmerise them in the process. Shaikh Zayed Road undoubtedly deserves top ranking for its many and mighty glamorous night-time attractions.
But since this arterial road is on most people’s itineraries, as they make their way to someplace or the other, we have some other scenic routes for your consideration.
As a bonus, we have also listed ideal — and idyllic — activities for you and your guests, on each route.
Do some of them, or drive through them all.
Mamzar Beach Park, Al Mamzar
The quiet little residential district of Al Mamzar in Deira, adjoining Hor Al Anz and
Al Wahda, rarely makes it to any Dubai tourist map.
Reason enough to take guests to this secluded space and make an evening of it. Start early to beat rush-hour traffic.
Located about five kilometres after the turn-off to Hamriya Port, the 106-hectare Mamzar Beach Park offers barbecues and food kiosks, a lagoon and swimming pool, children’s play areas and grassed picnic areas — all set by a vast expanse of beach.
Hire a bicycle or take a train, but for a comprehensive view of the park, climb to the top of the amphitheatre.
If you don’t fancy sitting outdoors all evening, book a private air-conditioned chalet. Call ahead on 800 900, or email m.chalet@dm.gov.ae
Bonus trip: The Mamzar Corniche is located close by, between the park and the port. The well-lit area also has a beachfront.
2nd of December Street, Satwa
Many of you may know the road as Diyafah Street and several long-time residents still call it that. But this bustling street in Satwa was renamed as 2nd of December Street, on the 40th National Day of the UAE.
Let your guests know that this is not only one of Dubai’s oldest and most vital streets, but also one of the UAE’s most historic, as it ends at Union House, located off Jumeirah Road (previously Beach Road).
This flagged landmark between the street and the sea is where the declaration of the country was signed on December 2, 1971.
When crossing Satwa to reach the other end at the Dubai World Trade Centre roundabout, take in all the sights of this 2.5km-long stretch: all-night restaurants, outdoor cafés, small stores and service providers, and their bedazzling signage.
This is a slow drive that can sometimes become a crawl, but therein lies its true joy.
Pit stop: If you can find parking, stop to grab a bite at either of the legendary eateries, Ravi’s or Al Mallah.
St Regis, Shaikh Zayed Road
So you have shown off Business Bay to the guests. Here is how to add to the trip.
The St Regis Dubai on Shaikh Zayed Road, now open where the old Metropolitan Hotel was located, is as impressive as it looks.
The hotel’s garden is the raison d’être for its recommendation as a night drive.
Getting there may be a little bothersome as it involves a turnaround and detour from the flyover to Al Quoz.
But once you turn in and get in through the gates, it is a sight to behold — the multiple gardens, all lit up, are discreet and distinguished at once.
The interiors, inspired by the original hotel in New York, include a sweeping staircase and impressive pieces of art and lighting.
Remember to dress smart for this drive.
Treasure hunt: After you’ve parked, find and order yourselves a petit plats each. We equally recommend the asperges blanches, poulpe grillé and gravlax de saumon.
The Crescent, Palm Jumeirah
Taking the exit that connect to Palm Jumeirah, just off Al Sufouh, all roads seem to lead to the Crescent.
The sightseeing actually begins en route, from the trunk of the Palm, with its heady mix of mid-rise apartments and luxurious villas.
At the end of the road, dipping down into a long stretch of under-sea tunnel is another part of this awe-inspiring drive.
Expect guests to be pleased and astonished in equal measure. But once you reach the Crescent, it can become a crescendo of sorts, as visitors take in the imposing facades of the world’s famed hotel brands.
Photo stops: On the right, drive all the way up to Rixos to see Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa juxtaposed against the skyline, and also stop for pictures by the Atlantis.
On the left, drive up to the One&Only resort and stop at the vantage point after Zabeel Saray for panoramic views of an illuminated Dubai Marina.
Al Sufouh Road, Al Sufouh 1 and 2
Daily commuters probably don’t get to enjoy it as much as they could.
During the day, Al Sufouh Road is a more peaceful if slightly longer alternative to Shaikh Zayed Road.
But traverse the same road at night and you begin to notice the impressive landmarks strewn alongside.
Let’s say you have dined and shopped at Madinat Jumeirah.
Take the slow stretch by the sea towards Dubai Marina. Start with describing a typical palace compound to your guests as they take in the organised symmetry of long walls mounted with decorative lamps, centralised by handsome, guarded gates.
The resort complexes are up next, and it may be rewarding to drive up to a portico or two.
On the opposite side of the road are the buildings of Dubai Knowledge Village, Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City in the Tecom complex.
Activity: Ask guests to list the illuminated logos to see who gets the larger number.
The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residences
Here is a drive that epitomises the name of a 1.7km stretch of flagstoned road called The Walk.
The speed at which you can take your car through this popular promenade by the sea classifies the activity as inching. But how else can you take in one of the best showcases of Dubai by night?
You can reach The Walk as an extension of your Al Sufouh stint, or access it from Shaikh Zayed Road, Dubai Marina, or the flyover from Jumeirah Lakes Towers.
Starting at Habtoor Hotel, there is a whole world on parade, as people can be seen browsing in boutiques, eating al fresco, or strolling through the length of kiosks, cafés and pop-up shops.
Shopping stop: Parking may seem daunting, but there are adequate paid spaces
in Murjan Towers 1, 5 and 6, and in the basement at The Beach.
And wherever you park, there is no dearth of shopping opportunities .
Hatta Fort Hotel, Hatta
It may sound like an absolute adventure to pack up a car at twilight, place some fun-loving people in it and drive all the way to Hatta, and it is meant to be one.
When you have out-of-towners staying with you, you must take them to an out-of-town hotel. Just ensure that everyone carries their passports.
From the city, it will take a little more than an hour to get to the foothills of the Hajjar Mountains, but the drive is pleasant.
The novelty is that before you enter the Hatta enclave of Dubai, there are swathes of Omani territory and two check posts where you will need to present identification (hence the passports).
Once at the hotel, enjoy its picturesque settings and chalet-style rooms . Head towards Jeema, a restaurant that comes alive at eventide .
Stay over: The hotel has a bevy of offerings — archery, tennis, mini-golf — so do consider staying back.
Check availability at 04 809 9333.
2nd of December Street is one of Dubai's oldest and most vital arteries
Image Credit: Anas Thacharpadikkal/ GN Focus
Bustling streets, quaint cafes and oodles of shopping destination, all at The Walk, JBR
Image Credit: Anas Thacharpadikkal/ GN Focus
The Burj Al Arab juxtaposed against the Dubai skyline is an inspiring sight, Take it all in on the the drive down The Cresecent, Palm Jumeirah
Image Credit: Anas Thacharpadikkal/GN Focus
The ornate exterior of the St Regis Hotel is the latest landmark on Shaikh Zayed Road
Image Credit: Supplied
Stately palace compounds and inviting resort facades wills ee you reaching for the camera every other minute while on Al Sufouh Road
Image Credit: Supplied
If your guests prefer a slightly more longer drive, an evening drive down to the Hatta Fort Hotel is an excellent choice
Image Credit: Arabian Eye
