Dubai
September 2026

EN / DE

Foreword

Finally back in Dubai. Many people asked me why I would travel here right now – because of the geopolitical situation, possible risks and because it was supposedly far too dangerous. I did not listen to anyone and flew anyway.

Thankfully.

Because from the very first day, the trip has once again been worth it for me. The only thing you could perhaps really complain about at the moment is the weather – or rather, the enormous heat.

For me, that is actually the biggest danger right now: not drinking enough in these temperatures.

Apart from that, Dubai is, as always, a dream for me. What genuinely surprised me, however, is the traffic. I have been here many times, but I have never experienced it as extreme as it is this time.

Of course, I would be lying if I said nothing had changed. Some parts of Dubai currently feel noticeably quieter. Bluewaters Island in particular seemed unusually empty to me.

At Mall of the Emirates, on the other hand, I certainly noticed none of that peace and quiet.

Some places currently feel overcrowded, while others are noticeably emptier than usual.

At least that is my impression at the moment.

This time, I am not staying on the outer ring of Palm Jumeirah as I often have before, but directly on the trunk at West Beach, where one beach club follows the next. The beaches are naturally rather empty at the moment – hardly surprising when it feels like 55 degrees in the sun. Instead, you see far more people relaxing around the hotel pools.

In general, things currently seem a little more concentrated because some hotels have used the present situation to renovate or refurbish their resorts or individual areas.

West Beach is a really great area for me, with a long promenade that is perfect for walking. And if walking becomes too exhausting in the heat, simply jump onto one of the golf carts driving around. The drivers will often take you for free – although, of course, you should not forget to give them a few dirhams as a tip.

Hotels

For my first week, I decided to stay at a hotel from the

Radisson group - Radisson Beach Resort Palm Jumeirah.

Normally, I have stayed almost exclusively at five-star hotels in Dubai, but this time I deliberately chose a four-star hotel because the property immediately appealed to me in the photos.

After that week, however, I seriously wondered why this hotel only has four stars. As I said, I now know quite a few five-star hotels in Dubai – and I could immediately think of several where I would take away one star and give it to the Radisson instead.

The staff were simply excellent and more than attentive. Already on the first day, many of them knew my name – something I have missed even in almost all of the five-star hotels I have stayed at. The staff also quickly recognised my car, and a friendly hello was practically always part of the experience.

I would particularly like to mention Ms Khushbu at reception, who was always incredibly helpful and attentive whenever I had a question. Room service and housekeeping were excellent as well. Everything was reliably replenished, and when the staff noticed that I was drinking more water, two additional bottles suddenly appeared in my room at lunchtime.

All in all, I have to say: a truly excellent hotel.

There is not much that needs to be said about the value for money either. Some hotels in Dubai where I have paid €500 or more per night could take an example from this place. Looking back, I genuinely wonder what I was paying for at some of them, because in some cases I did not experience anything close to this level of service.

There is, however, one point I have to add in retrospect. After my week at the Radisson, I had already booked 19 days at Adagio Premium The Palm.

A few days into my stay there, I simply contacted the Radisson, without any commitment, to ask what they would charge for another three-week stay after those 19 days.

Twice I asked them to send me an offer. Unfortunately, despite following up twice, I never received a reply, which I found genuinely disappointing.

When I later went back to the hotel in person, Ms Khushbu unfortunately was not there. I asked again about the rates and discovered that they were actually higher than those available on several booking platforms. After the extremely positive experience I had during my stay, I found this rather disappointing.

In retrospect, however, it turned out to be fortunate, because I decided instead to extend my stay at the Adagio for another three weeks.

My rating has therefore changed from 5/5 to 4.5/5

Adagio Premium The Palm

Located directly behind the Radisson is Adagio Premium The Palm – once again “only” a four-star property, or more precisely, an apartment hotel. Although here too, the word “only” does not really do those four stars justice.

That is primarily thanks to the exceptionally friendly and consistently attentive reception staff. Whether it was Ms Ella, Ms Nwe or Ms Natascha, whenever I had a question, someone was immediately there and ready to help find a solution. And of course, I should not forget the other members of the reception team either.

