You may know Mthayel Al Ali as a content creator, fashion icon, and entrepreneur serving at the helm of multiple businesses, including WeCeYou, a luxe e-commerce site that sells fine artisan jewelry designed for women, by women. But underneath it all, the multi-hyphenate is a proud Emirati woman — born and raised in Dubai — whose penchant for authenticity has garnered her 792K Instagram followers (and counting). “I want to present an idea of the Emirati woman — one that isn’t publicly known,” she says, citing the media’s limited, one-note portrayals of the women in her culture. She does so by sharing her ordinary and extraordinary moments on the platform, all while experiencing day-to-day life in the city she calls home.
“You truly feel like a citizen of the world in Dubai. The city has a collective energy of ambition and that is something you feel everywhere you go. Everyone is trying to work on something or be something. You want to be the best version of yourself and that’s something that’s very unique,” says the social media influencer. “I love traveling — I’ve been to a lot of places — but when I’m home, it’s beautiful to see people try to reach their highest potential because you’re in a city that supports it. Even tourists pick it up from Day 1.”
Ready to move Dubai up on your Must-Visit List? Us too. Arguably, your first stop should be the Dubai Mall, which now is home to our latest Sunday Riley pop-up in Sephora. Keep scrolling for your 24-hour Dubai itinerary, courtesy of Al Ali.
Where to Shop
The Dubai Mall
Whether it’s on your list or not, The Dubai Mall truly is a marvel that cannot be missed. Of course, shopping is a given, but those looking for something more can visit the aquarium, ice rink, open-air kart track, or movie theater — all under the same roof. In addition to the 1,200+ retailers — including Sephora, which now carries Sunday Riley C.E.O. Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Gel Cream — there are over 200 international restaurants to satisfy your every craving.
Human & Beings
This concept store offers carefully curated items — clothing, accessories, home decor, and beauty products — from various brands and designers.
FRAME
Referred to as a “half shop, half concept store” by Al Ali, FRAME is touted as the very first “Japanese lifestyle culture shop” in Dubai.
What to Do
Kite Beach
Ultra-soft, white sand covers the majority of Kite Beach, a popular public destination that encourages kayaking, jet skiing, and kid-friendly activities. Visitors also get treated to views of the architecturally iconic Burj Al Arab hotel at a distance.
Al Qudra Lakes
“You can go there for a desert safari,” says Al Ali, adding that the activity is “really popular.” Al Qudra specifically offers campers two different aesthetics: one side is all desert (courtesy of the sand dunes and a few wild camels that may appear early morning) while the other is a vibrant oasis. The site is conveniently located 30 minutes from the Mall of the Emirates.
Hatta
Get back to nature with a trip to Hatta, which provides visitors with several activities to choose from, like hiking the mountain, kayaking, horseback riding, and paragliding. Or, if you’re feeling ambitious, conquer them all by extending your day trip and staying the night in one of their onsite trailers or lodges.
Where to Stay
Al Seef Heritage Hotel ($$$$)
Settled in Dubai’s charming Al Seef area, which is located on the waterfront — specifically on the shores of Dubai’s historic creek — is the Heritage Hotel. This hotel specializes in middle eastern cuisine and has everything you need for a peaceful, relaxing stay, like Majlis (sitting rooms), the pool, and the spa. Plus, it’s 10km from the city’s must-see landmark: Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.
XVA Art Hotel & Cafe ($$)
Located in the historical Al Fahidi neighborhood, the XVA Art Hotel & Cafe was once a family home before making its debut to the public as an art-oriented space in 2003. “It’s unique to the whole experience,” she says of “the city’s best-kept secret,” which features 15 suites, an award-winning restaurant, three wind towers, two courtyards, and a lounge.
Airbnb in Al Seef
While the hotels in Dubai are beautiful, Al Ali is a big advocate for going off the beaten path and instead recommends booking an Airbnb. “I always recommend the preserved cultural areas,” she says. “Airbnbs are great because you meet the locals, you’re in a neighborhood that’s authentic; it’s not touristy or polished.”
Where to Eat
Kulture House
“It’s an old villa that was renovated by a local family,” says Al Ali, describing the establishment as “very nice and quirky.” Plus, Kulture House is among the few places that sell “local breakfast, which is not something you find a lot of here.” A classic breakfast meal in Dubai consists of khameer (bread), chickpeas, and karak tea.
Alijaza Cafe
“It’s very authentic,” she says of the cafe, adding that Alijaza is more of a takeout spot than a sit-down eatery, and carries sandwiches, juices, and smoothies. As for Al Ali’s go-to order? The influencer opts for a sandwich that’s loaded with fries and cheese. “It’s a very quick breakfast or snack that everyone has here,” says the influencer. “It’s not a traditional food; it’s just part of the culture.”
Saudi Kitchen
“They serve the best rice dishes,” says Al Ali of the family restaurant’s offerings. “You sit on the floor and eat the food the way we do in our culture.” Dishes to try: creamy Madrouba, which directly translates to “beaten rice,” and Harees, a dish that boasts a porridge-like consistency (due to its grounded wheat base) and perfectly tender meat that melts in your mouth with every bite.
