A journey through Dubai's automotive marvels, luxe cafe culture, and desert thrills
As someone who’d never been to Dubai before, I had a certain image of it in my mind. For me, Dubai was all about its towering skyscrapers and luxury shopping. But these are things you get used to eventually. What you don’t get used to, however, is seeing supercar after supercar pass you by as you drive along Dubai’s breathtakingly beautiful highways. It’s an automotive paradise that deserves to be experienced by every petrolhead at least once. Here’s why a second trip to Dubai is on top of my priority list right now.
One of the most peculiar things about Dubai is its culture of automotive-themed cafes. These attract patrons not just with their culinary artistry and ambient sophistication but also with their showcasing of some rare wonders from the automotive world. For instance, DRVN by Porsche is a cafe in Bluewaters that literally lets you gawk at a Porsche 911 GT1 '98 as you sip on your freshly brewed coffee. 6.8 Cafe is another gem, offering a selection of classic Mercs to feast your eyes on, including a tribute car to the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL AMG Red Pig. I had the best of times at Bikers Cafe, where we were lucky enough to be hosted by Saeed Bin Towq, the first driver from the Gulf to gain a podium finish in an RX Lites. His warm hospitality and culinary provisions almost made us forget that we were sitting right in the presence of classic Ducatis that were vying for our attention. These spots serve as great pit stops to refuel both yourself and your automotive passion.
Dubai’s streets are a moving car show, where Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Cybertrucks are a regular sight. The city’s car culture is fueled by an appreciation for speed and exclusivity, making it a haven for supercar enthusiasts. You can rent and drive your dream machine from several high-end rental agencies, allowing you to cruise in a McLaren or Rolls-Royce with the stunning Dubai skyline as your backdrop. For those looking to take it up a notch, the city even offers supercar driving experiences on dedicated race circuits, where professional instructors help you push these machines to their limits.
The thrill doesn’t stop on paved roads. The vast Arabian desert offers some of the most exciting off-roading experiences in the world. During my trip to the dunes, I hopped into a high-powered buggy, tore through the golden dunes and was later expertly chauffeured through the vast desert in a V8-equipped Nissan Patrol by a rather jovial Pakistani driver. This contrast of luxury city life and rugged desert escapades adds another dimension to the experience that is Dubai.
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I vividly recall the thrill of jet skiing along the Dubai coastline. At one exhilarating moment, I accelerated to 75 kmph, the surge of speed electrifying my senses as I skated across the gleaming waters. Yet, the crowning highlight was undoubtedly the breathtaking sight of the Burj Al Arab, its iconic silhouette majestically framing the horizon as I zipped by. This harmonious blend of high-octane adventure and architectural splendour not only redefined my experience but also encapsulated the dynamic spirit of Dubai in a single, exhilarating ride.
Dubai blends luxury, adventure, and high-octane experiences in a way that few places on earth can match. Whether you're a supercar fanatic, an off-roading junkie, or someone who simply appreciates fine automotive culture, Dubai is the ultimate playground for petrolheads.