For 19 days, I stayed in the largest apartment in the property, measuring 61 m², with a balcony and partial sea view. I could also see the Burj Al Arab from the apartment. It had everything I needed for a longer stay, and once again I can only say that the value for money was excellent.

When I later decided to extend my stay by another three weeks, they immediately accommodated my request.

For me, this is another property that some of the five-star “palaces” on the Palm where I have stayed could certainly learn something from.

The same applies to the rest of the team. From housekeeping and the staff outside to the valet parking team, everyone without exception was friendly, attentive and helpful. Again, there are a few five-star hotels that could take an example from this.

One thing I particularly notice here is that the staff quickly remember my name without me constantly having to hand out tips simply to be remembered or receive attention.

Some hotels on the Palm have already invited me to return after receiving less positive reviews in my previous Dubai Travel Guide. However, as my Travel Guide is independent and unpaid, I do not accept such offers if there could be an expectation that I would give a better review afterwards. My opinion remains my opinion – positive or negative.

My rating: 5/5

Cafés & Breakfast

Number Five – Al Wasl Road

My current favourite café in Dubai is Number Five on Al Wasl Road.

Whether it is filter coffee or espresso, French toast or an omelette with truffle – everything I have tried so far has been excellent. Add to that very accommodating staff and a stylish atmosphere. For me, at the moment, there is only one rating:

5/5

HAAS – Al Wasl Road

Located on Al Wasl Road, HAAS is a stylish café with friendly staff, good coffee and a nice selection of cakes and other small treats.

A pleasant place to stop by for a coffee.

My rating: 4/5

JULITH – Al Quoz

This café in Al Quoz really impressed me. As soon as you walk in, it somehow reminds you of an airport departure hall – and the huge information board makes that impression even stronger.

They have their own roastery, an incredible selection of different coffees and even a small store of their own, which I also really liked.

For me, the whole concept works extremely well.

My rating: 4.5/5

BO-CA-SU

Bonsai, coffee, sushi – what can I say? For me, this place was an experience.

It is not really a café in the traditional sense, but rather a restaurant that has created its own little world. Even the understated black entrance has something mysterious about it, and that feeling continues the moment you step inside.

It almost feels like entering a stylish Japanese-inspired fantasy world. Bonsai here, bonsai there, beautifully lit throughout, arcade machines from the 1980s, Japanese gaming machines like the ones you would expect to find in Japan – and then, suddenly, there is a 911 sitting right in the middle of the room.

There is a lot for the eye to take in here – and I mean that in the best possible way.

Go upstairs and it feels as though you are entering yet another completely different world. This is one of those places you really have to see for yourself.

What I also love is that they regularly have themed evenings, game nights, workshops and much more. They will definitely be seeing me there quite a few more times.

And I should not forget the food and drinks: simply excellent. The same goes for the staff.

For me, BO-CA-SU is definitely one of the most exciting places I have visited in Dubai so far. Even if you only go there for a coffee, go and have a look for yourself.

Someone has created a little paradise here. It almost makes you feel like a child again.

The German owners clearly put a lot of thought into this place – I love it.

I would give it more than five points if I could, but five is the maximum.

My rating: 5/5

BKRY – Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz

I had heard a lot about BKRY before going there. I already really like the whole area around Alserkal Avenue – stylish, creative and full of galleries and small independent shops. From record stores to unusual boutiques, there is quite a lot to discover.

As for BKRY itself: no question, it is stylish – like so many cafés in Dubai. The entrance is almost hidden, and behind it you suddenly find yourself in a large, beautifully designed warehouse-style space. They make their own bread, croissants and much more, and there is also a very good selection of coffee.

My personal opinion, however, is a little mixed. Although I like the concept and the design, it simply was not entirely my kind of place. It was too loud for me, the air conditioning was blowing directly onto the back of my neck and, although the staff were excellent, we had to wait relatively long by Dubai standards for an espresso and the drinkable tiramisu.

Having said that, there is one thing you always have to keep in mind in Dubai: complaining here is usually complaining at a very high level.

What I consider average here would probably be considered excellent in many places in Europe.

Still, based purely on my personal experience, it remains somewhere in the middle for me.

My rating: 3/5

SAL – West Beach Palm Jumeirah

So far, I have been to SAL at West Beach twice for breakfast.

Again, I can only say positive things about the staff: friendly, attentive and very accommodating. On my first visit, both the avocado bread and the omelette were genuinely excellent. Unfortunately, on the second visit the food was served cold,

which was of course disappointing.

Apart from that, it is a beautiful venue and a very attractive beach club.

My rating:

4/5

Orto Café

Another café I had heard a lot about, so off I went to the north of Dubai, right by the Dubai Water Canal. Well, as I’ve said many times before: tastes are different.

For me, Orto Café is not one of those places where I would say I absolutely have to return. Personally, I don’t really understand the hype. And if you’re staying around the Palm, the roughly 20-minute drive is a bit of a mystery to me, because there are plenty of stylish and, at least for my taste, more modern cafés along the way.

The coffee was so-so, the service seemed a little sleepy, and the seating already felt slightly worn. Of course, this is all judged by Dubai standards: in Europe, it would probably still be considered very good, but in Dubai the choice and overall standard are simply so high that, for me, it doesn’t quite keep up.

Rating: 3/5

Koncrete Café

An exceptionally stylish café – everything is designed in a concrete look and kept deliberately minimal, exactly my style.

From the moment you walk in, the staff are very friendly and attentive. The walls are decorated with large black-and-white photographs, which fit perfectly with the overall concept.

The selection is interesting too: various kick drinks, from beetroot juice to a special selection of smoothies, along with really good coffee.

Overall, everything works. Definitely recommended. There’s also a sunken seating area in the middle of the space – I really like the concept.

And the best part: they have their own parking. Not the only reason, of course, but definitely one of the reasons why I’d quickly stop by again from time to time.

Rating 4.5/5

Heal

I really like the little building itself, especially the large glass windows. The whole place is filled with natural light and feels very inviting.

The staff are great and you’re welcomed in a very friendly way. Once again, there’s a really nice selection of smoothies and coffees. And then, what do I spot among all the choices? French toast with fruit. So, naturally, I had to add something sweet to my fresh carrot juice and espresso.

It tasted wonderful, and I really liked the café overall. Everything was great. Unfortunately, I only discovered their own parking afterwards – next time I’ll know better.

My rating: 4.5/5

Food & Beverage

Nammos Dubai

Well, around two and a half months ago I was at Nammos in Mykonos. Personally, I simply preferred the overall experience there – but as always, that is purely a matter of taste and something everyone should decide for themselves if they have the opportunity to visit both.

Nammos Dubai naturally stays true to the familiar Nammos style, with its beautiful sunbeds, umbrellas and signature atmosphere. I should mention, however, that this time I only visited the restaurant for a coffee and a juice.

The staff were very accommodating and friendly, and there is absolutely nothing to criticise in that respect. Nevertheless, my personal opinion remains the same: as an overall experience, Nammos Mykonos simply appeals to me more.

My rating: 4/5

PastaMamma – Bluewaters Island

I already knew PastaMamma on Bluewaters from a previous visit – and even

the waiter was the same one I had met a few months ago.

The quality has remained unchanged as well: the pizzas and pasta were once again excellent, and I still think the value for money is really very good.

The only real downside for me is the location of the restaurant. PastaMamma is situated in the second row, so it does not offer the beautiful skyline views that some of the restaurants directly on the waterfront have.

That is actually the only reason I would not give it full marks. For the food alone, it would unquestionably be 5/5; for the view, more like 3/5.

My rating: 4/5

Areas & Neighbourhoods

Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz

Al Quoz is probably best known for its car workshops, car rental companies and countless warehouses. But over the years, more and more stylish cafés and interesting concepts have started appearing between those industrial buildings.

