Discover Dubai's African Scene

Discover Dubai's African Scene

A day in the life of an African girl in Dubai.

Dubai is blessed by its multiculturalism—it is truly a melting pot for people from every walk of life.
The African community is rather prominent in Dubai and definitely an exciting one to learn more about. So, we decided to do it.
Dina Yassin—an extraordinary designer who worked with Vogue Arabia and Vanity Fair—takes us by the hand to explore her favourite spots in Dubai which represent her upbringing as an African lady, born in Sudan to Eritrean parents and raised in the UAE. In this tour, we guide you through some of Dubai’s oldest and liveliest neighbourhoods, through authentic Eritrean/Ethiopian coffee shops, African fabric stores, the best Ethiopian/Eritrean restaurant and finally, to a wild night at one of Dubai’s most heated dance floors.

Itinerary
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Stop At: Frij Murar, Deira, Near Malabar Supermarket, Omar Bin Al Khattab Rd - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

INDEPENDENT PATTERN STORE

For our first stop, we head to Frij Murar – probably the most prominent district of African Residence. We navigate the streets, and take you to several stops along the way!

Many African’s leave their continent to purchase and bring back products from Dubai and the reason being that many things are not manufactured back home in Africa. This has contributed to the rise of local manufacturers.

This store produces and sells beautiful UAE made patterns. We do suggest getting something here, since we are heading to a fabric store later today.


Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Frij Murar, Deira, Near Malabar Supermarket, Omar Bin Al Khattab Rd - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Freiwot Coffee Shop

Dive into the world of Ethiopian/Eritrean coffee culture. Freh, the host of Freiwot Coffee Shop, carefully chooses the best Ethiopian/Eritrean coffee beans, smokes them, boils them, and serves them with popcorn. As per the culture, you must drink 3 cups; otherwise it is considered unlucky. However, if you can’t handle the caffeine rush, do inform Freh about this.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Al Murar, 1 5a St - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

SUDANESE FABRIC STORE

Here we are at another home-grown fabric store – this one sells linens. Find the most colourful and vibrant fabrics from Somalia at an unbeatable price.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Zagol Restaurant, G Floor, Mabrooka 1 Building, 4B St, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Rd - Opp Burjuman, Al Karama - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

After exploring Frij Murar, we jump into a cab and head to Karama – the destination for budget foodies. Here, we go to Zagol Beitkitfu Restaurant, and experience authentic Ethiopian/Eritrean Cuisine. We suggest getting one of the platters. However, feel free to order whatever you want. All the dishes are delicious.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai United Arab Emirates

CLUB AFRICANA

And after a long inspiring day of exploring a local culture, it’s time for a well-deserved dance.

Club Africana, probably, one of the most heated dance floors is the perfect club. The live band and its’ dancers are a spectacle in itself. The guests are quite a scene as well.

We trust you’ll really enjoy it here!


Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes