Through my eyes: The UAE according to Nadia Zaal
The real estate agent and entrepreneur shares her guide to the UAE…
Each month, we ask Dubai residents to share a guide to the UAE through their eyes. Their favourite places, hidden gems, must-have products and local brands they love.
This month, we chat to Al Barari real estate developer and entrepreneur Nadia Zaal (@nadiazaal) talks us through the places and things she’s loving right now, from local artists and beachfront restaurants to the perfect spots for escaping it all.
Eat here
My current favourite restaurant is Kyma at Palm West Beach. It’s a wonderful experience with fantastic food, stylish design, and great DJs. I love to take my friends there for some much-needed adult time, which doesn’t happen often.
Switch off here
When I want to relax, I like to spend the day at Park Hyatt Dubai. Being on the Creek feels to me like real Dubai. It’s a sentimental experience, as it brings back early memories. My father once had his office on the Creek, and my grandfather’s house was located nearby. The spa therapists are exceptional, and I especially love the views from Noépe.
Discover this
My local hidden gem is a beautifully restored summer house that houses a café called Hideout. Located in Majlis Ghorfat Umm-al Sheif, this café feels like a small oasis where my kids can explore the garden and the traditional Falaj. For a tranquil reading spot, I built a small structure in the midst of Nature Escapes in Al Barari as a pilot for a new school, which my kids have nicknamed the “Tatween House”. This space, known as the Spirit Spot, is simply lovely and perfect for sitting and reading.
Stay here
The One&Only Royal Mirage Residences is my go-to staycation in the UAE. It has a soul that sets it apart from the rest of the hotel. I’ve been visiting since the early 2000s and the spa continues to offer the best hammam experience in Dubai.
Check this out
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Talented local artist, Ziad al Najjar is a discovery I’ve recently made. I acquired one of his pieces and often find myself lost in its beauty for hours on end.
Images: Supplied