Alserkal Avenue is also located here, and it is an area I really like. It is full of culture, exhibitions, galleries, stylish stores and small boutiques. There is plenty to discover, from record shops and art to unusual little stores and cafés.

For me, it is definitely one of the more interesting corners of Dubai and a place I would not miss.

My rating: 4.5/5

Bluewaters Island

Bluewaters, with Ain Dubai as its landmark, feels noticeably quieter at the moment. Ain Dubai is temporarily out of operation, while the restaurants and other venues remain open.

Compared with my visit around eight months ago, Bluewaters feels very quiet this time. Nevertheless, for me it is still always worth a visit.

I especially enjoy the evening walk across the pedestrian bridge towards JBR. Even with an evening temperature of around 38°C, it can be surprisingly pleasant when there is finally a light breeze coming off the water.

My rating: 4/5

JBR Beach

I have been to JBR Beach quite a few times by now, and I will be honest: it is simply not entirely my kind of place.

But that is also one of the great things about Dubai – there is something for everyone. Personally, I find there are simply too many restaurants and venues lined up one after another, although that may be exactly what other people love about the area.

The choice is certainly huge, and an evening walk along the promenade can still be very enjoyable.

Since all my ratings are based purely on my own taste and experience, my score here is naturally a little lower.

My rating: 3/5

Downtown Dubai

During this stay, I have only been to Downtown once so far. So I do not want to add something just for the sake of having more text.

For more about Downtown, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and my previous experiences in the area, have a look at my main Dubai Guide, where I have already covered it in much more detail.

More impressions of Downtown will follow once I have spent some more time there again during this stay.

Shopping Malls

Until now, I had always resisted visiting even more malls besides Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall and, from time to time, Nakheel Mall on the Palm. This time, however, I decided to try two that I had never visited before.

Mercato Shopping Mall

Mercato Mall is designed entirely in an Italian style. Well – I am sure there are many people who absolutely love exactly that. Personally, it is not entirely my taste. For me, there is somehow a little too much of everything. And anyone who has already been to Venice may understand what I mean: sometimes less is simply more.

My rating: 2.5/5

Dubai Hills Mall

Dubai Hills Mall, on the other hand, genuinely surprised me. Very airy, modern and spacious. Even in the parking garage, there is enough room to reverse without your wheels immediately getting acquainted with the kerb.

The whole mall feels fresh, open and very modern. For me, it is genuinely a beautiful mall.

It is not located directly on Sheikh Zayed Road, but it is still relatively quick to reach from the Palm.

My rating: 4.5/5

Ordering Food with Talabat and Careem

Something that continues to impress me is how quickly and easily food delivery works in Dubai. With Talabat or Careem, you simply choose one of what feels like 5,000 providers, and usually within around 45 minutes the food is at your door.

Is it always good? Well. Since my travel guides are unpaid and I am not advertising for anyone, but simply sharing my own opinion, I have to say very clearly: no.

Some of it is genuinely very good. Other things, honestly, are almost impossible to eat.

But there is one thing I think people should not forget: a few dirhams as a tip.

Five or ten euros probably will not make much difference to most of us, but for the delivery drivers it can make a significant difference.

More Information Coming Soon …

From the north to the south of Dubai, from cafés and restaurants to beaches – more personal impressions and reviews will follow.

View over West Beach Palm Jumeirah with beach, sea and Dubai skyline

Vorwort

Endlich wieder in Dubai. Viele haben mich gefragt, warum ich gerade jetzt fliege – wegen der geopolitischen Lage, wegen möglicher Risiken und weil es angeblich viel zu gefährlich sei. Ich habe auf niemanden gehört und bin trotzdem geflogen.

Zum Glück.

Denn bereits vom ersten Tag an hat sich die Reise für mich wieder ausgezahlt. Das Einzige, was man momentan vielleicht wirklich bemängeln könnte, ist das Wetter – beziehungsweise die enorme Hitze. Für mich ist das aktuell tatsächlich die größte Gefahr: bei diesen Temperaturen zu wenig zu trinken.

