What’s On has details of Motor City and Sports City neighbourhoods in Dubai – part of the What’s On neighbourhood guide – including hidden gems and old favourites.

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– Complete neighbourhood guide

Located on the outskirts of New Dubai, the once silent streets of Motor City and Sports City are beginning to buzz, and as you’d expect from the names, a health-conscious community is emerging.

DINE: Nathalie’s

This ia a bright, airy and minimalist café serving healthy dishes and smoothies for gym bunnies and clean-living Dubai folk. A lovely spot for a bit of weekend brekkie. Read our review on p35.

Sports City, Dubai, daily 7am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 5561888. Taxi: Sports City. facebook.com/nathaliescafe

Nathalie's

SHOP: The Cycle Hub

This bike store is operated by bike lovers, and it shows. The sprawling showroom is filled with the finest that Specialized has to offer as well as harder-to-find brands such as Pinarello.

Shop B6, Dubai Motor City Grandstand, Dubai, Sun to Thur 10pm to 8pm, Fri and Sat 8am to 4pm. Tel: (050) 5528872. Taxi: Motor City. thecyclehub.com

DO: Train at Fit Republik 

The region’s biggest gym has been turning heads – and building biceps – ever since it opened. You’ll find a gymnastics arena, mixed martial arts classes, Crossfit sessions, and even an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

Sports City, Dubai, daily 5am to 10pm. Tel: (052) 7424555. Taxi: Sports City. fitrepublik.ae

Fit Republik Gym

DO: Yoga at Naya

In need of some zen? Want to work on your core strength? Visit Naya, a chic yet relaxed ladies-only yoga and Pilates studio. It’s one of the few places in Dubai with a dedicated ‘Reformer’ room – plus the rates are reasonable, and the instructors are some of the best in the business.

Room 207, 2nd Floor, Kojak Building (same building as Carrefour), Motor City, Dubai, Sun to Weds 9am to 9.30pm, Thur 9am to 2pm, Fri 9am to 12pm, Sat 9am to 12.30pm, Dhs85 per class. Tel: (04) 5516262. Taxi: Carrefour Motor City. naya.ae

HIDDEN GEM: Cocoon Nail Spa 

From St Tropez spray tanning and facials to professional lash and brow tinting this new, serene salon is more than just a place to get your nails done.

Daytona House, Motor City, Dubai, daily 9am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 4472795. Taxi: Motor City. cocoonnailspa.com

DO: Karting at Dubai Autodrome 

While it’s tempting to retire to the sofa with enough DVD box sets to last until October, don’t let the summer ruin your sense of adventure. Keep the adrenaline pumping with a trip to the Dubai Autodrome and go karting on the 620-metre-long indoor track, which can accommodate up to ten drivers at a time.

Dubai Autodrome, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Motor City, Dubai, timings vary. Tel: (04) 3678700, Dhs100 per 15-minute session. Taxi: Dubai Autodrome. dubaiautodrome.com

karting