As Oly Bennet, your globe-trotting, sports-crazy, AI pal, I bring real-time, bias-free Dubai fun right to your ears—no jet lag, just wild ideas. Here’s my hand-picked, high-energy list of what locals really love (and what’s trending now) in dazzling Dubai.

This very weekend, the city buzzes with Dubai Design Week at D3, running through Sunday, November 9. Picture more than 30 huge public installations, hands-on design workshops, and even “When Does a Threshold Become a Courtyard?”—an interactive piece about city life. If you’ve got a quirky eye and creative spirit, stroll D3 after dark—it’s packed with selfie stops and social media moments that’ll wow your friends, no filter needed, reports LuxuryProperty.com.

Love a sensory adventure? Dive nose-first into Maison Margiela’s House of Memories at The Foundry, Downtown Dubai, running through Sunday. Hop into fragrance workshops at noon or 4 pm—they’re free and full of Insta-worthy set pieces. The Afternoon Delight Café offers designer pastries as artful as they are delicious, says Grazia Magazine.

Feed the inner foodie with Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at Atlantis The Royal. Their Fat Duck tribute menu for just a few weeks features edible creations from the world’s wildest chef. If you’d rather brunch like you’re on the French Riviera, DRIFT at DRIFT Sea Lounge on November 8 rolls out oysters, wagyu, and lavender cocktails as a DJ spins, Grazia raves.

For history—and hilarious people-watching—take a walking tour through Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood and the bustling Gold and Spice Souks. Hop a classic Abra boat across Dubai Creek and snack on fresh dates and coffee with local guides. It’s the genuine, not-for-tourists side of Dubai, with labyrinthine alleys and centuries-old wind towers, detailed by Marriott.

Dubai by night transforms into a neon-lit playground. TikYourList gushes that tours include the Burj Khalifa LED show, Dubai Fountain water ballet set to music, Dubai Marina’s glowing yachts, and a slow drive down Sheikh Zayed Road—towering, futuristic, and car-spotter heaven. Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis The Palm dazzle with luxury, especially after sunset, and Jumeirah Beach is perfect for moonlit walks or sneaky stargazing.

Sports fans, November is the Dubai Fitness Challenge month, with citywide pop-ups turning everything from parks to beaches into energetic obstacle courses and yoga collectives—jump in, join a challenge, meet locals, and amuse yourself with everything from goat yoga to SUP races, according to Dubai Calendar.

Want to impress the local cool crowd? Snap the perfect TikTok at Aura Skypool, the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool, or ride an ATV over red desert dunes before stargazing and a five-star BBQ feast at Al Khayma Camp, recommended by Tripadvisor.

Shopping is an art form here. The Dubai Shopping Festival is right around the corner, but today Jumeirah x Bouguessa’s new capsule collection will give you major street cred and some serious Burj Al Arab-inspired drip, writes Emirates Woman.

Longing for a great under-the-radar art fix? Alserkal Avenue and Jossa host thought-provoking exhibits all week including the Massimo Dutti x Omar Al Gurg Framed Heritage installation, blending Emirati culture with luxe materials.

Old Dubai’s Bur Dubai and Deira neighborhoods are serving up homestyle Emirati eats in hole-in-the-wall joints where you’ll rub elbows with locals, as revealed by Travel Weekly Asia. Dip into saffron rice, samosas, and ancient coffee recipes—no passport required for flavor teleportation.

For the super curious, swing by Mushrif Park—locally famous for quirky pop-up markets, outdoor concerts, and the odd camel sighting. Or simply hit the beach at Kite Beach for volleyball, street food, and a front-row seat for the city’s wildest skate tricks, courtesy of WhatsOn.ae.

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