Ansonsten ist Dubai für mich wie immer ein Traum. Was mich allerdings wirklich überrascht hat, ist der Verkehr. Ich war schon oft hier, aber so extrem wie diesmal habe ich ihn noch nie erlebt.

Natürlich würde ich lügen, wenn ich sagen würde, dass sich nichts verändert hat. Einige Teile Dubais wirken zurzeit deutlich ruhiger. Gerade Bluewaters Island fand ich ungewöhnlich leer. In der Mall of the Emirates wiederum habe ich von Ruhe und Stille überhaupt nichts mitbekommen. Manches wirkt derzeit überfüllt, anderes deutlich leerer als sonst. Zumindest ist das momentan mein Eindruck.

Diesmal wohne ich nicht wie sonst häufig auf dem äußeren Ring der Palm Jumeirah, sondern direkt am Stamm, am West Beach, wo sich ein Beachclub an den nächsten reiht. Die Strände sind momentan natürlich recht leer – bei gefühlten 55 Grad in der Sonne auch nicht besonders überraschend. Dafür sieht man umso mehr Menschen an den Hotelpools.

Generell wirkt derzeit einiges etwas stärker konzentriert, weil manche Hotels die aktuelle Situation genutzt haben, um ihre Resorts oder einzelne Bereiche zu renovieren beziehungsweise zu sanieren.

West Beach ist für mich eine wirklich tolle Gegend mit einer langen Promenade zum Spazieren. Und wem das bei der Hitze zu mühsam wird, der springt einfach auf einen der Golfcarts, die dort herumfahren. Die Fahrer nehmen einen häufig kostenlos mit – ein paar Dirham Trinkgeld sollte man dabei natürlich nicht vergessen.

Hotels

Für meine erste Woche habe ich mich für ein Hotel der Radissonkette dem Radisson Beach Resort Palm Jumeirah entschieden.

Normalerweise habe ich in Dubai fast ausschließlich in Fünf-Sterne-Hotels übernachtet, diesmal wurde es bewusst ein Vier-Sterne-Hotel, weil mich das Haus auf den Bildern sofort angesprochen hat.

Nach dieser Woche frage ich mich allerdings ernsthaft, warum dieses Hotel nur vier Sterne hat. Wie gesagt, ich kenne mittlerweile einige Fünf-Sterne-Hotels in Dubai – und mir würden spontan ein paar einfallen, denen ich sofort einen Stern wegnehmen und ihn dem Radisson geben würde.

Das Personal war einfach top und mehr als nur zuvorkommend. Bereits am ersten Tag kannten viele meinen Namen – etwas, das ich selbst in beinahe allen Fünf-Sterne-Hotels vermisst habe. Auch mein Auto war dem Personal sofort bekannt, und ein freundliches Hallo gehörte praktisch immer dazu.

Besonders hervorheben möchte ich Frau Khushbu vom Empfang, die bei allen Fragen jederzeit hilfsbereit und unglaublich zuvorkommend war. Auch Zimmerservice und Reinigung waren ausgezeichnet. Alles wurde zuverlässig nachgefüllt, und wenn das Personal bemerkte, dass ich mehr Wasser trank, standen mittags plötzlich zwei zusätzliche Flaschen im Zimmer.

Alles in allem muss ich sagen: ein wirklich hervorragendes Hotel.

Über das Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis muss man dabei eigentlich gar nicht lange sprechen. Manche Hotels in Dubai, in denen ich 500 Euro und mehr pro Nacht bezahlt habe, sollten sich hier ein Beispiel nehmen. Im Nachhinein frage ich mich bei einigen davon tatsächlich, wofür ich diesen Preis bezahlt habe – denn einen vergleichbaren Service habe ich dort teilweise nicht annähernd erlebt.

Einen Punkt muss ich allerdings im Nachhinein ergänzen. Nach meiner Woche im Radisson hatte ich bereits 19 Tage im Adagio Premium The Palm gebucht. Nach einigen Tagen dort fragte ich beim Radisson lediglich unverbindlich an, was ein weiterer Aufenthalt von drei Wochen nach diesen 19 Tagen kosten würde.

