Lead Navigator at Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai
Navigator Biography
Cleatus George believes it’s not what you know —it’s who you know. Get to know him. Pulled into hospitality almost by accident, Cleatus George soon discovered he had a knack for the job. His gregarious nature, along with a curiosity for the new and undiscovered, had him quickly rising through the ranks, first in India, then in Dubai. An aspiring journalist, he likes to stay on the cutting edge of what’s going on in the city, just like any scribe worth their salt. Like a reporter, Cleatus has his reliable sources. Keeping in touch with a wide network of local tastemakers, bloggers and influencers keeps Cleatus several steps ahead of other local city guides. He spends his days off in wonderfully diverse fashion: Great coffee with friends at Seven Fortunes, atypical street food for lunch, an evening show at the Courtyard Playhouse. When you see him in the hotel, ask for the latest neighborhood story—he’s always got good news.
Local House
Want to try something unique to Dubai? Local House offers a signature camel burger you won't find anywhere else.
Local House is a traditional restaurant that puts a strong emphasis on its diverse meat menu and the unique ambiance of its historic Al Fahidi district location. Offering a laid-back dining experience featuring traditional music chosen to complement the delicious food, Local House delights with more than just the must-try camel burger, a local Dubai delicacy!
Address: 51, Al Bastakiya, Near Al Fahidi Roundabout, Opposite Al Mussalla Post Office، Meena Bazaar, Dubai, UAE
Phone: +971 4 339 9323
Opening hours: 7:30AM -10PM
Website: http://www.localhousedubai.com/
Life'n One
Try an all-in-one healthy vegan café, wellness center, concept boutique, and relaxing garden oasis escape.
Life'n One is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city and grab a healthy vegan meal in a relaxing garden oasis atmosphere. This center was founded in Dubai by Eda Gungor with the aim of bringing like-minded people together to promote health and happiness through healthy food and wellness. Peruse the vegan menu for your favorite fresh and organic treats.
Address: 27B Street Villa 5/1B Jumeirah 1, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, 413752, UAE
Phone: +971 4 343 6676
Opening hours: 8 am -7 pm daily
Website: http://www.lifenone.com/
Bu Qtair
Try this one-of-a-kind seafood gem located across from the lighthouse where fishermen catch the restaurant's tasty fare.
The concept behind Bu Qtair is that there is no menu. You simply eat what the fishermen capture that day, and due to the eatery's excellent reputation, there is no need to hesitate when it comes to sampling the tasty seafood dishes. Try this spot on the Fishing Harbour and get the full experience: an easy-going ambiance alongside dishes bursting flavor.
Address: Old 32B Street, Fishing Harbour 2, Um Suqeim 2, Dubai, UAE
The Urbanist
Contemporary meets traditional Middle Eastern design in this one-of-a-kind boutique.
Located in the urban-chic district of Boxpark, The Urbanist offers a carefully curated collection of both foreign and local Arabic designers of fashion, jewelry, homeware, and art. This is the ideal place to find authentic jewelry indigenous to the UAE.
Address: Al Wasl Rd, Boxpark, Dubai, UAE
Phone: +9714 3488002
Opening hours: Open daily from 10am until 10pm
RAW Coffee Company
Check out this one-of-a-kind coffee boutique that specializes in premium, locally sourced, 100% organic coffee.
What started as a small sampling of the highest quality coffee beans tucked in the owner's suitcase has since become the award-winning RAW Coffee Company, which specializes in sourcing premium green beans from around the world. All of its coffees boasts a grade of 8.7 or higher. Stop by and taste the superb quality for yourself!
Address: Warehouse 10 on the corner of 7a & 4a Streets, Al Manara, Al Quoz, Dubai, UAE
Phone: +971 4 3395474
Website: https://rawcoffeecompany.com/
Spice Souk
Enjoy a historical market filled with spices indigenous to the Middle East and imported from other regions of the world.
The Old Spice Souk plays an important role in Dubai’s cultural history. Taking a walk through the spice souk is like venturing back in time and discovering Dubai’s history, during which the spice trade contributed to boosting Dubai’s economic growth. At this aromatic market, you will be able to find traditional products such as saffron, rose petals, and aromatic herbs from around the world.
Address: Spice Souk 26 34 St, Dubai, UAE
Opening hours: 10 AM to 10 PM, Fridays 4 PM to 10 PM
The Farm House
Specializing in local farm-to-table treats, The Farm House is the ideal place to buy 100% organic local produce.
Conveniently located in Souq Al Manzil, The Farm House works with artisanal suppliers who share the same commitment to quality and sustainability through sourcing real, organic food. The whole philosophy is based on supporting local UAE farmers and entrepreneurs in selling their local products to the public.
Address: Souk Al Manzil, Dubai, UAE
Phone: +9714 3617577
Opening hours: 8:30 AM to 10 PM
Website: http://thefarmhouse.ae/
Stomping Grounds
Enjoy a café where coffee is considered the highest art form and the baristas are filled with enthusiasm.
Located on the suburban side of Jumeirah, away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city, Stomping Grounds is the ideal place to grab your morning coffee! Talk with the baristas and you will start to see coffee through new eyes. Learn about the various techniques used to prepare proper filtered coffee and savor some of the best beans in the world, notably the award-winning Panama Geish.
Address: 98 12D Street & 51 St, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, UAE
Phone: +971 43444451
Opening hours: 7:30 -11PM Daily
Website: http://www.stompinggrounds.ae
Karak House
Stop by this stylish Arabic café known for its namesake chai-style tea and traditional breakfast offerings.
This stylish little café occupies a prime spot on the boulevard overlooking the Burj Khalifa. It is the ideal place to go for a traditional Emirati meal accompanied by none other than the signature Indian-fusion Karak Tea. Come in on a hot day and try it iced!
Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, UAE
Phone: +971 4 551 6852
Opening hours: 9 am - 12 am
Villa 515
Enlighten your senses with a visit to this perfumery based in an Arab Villa in Jumeirah.
Immerse in the world of aromas and learn about the craftsmanship behind bespoke perfumery. The unconventionally styled Arab Villa 515 is a simple perfume store with a spotless reputation for offering authentic varieties of original perfume brands. It also serves as a salon for perfume consultation and a behind-the-scenes laboratory where the perfume is designed for customization.
Address: Jumeirah St, Dubai, UAE
Phone: +9714 395 4054
Opening hours: 10 AM - 10 PM, Fridays 5 PM - 10 PM
Dusty's
Let knowledgeable mixologists lead you into the intriguing world of cocktails at this cozy bistro-pub.
Although not exactly what you would expect, Dusty's is a breath of fresh air in Dubai's bustling financial district. It offers a casual, intimate space where you can enjoy great music and excellent service with friends and family. Stop by and dig in!
Address: P Level Al Fattan Currency House, DIFC, Dubai, UAE
Phone: +971 4 354 5435
Opening hours: Open from 8AM -2AM, Closed on Saturdays.
Website: http://dustysdxb.com/
Mirzam Chocolate
Indulge in the world of chocolate and learn about the true origins of real cocoa.
Tucked away in the industrial hipster area of Al Serkal Avenue, Mirzam offers chocolates that are made by hand from individually separated cocoa beans, showcasing real craftsmanship for superb quality. Mirzam also offers five single origin chocolates inspired by the spice route: Madagascar, India, Papa New Guinea, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
Address: 73 6A Street, Dubai, UAE
Phone: +9714 333 5888
Opening hours: Daily from 10am until 7pm
Website: https://mirzam.com/