Lamia Dahmash is a Dubai-based fashion wizard with over a decade of experience in the industry and a sixth sense of exceptional style and taste. You don’t want to miss her if you’re looking for a bit of inspo for your next outfit. But wait, there’s more. Get ready to discover her most cherished spots around the city. It’s jam-packed with enticing and relaxing things you can do around town, from delectable bites and vintage shopping to the must-see art scene around Dubai. Whether you’re a tourist or a resident, get ready to experience Dubai the Lulu Dahmash way.
Enjoy yourself; there’s something for everyone here.
Top must visit food spots in Dubai?
Honeycomb Hifi
Honeycomb Hifi: for dinner. It’s a japanese izakaya and listening bar for delicious food, drinks and the coolest music – Catch me here almost every week!
Moonrise: for a unique culinary experience
Miss Lily’s.
Miss Lily’s: for dinner, and hands down have the best burger in dubai.
The Nice Guy: for an american italian dinner or drinks – dreaming of their pesto pasta!
3 Fils: for a japanese lunch or dinner – so good!
Lulu @ Indochine
Indochine: for french vietnamese cuisine. I would recommend you visit for lunch or dinner – Their Saturday brunches are also SO much fun!
Best place for vintage shopping?
Nouvelle Vague: It’s a vintage store based in Beirut that sells the most unique gems. I have worked with the owner on her most recent dubai pop up – Stay tuned we are planning another one soon!
Best boutique hotels to stay in?
XVA, 25Hours
XVA Art Hotel: A stylish and artistic boutique hotel in theheart of Al Fahidi quarter, Bastakiya.
25Hours Hotel: A super fun, eclectic hotel located in the center of dubai – So many events happen there and the interior is so cool!)
Fusion Ceviche: A hidden gem and hole-in-the-wall in JLT that serve the best ceviche! If you are a ceviche lover then you must visit this spot!
Wa Wa Dining: A low key, super cozy japanese restaurant in Barsha.
Tanos at 8: An underground home supper club – they have insane food and the best paella!
Scoopi Ice Cream: I am a HUGE ice cream lover and Scoopi’s pistachio ice cream just hits the spot!
Must-pack items?
Hair Clips: I always carry one around with me, especially during the hot weather and if you know me you’ll know I’m a big fan of floral colorful hair clips.
Labello Poppy Red Crayon: I’m obsessed and have it with me everywhere I go. You can find this in the pharmacy or supermarket. I love bright lip colors and it’s moisturizing too!
Huda Beauty Vivid Pink Lip Liner and a Fenty Lip Gloss: I always have these in my bag too, I start off by applying the lipliner and then apply the Lip Gloss on top! They make your lips look so plump!)
Supergoop Sunscreen: I never leave my house without sunscreen, this is an essential in Dubai! I love the one from supergoop, it gives you the best glow.
And last, my Gucci Bloom mini perfume!
Must Visit Spots
Records, Tabari Art Space
Tabari Art Space: It’s where I go to feel inspired. They represent extremely talented emerging artists from the region and always have the coolest exhibitions.
Flipside Records: If you know me, you’ll know I’m a HUGE music lover and love discovering new records. Flipside is a Record Shop that specializes in all genres of music. They are based in Al Serkal Avenue and also have a shop in Honeycomb HiFi!
Al Ustad Special Kabab: This is a hidden gem located in Bur Dubai. If you love Kebab, you must visit this OG Dubai spot.
Gosha Flowers: The most unique and inspiring flower shop. Who doesn’t love flowers?
Matcha Club, Mandarin Oriental Beach
Matcha Club: I love their matcha at Nette, and yoga classes too!
Mandarin Oriental Beach: Catch me lying here on the weekend! If you love poke bowls make sure you try theirs!
Rascals: A super cool new sandwich deli that opened in Al Serkal Avenue (dreaming of their turkey sandwich!)
Seva Experience: It’s my peaceful sanctuary. I love their sound healing classes.
What should you avoid?
Peak Hours: Traffic is crazy during that time and you will get stuck for a while.
Summer in Dubai: It gets extremely hot here that’s why I always try to escape to a cooler destination.
Malls on a Weekend: Finding parking in the mall is a nightmare and the mall gets very crowded.
Rand Al-Hadethi is an art, culture, and fashion writer who approaches all her creative endeavours with a penchant for storytelling. She explores the intersection of fashion, culture, and society and sheds light on talent and cultural movements across the Middle East and the world. Rand also publishes a bi-monthly themed substack newsletter called WebWeaver™.
To reach Rand, email her at rand@khamsa5.com or follow her on social media @rundoozz.
