11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
Habibi Skate Shop's Maysam Faraj talks skate spots and dishes that deserve respect
We're diving behind the scenes into the lives of some of the city's biggest names to see exactly what makes them tick.
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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