
Habibi Skate Shop's Maysam Faraj talks skate spots and dishes that deserve respect
This time, it's over to the founder of the Habibi Skate Shop and soon-to-be Gooder (a brand new indoor skate park), Maysam Faraj.
Living and breathing the city's skate scene, Faraj spoke to Time Out Dubai about his favourite haunts and the best street-side snacks he's discovered while wheeling around the city.
Name a Dubai dish that recently knocked you off your board?
The Orfali Bros. Japanese Square dessert. This dish needs respect. It's a little part of my culture remixed and presented in a mind-blowing way.
Favourite skate spot in the city?
Deira Fountain. If I wanted a vibe to skate, I'd go there right next to the Union Metro Station. It's real city life with real people coming together.
When you're not skating, you're…
(Credit: Canva)
Gardening. I love plants. I'm always propagating plants, gifting plants. That and working.
Describe the new Gooder stake park in three words.
Indoor. Thoughtful. Concrete.
You want to skateboard with a view. Where are you going?
A dream place? DIFC – if I had access there, it would be amazing. Besides the architecture, the light and space would look amazing visually; there are so many angles and layers to capture.
You need a coffee, where are you going?
Nightjar in Alserkal Avenue never disappoints. A solid French press is always the way to go.
What's an underrated Dubai spot that you love?
At the Royal Arabian Mandi Restaurant in Deira, you need to grab a kebab here. There are so many gems in Deira.
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