What’s On has details of the Arabian Ranches neighbourhood in Dubai – part of the What’s On neighbourhood guide – including hidden gems and old favourites.

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– Complete neighbourhood guide

Big houses, family-friendly compounds and stylish living is the hallmark of the original expat suburb.

DINE: Carluccio’s

This Italian favourite never gets old with its warm and inviting atmosphere – and the heavenly smell of those freshly baked pastries. Set on the ground floor of the newly opened Ranches Souk mini mall, Carluccio’s has shelves chocked with oils, sauces and pastas for your larder, while the café serves breakfast, lunch
and dinner.

Ranches Souk, Arabian Ranches 2, Sat to Wed 8am to 11pm, Thur and Fri 8am to 11.30pm. Tel: (056) 2063854. Taxi: Opposite Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club. carluccios.com

Carluccio's1

DINE: Ping Pong

Mention this dim sum place to people and they start to get very excited. Its loyal following love Ping Pong’s dainty parcels of vegetable, meat or fish, all delicately flavoured. They also do spring rolls, soups, hot pots
and other Chinese foods, and
they deliver.

Ranches Souk, Arabian Ranches 2, Dubai, Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thur to Sat 10am to midnight. Tel: (04) 4571937. Taxi: Opposite Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club. pingpongdimsum.ae

DINE: Maison Mathis

This beautifully bright bistro bakes its own bread, and makes its own sauces such as red onion jam and aubergine chutney. Overlooking the golf course, it’s a nice spot for a quick spot of lunch, or a lazy Saturday sundowner to say goodbye to the weekend. The burger, served on a home-baked brioche bun, and topped with that red onion jam we mentioned, is excellent.
Being a Belgian place, the waffles are a must. They’re home-baked – obviously.

Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Dubai, daily 7am to 2am. Tel: (04) 4501313. Taxi: Arabian Ranches Golf Club. maison-mathis.com

Maison Mathis1

DO: Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club

You can drive into this swanky club with a picnic and watch a polo match from pitch side for Dhs150 per car. If you want to emulate the players, sign up for a polo lesson at The Dubai Polo Academy, the UAE’s only polo school (lessons are Dhs850). Meanwhile, 45-minute riding lessons
for beginners start at Dhs165 for children and Dhs200
for adults.

Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Arabian Ranches, Dubai. Tel: (050) 8879847. Taxi: Next to Studio City. dubaipoloacademy.com

DO: Arabian Ranches Golf Club

This beautiful golf course nestled amid sand dunes is partnered by the lovely Ranches Restaurant & Terrace.

 Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3664700. Taxi: Arabian Ranches Golf Club. arabianranchesgolfdubai.com

SHOP: The Gift Box

A humble stall in the shopping centre that’s a good pitstop for presents. You’ll find knick knacks for the kitchen, books and games for children, candles and picture frames. They also sell wrapping paper and cards.

Arabian Ranches Shopping Village, Dubai, daily 10am to 8pm.