A Singaporean Mum

Dubai — a place I once called home for about two years — is one that I still hold close to my heart. The food, the vibe, the space, the freedom… it was something special.

While planning and writing this blog post, memories started flooding back. I remembered the friends I made — many of them with children around the same age. I used to drive over to a friend’s place almost every day, and we’d grab Caribou Coffee downstairs (thanks to a 1-for-1 credit card deal!) while our toddlers played together nearby. Such simple, precious times.

If I ever get the chance to return to Dubai — I’ll go, without a doubt.

Here’s a 6D5N itinerary I’ve put together — something I’d use anytime friends from Singapore come to visit. These are my go-to spots and favourite experiences in Dubai, from food to sights to simple everyday moments I love. If you’re planning a trip, I hope this helps you soak in all that Dubai has to offer — just like I once did when I called it home.

6D5N ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrival & Downtown Dubai

Evening

• Arrive at Dubai International Airport

• Transfer to hotel in Downtown Dubai

• Dinner at Cheesecake Factory, Dubai Mall

• Stroll around Dubai Mall

• Watch the Dubai Fountain Show at Burj Khalifa Lake

Day 2 – Al Quoz, Mall of the Emirates & Souk Madinat

Morning

• Breakfast at Tom&Serg (hip café in Al Quoz)

• Head to Souk Madinat Jumeirah – scenic canals, photo op of Burj Al Arab

Afternoon

• Lunch at Meat Me There (burgers, casual comfort food)

• Explore Mall of the Emirates – shopping or Ski Dubai

Evening

• Leisure stroll along Jumeirah Beach

• Bu Qtair (local seafood, outdoor setting near beach)

Day 3 – Old Dubai & Creekside Exploration

Morning

• Visit Dubai Museum (Al Fahidi Fort)

• Take the abra across Dubai Creek

• Explore the Gold & Spice Souks

Afternoon

• Lunch at Bustan Mandi (traditional Emirati-Yemeni cuisine)

• Visit Jumeirah Mosque – join a guided tour if available

Evening

• Dinner at Samad Al Iraqi Restaurant

• Return to Downtown

Day 4 – Palm Jumeirah & Beach Time

Morning

• Visit The View at the Palm for a panoramic view of Dubai

• Explore Atlantis The Palm – photo op or walk through the hotel

Afternoon

• Lunch at Atlantis – Seafire Steakhouse

• Chill and sunbathe at Palm West Beach

Evening

• Dinner at Barracuda Restaurant (seafood, near Dubai Marina area)

• Return to hotel

Day 5 – Ibn Battuta Mall & Desert Escape

Morning

• Shopping at Ibn Battuta Mall by Dubai Retail (themed mall with global architecture)

Afternoon

• Lunch at one of the many options in Ibn Battuta Mall

• Transfer to Bab Al Shams Desert Resort (~45 min drive)

Evening

• Buffet Dinner at Al Hadheerah Restaurant – enjoy live music, belly dancing, traditional performances under the stars

Day 6 – Dubai Creek Harbour & Departure

Morning

• Check out and pack luggage

Afternoon

• Brunch at The Courtyard at Dubai Creek Harbour – beautiful view of Downtown skyline

• Enjoy a relaxing walk along the promenade

Evening

• Head to Dubai Airport for flight back to Singapore

TO EAT

Cheesecake Factory (Location in Google Maps)

• A well-loved American chain renowned for its extensive menu and generous portions. Situated in Dubai Mall with views of the fountain, it’s a popular spot offering everything from burgers to pasta – and, of course, over 30 varieties of cheesecake.

• My Comments: A well-known American chain and my top pick when I feel like indulging in all the carbs. The portions are huge — it’s almost impossible for one person to finish a plate of pasta, so definitely go with friends or family. I especially love their cream-based pastas and their nachos (a must-order!). For dessert, they offer a wide range of cheesecakes, but my favourite will always be the classic original. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tom&Serg (Location in Google Maps)

• A trendy Melbourne-style café tucked away in Dubai’s creative Al Quoz district. Known for its industrial vibe, excellent speciality coffee and wholesome brunch dishes – perfect for a relaxed morning out.

