How to Spend a Saudi Day in Dubai

Craving a slice of home while you’re in the city of brunches and skyscrapers?

Whether you’re a Saudi transplant, a business trip regular, or just riding the nostalgia wave, Dubai’s got pockets of Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla hiding in plain sight. Think: dishes that taste like Friday lunches at home, scents that bring you back to souq strolls, and spaces that feel lifted from old Al-Balad.

Here’s your hour-by-hour guide to spending a full day in Dubai—Saudi-style.

9 AM – Breakfast at Foul & Tamees

📍Jumeirah 3

Kickstart your morning the right way: soft tamees, creamy foul, and fiery shakshouka served hot from the tannour. Add cheesy mutabbaq and green chili sauce into the mix and you’ve got yourself a breakfast that tastes like home—minus the house slippers.

12 PM – Saudi Souvenirs at Global Village (Seasonal)

📍Dubailand

Step into a mini Al-Balad at Global Village’s Saudi Pavilion. Inspired by the centuries-old charm of Jeddah’s historic quarter, this spot serves cultural immersion with a side of shopping. Expect spice markets, calligraphy stalls, oud-soaked souvenirs, and artisan honey. Come for the nostalgia, stay for the photo ops.

3:30 PM – Mandi Madness at Raydan Restaurants

📍Umm Suqeim

Lunch isn’t a snack—it’s an event. At Raydan, mandi, madghoot, and madhbi arrive in generous platters with all the Saudi fixings. Grab some friends (or a very healthy appetite), roll up your sleeves, and go full feast mode. Just pace yourself—the day’s not over yet.

5 PM – Tea Time at Arabian Tea House

📍Bur Dubai

Trade the post-lunch slump for a classic Saudi-style recharge. Whether it’s a cup of gahwa, Karak, or mint tea, Arabian Tea House brings old-world charm to Al Fahidi’s heritage district. Bonus: the leafy courtyard and blue-and-white interiors make for an excellent Instagram break.

8 PM – Dinner at Karamna Al Khaleej

📍The Address Downtown

End your day with more Saudi comfort food—kabsa, dajaj bukhari, creamy hummus, and their famously rich Umm Ali. With views of the Burj Khalifa just outside, it’s a perfect full-circle finish to your Saudi-in-Dubai tour.