Through my eyes: The UAE according to Laura Lai Coughlin
We hear from guidebook author and Dubai social media personality Laura Lai Coughlin…
This month, we chat with former What’s On editor, turned guidebook author and social media personality Laura Lai Coughlin (@bylauralai), whose candid conversations with big foodie personalities have captured the attention of thousands. Laura has lived in and loved Dubai for over 13 years, championing the city. Here, she shares her “Very Best of Dubai”…
Train here
Pushing 40 now, on a good day I move like a zombie in a low-budget horror movie. To fight the fat, I go to 1Rebel, a brilliant studio in ICD Brookfield Place. My class of choice is Reshape, a mix of treadmill sprints and weights exercises. Whichever wonderful, mildly sadistic, trainer is on the mic that morning, fuels us with enough enthusiasm to hit personal bests. I zoom to level 16, prematurely celebrate, then stagger down to 14, 10, 5, and eventually collapse on the floor. Will repeat until my body looks like trainers Jade/Sarah/Courteney et al…
Eat here
Could I eat at FZN by Björn Frantzén every day? No – nine indulgent courses would wreak havoc on my long-suffering BMI, and at Dhs2,000 per head (sans drinks), I’d be absconding faster than Lovin’ Dubai could post about it. But is it worth it? Absolutely. Every dish is obsessively perfected, from poached turbot in walnut butter to langoustine-topped koshihikari rice. It’s pure, orchestrated dining magic – the most divine meal I’ve had in Dubai this year.
Stay here
I love Mama Shelter Dubai because it’s bold, playful, and nothing like the city’s usual hotels. No marble or gold – just vibrant Art Deco arches, an LED-lit ceiling, and a poolside paradise with nautical flags and fringed umbrellas. The outdoor cinema plays vintage cartoons, and the whole place feels like a Wes Anderson-meets-’70s-Vegas dream. Fun, rebellious, and refreshingly different – Mama Shelter has shaken up Dubai’s hotel scene for the better.
Do this
My best friend is currently in training for the London Marathon, which means she’s been pounding the pavements like a trooper this year. In an attempt to be an ever-supporting pal, I’ve joined her… by bike. Careem’s hire bikes are a revelation. For just Dhs20, I zoom along Kite Beach, cheer her on, and even grab a Salt burger as a reward. It’s a win-win for both of us – she gets the miles in, and I get some grub.
Available via Careem App
Try this
No offense to cutlery, but some foods are just better with your hands: fried chicken, burgers, popcorn, and my go-to right now, Kokoro’s handrolls. They’ve become my go-to lunch in Dubai – quick, delicious, and satisfying. I love sitting at the counter, ordering a spicy tuna handroll (or three), and watching the chefs behind the bar work their magic.
Shop here
I’m not much of a shopper, but I do love the art of gift-giving. When in doubt, I head straight to Heart Cottage Lane, a home-grown interiors boutique in Arjan where you can discover bespoke homeware hand-selected by Lucy Gibson, the stylish founder of Sand Dollar Dubai. I’ve picked up everything from Palm-embroidered napkins and cheeky tea plates to the OG fish guggle jug. You can’t go wrong.
