7 low-key Dubai activities for when your social battery is running low
Dubai is filled with incredible things to do, but sometimes all that socialising can have you craving a bit of me time.
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If you want to spend a day treating yourself without the need for conversation, here are a few recommendations to help you switch off and recharge that battery.
Cosy up with a novel at Sheikh Mohammed Rashid Library
Not only is it a library (so keep the noise down), but the city library building is huge with a capital H, meaning you can easily find a quiet spot where you won't be disturbed.
Pick one of the 600,000 titles on offer and spend a few hours caught up in a novel, listening to a podcast or even carrying out a little research if you fancy it.
Free entry. Open Mon-Thurs, 9am-9pm; Fri, 2pm-9pm; Sat, 9am-9pm. Al Jaddaf, mbrl.ae (800 627523).
Enjoy breakfast (with a view)
#breakfast #deal ♬ original sound – aidxn @timeoutdubai And now you can dine here for longer. Enjoy breakfast with a view at The Pods on Bluewaters Island with a breakfast platter, pancakes and more, with unlimited tea and coffee, while chilling in an air-conditioned pod overlooking JBR. Monday to Friday: 8am–3pm Saturday to Sunday: 8am–12pm Time Out tip: You can request for custom decorations for special occasions. #dubai
Did someone say bargain breakfast?
Enjoy some sizzling dishes with a view at The Pods on Bluewaters Island, where you'll be served with a brekkie platter, pancakes and more.
No need to worry about bumping into someone you know three tables over – you'll be in your own air conditioned pod admiring the views and sipping unlimited tea and coffee (without being disturbed).
Plus, whole thing will only set you back Dhs49.
Dhs49. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3pm; Sat-Sun 8am-noon. The Pods, Bluewaters, thepods.ae (04 453 8994).
Float your worries away
Pop into a float tank and spend a session completely switching off.
Inside the tank, you'll float in around 30cm of water mixed with a huge amount of Epson salt, meaning you'll float without even trying. Paired with water kept at the same temperature of your skin and completely sound proof, you'll get to spend an hour at complete peace.
From Dhs200 (60-minute session). Simple Float, The Village Mall, simplefloat.org (056 579 2221).
Have a luxe spa day for less
Slip on a fluffy robe and treat yourself to a day of pampering at the Wellness by ME Spa.
Running until Sunday August 31, the hotel is running a special summer deal, meaning you can opt for a body scrub and aromatherapy massage, a facial and bespoke massage or a hydrating face mask and deep tissue massage for Dhs450.
Not only that, the price also includes access to the pool, sauna and gym meaning you can make a full day of it.
Dhs450. Until Sun Aug 31. ME by Meliá Dubai , Business Bay, melia.com (04 525 2500).
Order a coffee (and you don't have to speak to anyone)
For a caffeine hit that doesn't involve any nattering with the barista, head straight to Drinkit in the Marina.
Not only is the outlook pretty gorgeous, you can order from the digital kiosk, customise your order and it will be sitting waiting for you on a sensor-screen at the pick-up counter within three minutes.
From lemon pie lattes to masala chai and iced matcha, treat yourself to a cool concoction and head out on a solo stroll along the Dubai Marina walkway (as long as its not too hot).
Open daily 7.30am-11.30pm. Marina Gate, Dubai Marina, drinkit.io
Try a solo brunch
(Credit: Cutfish)
Whoever said that brunch had to be a group affair? If you're all about solo dining, hop up onto a stool at the Hitori brunch at Cutfish, where the meal is literally designed to be eaten alone.
Tuck into a selection of courses, starting with sushi, sashimi and hand rolls, before moving onto mini wagyu burgers, seabass, chicken katsu and even mochi to finish.
Dhs350 (soft drinks), Dhs550 (mixed-beverages), Dhs750 (bubbly). Sat 1pm-4pm. Cutfish, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab cutfishdubai.ae (04 271 3882).
Watch a movie (VIP style)
If you're looking for some low-key luxury, go all out on your next trip to the big screen.
Opt for a seat at one of the new IMAX Theatre Pods, where you'll be treated to heated reclining seats and a luxe menu delivered on a tray straight to you.
Pick the latest blockbuster you've been desperate to see, get comfortable and enjoy a couple of social-free hours.
Prices and timings vary. VOX Cinemas, Mall of the Emirates, uae.voxcinemas.com (600 5999905).
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