Post Category - Family LifeFamily Life - Post Category - That MamaThat Mama
Post Category - What's OnWhat's OnThere’s nothing like discovering the best of your city through the eyes of the people who live there. Our Little Black Book series will share a little inspo from those in the know.
Emily Liden is a French mama of two gorgeous girls and blogger at dubaioursandbox Having grown up in Dubai she knows the city inside out and shares some of her favourite spots for eating out, for relaxing and for that quality family time in her ‘Little Black Book’.
Describe your perfect Friday in Dubai
On Friday early morning, hubby is out in the desert riding moto bike. This shaped our family weekend routine for years. Friday morning we girls hang out, we do our things until pappa comes home around lunch time. “Girls time” include breakfast out and about at the beach or sometime in Al Khazzan Park, opposite CityWalk, we love Inn the Park coffee shop (good kids menu and good coffee for mama). Later in the afternoon, it will be sundowners with friends in the desert where kids get to ride quads, fly a kite and chase sunsets. It could also be family and friends BBQ at home. It’s all very chilled!
Most beautiful spot in/around the city
I love the big outdoor, I am happy by the beach or in the desert. Saying that we recently did an early Friday morning scooter ride around Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountains, it was amazing.
Read more: 10 Of The Most Beautiful Photo Locations in Dubai
Something on your bucket list that you haven’t got round to doing yet.
On my must do list, a Family Safari in Africa, hopefully it’s coming soon…
On my bucket list around the region, the new Zipline in Jebel Jais and visit Salalah in Oman by the Indian ocean.
Read more: Our Ultimate Dubai Bucket List
Best cup of coffee
Close to home with my best friend at Comptoir 102, for a Black Coffee or Heaven on Earth Smoothie.
Favourite restaurants
There is so many options, hard to pick.
– Currently love the mood at Sean Connolly at Dubai Opera.
– Recently tried The Maine Oyster Bar and Grill loved the atmosphere and food, reminded me of our years living in NYC.
– For beach vibes, Salt Burger
– Good old Dubai classics Ravi Pakistani food in Satwa and Al Ustad Kabab in Bur Dubai
– For the girls Wagama for noodles soup
Hidden gem
Little home decor boutique, Nook Concept – in Beach Centre, Jumeirah 1, perfect for gifts.
Online Dubai flower shop www.florette.ae for beautiful eucalyptus, ranunculus, peonies…
Favourite play spot with the kids
Aventura, family park. Set amongst a 35,000 square metre natural Ghaf tree forest in Mushrif Park. Fun circuits and thrilling obstacles like tree-surfing, zip-lining and rope-climbing. Love how kids get to be active in Nature.
Read more: Our Favourite Free Activities With Kids in Dubai
If you need a party outfit you’ll go to…
On a budget Zara is perfect otherwise, I am pretty sure to find my perfect outfit at Maje. Would also recommend So Chic.
Where do you go to kit out your kids?
Zara, Gap and H&M. For swim wear we love Stella Cove and Snapper Rock.
Where do you go to get fit and get pampered?
I do yoga, with a lovely Swedish instructor.
Nails at Tip & Toes, Hair at Jetset and Be Bar, best spa experience at Talise Jumeirah.
Read more: 4 Perfect Last Minute Mother’s Day Gifts
Best thing you’ve done in Dubai to date?
Would have to say: Finishing high school, meeting my husband, giving birth to two girls….
Joke a side… Desert camping is always our family favourite. If not camping I would go back to The Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert in RAK for intimate hotel stay in the desert.
Dubai summed up in 3 words
Home away from Home (sorry its 4)
