Cool neighbourhood in Dubai: 10 reasons you must visit Karama

Al Karama is one of the oldest areas in Dubai, but that’s not the only reason you should visit. Besides easy accessibility - it has its own metro station at ADCB Metro Station on the Red Line, it’s on the RTA bus route and is well known for cab drivers. Whether you are thinking of a solo day out or one with the family, consider this Dubai area.

Karama Shopping Complex in Dubai: Want a one-stop shop that’ll give you both souvenirs as well as gifts for the family? Head on over to one of Dubai’s oldest retail hub for a wide range of things including accessories, handbags, fragrances and sportswear. Whatever your style, you’ll find something of your liking here. You can also buy gold, silver and Indian ethnic wear here.

If you get hungry after all that shopping, wander into the Sheikh Hamdan colony where you’ll find the ever popular Al Hara Cafeteria, best known for its Disco chai and Zafrani chai. Pair the sweet, hot drink with a samosa sandwich to really get warmed up. The best part – this café is open 24 hours, so there’s no need to feel like you are on the clock. This area also has a concentration of restaurants offering various cuisines to try.

Bite into a golden creation at O’Pao, where Indian street food gets quite an upgrade. The vada is packed with cheese and imported French truffle butter and served alongside a mint mayonnaise dip. The plating is just as fancy – it comes in a smoking wooden box with sweet potatoes and mint lemonade. It’s priced at Dh99.

Karama Fish Market: Want to get some fresh fish fast? Head on over for a tray full of seafood, from crabs to shellfish, which will be cleaned and packed on the double. Open daily 8am-10pm. End of 18B Street.

Street art: There’s a category of Instagram photos that require colourful backdrops of art And Dubai aims to deliver. In 2016, many buildings in the area found themselves adorned in paint and 3D murals that are definitely Insta-worthy. 18B Street, Karama.

Karama Park: Looking forward to a quiet picnic as the cool wind nips at your clothes? Head to this park where the kids can play cricket and badminton while you take a leisurely stroll. Open 24/7. 20B Street, Karama.

Zabeel Park: Just across from Karama is this spot for the whole family. Located between World Trade Centre and Karama, Zabeel Park is complete with a lake where you can take boat rides, sport courts and even a bbq area. As the weather cools and the holidays near, perhaps it’s time to take a break here? If adventure is more your thing, there’s also a lot of stuff you can do – think BMX or skateboarding.

Dubai Frame: If you head to Zabeel park, then Dubai Frame is a must visit. The building offers stunning 360 views of the whole city. The Frame, which opened in 2018, owns the title of world’s largest frame.

Dubai Garden Glow: Again across from the Karama area and very close to head to on a cab, this garden is the stuff of dreams. There are three different sections you’ll want to visit here: the Glow Park, the Dinosaurs Park and the Magic Park. The Glow Park, aptly dubbed a ‘neon wonderland’, is where you will be able to enjoy the ‘Glowing Safari’, with incandescent animals, colourful flower values with arrangements that move, and lit up tunnels and alleyways. Tickets: Dh65 per person for Glow Park and Dinosaur Park. Dh45 for the Magic Park.

Dubai Flea Market: Do you live for a good bargain? Head to the Dubai Flea Market, again at Zabeel Park, where you’ll find pre-loved goods aplenty. This open-air bazaar comes together once a month and offers a range of vintage goods including household items, textiles, ceramics, toys, games, books, clothes, antiques and handcrafts.