Ich hatte zweimal darum gebeten, mir ein entsprechendes Angebot zu schicken. Leider bekam ich trotz zweimaliger Nachfrage keine Rückmeldung, was ich wirklich schade fand.

Als ich später persönlich im Hotel vorbeikam, war Frau Khushbu leider nicht da. Ich fragte nochmals nach den Rates und stellte dabei fest, dass diese sogar höher waren als auf einigen Buchungsplattformen. Nach meinen ausgesprochen positiven Erfahrungen während meines Aufenthalts war das für mich eher enttäuschend.

Im Nachhinein erwies sich das allerdings als Glücksfall, denn so entschied ich mich, meinen Aufenthalt im Adagio stattdessen um weitere drei Wochen zu verlängern.

Meine Bewertung von 5/5 fiel auf 4,5/5

Adagio Premium The Palm

Direkt hinter dem Radisson befindet sich das Adagio Premium The Palm – und wieder einmal ein „nur“ Vier-Sterne-Hotel beziehungsweise Apartment-Hotel. Wobei auch hier das Wort „nur“ den vier Sternen eigentlich nicht gerecht wird.

Das liegt in erster Linie am ausgesprochen freundlichen und stets sehr zuvorkommenden Personal am Empfang. Ob Frau Ella, Frau Nwe oder Frau Natascha – bei Fragen war immer sofort jemand da und bemüht, eine Lösung zu finden. Natürlich möchte ich dabei auch die anderen Mitarbeiter an der Rezeption nicht vergessen.

Ich bewohnte für 19 Tage das größte Apartment des Hauses mit 61 m², Balkon und seitlichem Meerblick. Zusätzlich hatte ich von dort auch Blick auf den Burj Al Arab. Das Apartment bietet alles, was man für einen längeren Aufenthalt braucht, und auch beim Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis kann ich wieder nur sagen: top.

Als ich meinen Aufenthalt anschließend noch einmal um drei Wochen verlängerte, kam man mir auch dabei umgehend entgegen.

Für mich ist das Adagio ebenfalls eines dieser Häuser, von denen sich so mancher Fünf-Sterne-„Palast“ auf der Palme, in dem ich bereits Gast war, durchaus etwas abschauen könnte.

Dasselbe gilt für das restliche Personal. Vom Housekeeping über die Mitarbeiter vor dem Haus bis hin zum Valet-Parking-Personal waren ausnahmslos alle freundlich, aufmerksam und hilfsbereit. Auch hier könnten sich einige Fünf-Sterne-Hotels durchaus ein Beispiel nehmen.

Was mir dabei besonders auffällt: Hier kennt man nach kurzer Zeit meinen Namen, ohne dass ich ständig Trinkgeld verteilen muss, nur damit man sich an mich erinnert oder auf mich aufmerksam wird.

Das eine oder andere Hotel auf der Palme hat mich aufgrund weniger positiver Bewertungen in meinem letzten Dubai Travel Guide bereits eingeladen, noch einmal vorbeizukommen.

Da mein Travel Guide jedoch unabhängig und unbezahlt ist, nehme ich solche Angebote nicht an, wenn damit am Ende die Erwartung verbunden sein könnte, anschließend eine bessere Bewertung abzugeben. Meine Meinung bleibt meine Meinung – positiv wie negativ.

Meine Bewertung: 5/5

Cafés & Frühstück

Number Five – Al Wasl Road

Eines meiner Lieblingscafés in Dubai ist das Number Five an der Al Wasl Road.

Ob Filterkaffee oder Espresso, French Toast oder Omelette mit Trüffel – bisher war alles hervorragend. Dazu kommt ein sehr zuvorkommendes Personal und ein stylisches Ambiente.

Für mich momentan ganz klar:

5/5

HAAS – Al Wasl Road

Auf der Al Wasl Road. Ein stylisches Kaffeehaus mit nettem Personal, gutem Kaffee, kleinen Küchlein und Ähnlichem.

Meine Bewertung: 4,5/5