UAE-based sand artist Nathaniel Alapide reveals a few of his favourite Dubai things…

I wake up around 6am every day and head to the beach to create sand art. I started etching designs onto the sand to create a tribute to my late grandmother. Now it’s become my profession.

My favourite pieces that I have created are the ‘Tree’, for my grandmother, and ‘Mona Lisa’ It’s wonderful to see the reactions from visitors as they pass by along the shore:

Mona Lisa

The Tree

After a good few hours on the beach, I’ll go home and paint. In the evening, I like to visit art galleries for inspiration. My all-time favourite place is Alserkal Avenue because there are so many different art galleries to explore. Showcase Art Gallery, for example, always has interesting artworks on display.

Showcase Gallery

Elsewhere, Dubai Design District is a hub for likeminded creative folk, plus the artwork and designs dotted around the neighbourhood are incredible.

Meet d3 at Dubai Design District

Dubai Design District

I love good coffee, and for me, there’s only one place that properly hits the spot – Dubai Coffee Museum in Al Fahidi Historical District. You can also learn about the history of coffee at the same time.

Dubai Coffee Museum

I also enjoy spending time at Souk Madinat. It’s best to go early morning, around 9am, when all the shops are still closed. You can explore, then sit somewhere with a book and just feel the place come alive as the shops start to open and the tourists roll in. It’s also a wonderful spot to take photographs because of the natural light coming through the hallways.

Nathaniel at the Souk Madinat

*NOW READ: Coming soon – the ultimate guide to all of the restaurants opening in Dubai soon*

– For more about Dubai straight to your newsfeed, follow us on Facebook.