Al Qudra Lake

One of the most famous tourist attractions and hidden gems in Dubai has to be the Al Qudra Lake which is a collection of lakes in the midst of the desert. This man-made lake is a section of the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve and is located in the midst of Seih Al Salam Desert.

It offers an idyllic getaway for people during the weekend as they get to enjoy nature, spot desert foxes, Arabian gazelles, and myriad varieties of birds. This lake once used to be a popular barbecue spot as well but not anymore. However, people do come here to soak in the beauty of the extensive dunes, host picnics, and enjoy the stunning desert sunset.

Gurunanak Darbar Sikh Temple

One of the most beautiful worship places and hidden gems in Dubai has to be the Gurunanak Darbar Sikh Temple. If you are an architecture enthusiast then you will be bowled over by the architectural elements used to make the temple. This multi-story facility is aesthetically marvelous and is covered with the ornate grill work inspired by the famed Golden Temple of Amritsar in India.

The Sikh temple is a community-run worship place where the focal point is the magnificent prayer hall where both non-sikhs and Sikhs can congregate to hear the Khalsa’s philosophy, religious messages and kirtans. As a social service and religious obligation the Gurunanak Darbar Sikh Temple arranges free meal servings also called the “langar” to feed thousands of people.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

Protected and monitored by the Dubai Municipality, the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the expansive hidden gems in Dubai that allows nature lovers and visitors to admire birds in their natural habitat. It is far away from the bustling city but serves as the breeding ground for fishes, mammals, and crustaceans.

However, the one thing that will impress you the most here is the flamingos that are visible during winter. If you have a closer look, you may also spot colorful species of osprey, sandpipers, cormorants, reef herons, great egrets, and gray herons.

Al Bastakiya

The historical district of Al Fahidi is called Al Bastakiya, and it is one of the glamorous and glitzy hidden gems in Dubai. Built in the 1800s for Persian immigrants from the Bastak city, this district is a perfect getaway to know about ancient Dubai, and the Emirati lifestyle.

If you desire to keep aside Dubai’s modernism and get a deeper insight into the city’s cultural heritage, then you must pass through the narrow lanes of Al Bastakiya, viewing the old-fashioned buildings, and the gorgeous wind towers.

Jumeirah Beach Residence Walk

If you want to stroll, dine and shop by the sea then the popular promenade of Jumeirah Beach Residence Walk is sure to appeal to you. This beachside boulevard is a buzzing destination and offers you the opportunity to fulfil your retail cravings.

That is because the place is lined with a wide selection of handicraft, home, and fashion boutiques. You can explore the stalls selling homeware, food treats, and jewelry, here besides relishing an indulgent dinner.

Love Lake

The Love Lake Dubai, which opened in November 2018, gained popularity following an Instagram post by Dubai’s Crown Prince and Chairman of the Executive Council. It consists of two huge interconnected heart-shaped lakes.

This lake is so enormous that it can be seen from space! Located in the Al Qudra Oasis, The Love Lake, not only offers views of hearts but also plants and flowers that represent the concept of love. In spite of the fact that this is a popular family destination, it is also a perfect romantic getaway in Dubai. The orange sky at sunset is something never to be missed here!

Zabeel Park

One of the largest parks in Dubai, Zabeel Park is an urban oasis with a plethora of entrance gates and pedestrian bridges. With this huge size and importance, it might not be the most secret place in Dubai, but I recommend you to check it out.

It’s a popular destination for people to exercise and play sports. It features a 2.5-kilometer-long running track, a BMX track, a skateboarding park, a barbeque and picnic area, a cricket pitch, a lake for boating, a fitness center and so much more.

It’s also home to the Dubai Frame (one of the city’s Instagrammable spots), and the park is known for its technology-based theme. There are several educational and interactive displays, and there’s even a 3D cinema.

Garden Glow

Invisible during the day, the Dubai Garden Glow comes alive after sunset. Located in Zabeel Park, Dubai Garden Glow is the largest in the world that hosts LED illuminated sculptures.
A true hidden gem in Dubai, that only locals know about, this glow-in-dark wonderland is filled with gigantic in size glowing flowers, animals and birds, underwater creatures, massive mushrooms, castles, and walkways through heart-shaped arches. The artwork is made of recycled fabric and illuminated with over a million colourful energy-saving bulbs.
Moreover, the space is also home to hyper-realistic dinosaurs that look like they came straight out of Jurassic park. Those beasts are not only larger than life but also make ferocious sounds and move their heads, making the experience sort of creepy.

Miracle Garden

Another mesmerizing attraction in Dubai, the Miracle Garden is a botanical paradise, and if you want to visit, I would recommend booking the entrance ticket in advance to avoid queues and waiting time.

The Majlis

The Majlis Café is located in The Dubai Mall. A true hidden gem in Dubai, The Majlis Café is best known for serving freshly brewed coffee prepared with camel milk.

The café stays true to the age-old Arabian tradition of using camel milk in its products. So, if you wish to try something new or unheard of, Majlis Café is the perfect spot for you!