• My Comments: My go-to for brunch! Tom&Serg serves quality brunch fare and is located in a cool industrial area of Dubai. It was one of my favourite spots back then, and I’m happy to see it’s still going strong — which just goes to show how much people love their food. This place also holds a special memory: it was where Annie first learned to drink from a straw (a smoothie!) when she was 9 months old. Golden memories. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Meat Me There (Location in Google Maps)

• A casual burger spot offering juicy patties, homemade sauces and a modern twist on classic comfort food. A great choice for a satisfying lunch near Souk Madinat and Jumeirah Beach.

• My Comments: This burger joint first opened when I was living in Dubai between 2013–2015. It was all over social media back then, and of course I had to give it a try. I’m surprised (and delighted!) to see that it’s still in the same spot, right by the sea, with a view of the Burj Al Arab. They serve the juiciest burger patties — it was my go-to place whenever I had a burger craving! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Bu Qtair (Location in Google Maps)

• A no-frills seafood shack that began as a fisherman’s canteen. It’s famous for its freshly marinated fried fish and prawns, served with rice or paratha. Simple, spicy, and absolutely delicious – expect queues.

• My Comments: When I first moved to Dubai, I was introduced to this humble seafood shack. Back then, it was located by a small inlet of the sea, and I remember waiting 30–45 minutes just to get our order! The seafood was incredibly fresh — straight from the sea — and they were famous for their fried prawns and fried fish. I’m so glad they’ve now opened a full-fledged restaurant. The vibe might be more polished, but the food is just as good. Highly recommended if you’re a seafood lover! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Samad Al Iraqi Restaurant (Location in Google Maps)

• A grand Iraqi restaurant offering hearty, traditional dishes such as masgouf (grilled fish) and lamb stews. Perfect for those wanting to sample rich flavours in a majestic setting by the creek.

• My comments: At Samad Al Iraqi, their grilled fish was the standout highlight. They have a dedicated barbecue area specifically for preparing their signature dish, the Iraqi River Fish, which takes over 45 minutes to cook. The Fattoush salad was also exceptional—the best I’ve ever had! I’ve tried Fattoush at various places, but none have matched the quality of Samad Al Iraqi’s version. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Seafire Steakhouse (Location in Google Maps)

• A high-end steakhouse located in Atlantis, serving premium cuts of beef – including their exclusive house-reared Atlantis cattle. With a classic New York-style interior, it’s ideal for a special dinner treat.

• My comments: I’ve only been to Seafire Steakhouse once, but I remember the steaks being really good. Recently, I heard from a friend who was also in Dubai that Chef Raymond Wong—whom we’ve known since his time at Feast, Sheraton Grand Dubai—is now the Chef de Cuisine there! He’s such a talented chef. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Barracuda Restaurant (Location in Google Maps)

• A relaxed, family-friendly restaurant known for grilled seafood and traditional Arabic dishes. A pleasant place for dinner after a day at the beach or exploring the Marina and Palm Jumeirah.

• My comments: Barracuda Restaurant is an absolute gem for seafood lovers. Their fish tagine is rich and flavourful, and the Sayyadiya rice is the perfect accompaniment—fragrant and savoury. The grilled fish prepared in the Egyptian ‘Singary’ style is a standout; the fish is filleted, spiced, and baked, resulting in a moist and aromatic dish. As for the sides, the hummus, baba ghanoush, and toum are all exceptional—creamy, well-balanced, and bursting with flavour. Honestly, it’s one of the best seafood dining experiences I’ve had in Dubai. Highly recommended! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Al Hadheerah Restaurant (Location in Google Maps)

An atmospheric open-air buffet set in the heart of the desert. Dine under the stars with Middle Eastern cuisine and enjoy live performances including music, dancing and falcon shows – a truly memorable experience.

The Courtyard (Location in Google Maps)

A stylish café with lovely views over Dubai’s skyline. A great spot for a leisurely brunch or coffee, offering a blend of Mediterranean-inspired dishes and café favourites in a calm, open-air setting.