Innovative, highly modern, traditional − Dubai is all of these. But Dubai can be different, too. The desert metropolis is also green, organic and vegan, in keeping with the global trend. Living an aware and healthy life style, with the focus on the environment and holistic wellbeing. Admittedly, the philosophy is not a new one. However, whereas once it was disparaged, today it is state of the art − including in the United Arab Emirates. Tourists and locals are discovering the new, green lightness of Dubai.
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY MOBILITY
Like many cities, Dubai can also be explored via a Segway. On the guided tours participants are also encouraged to look upwards. Because the view of the gigantic sky – scrapers is spectacular. On the electricallypowered one-man transport the tour circumnavigates the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain. Those wishing to move around the city without emissions whilst also maintaining their fitness can take a bicycle. Five rental points are available in Dubai City, with reservation possible via telephone, online, via smartphone app or directly at the terminals. www.bykystations.com/en/dubai.com
EAT WELL – BE WELL
Eating sustainably means taking nutrition in a healthy and environmentally-aware manner. However, this does not mean a loss of enjoyment. Dubai shows that sus – tainable and tasty need not be mutually exclusive: just 15 minutes from the centre of Dubai lies THE FARM. This stylish restaurant amidst fabulous lakes and botanic gardens is an idyllic meeting place for locals and holidaymakers. The Farm is an attraction for health-conscious gourmets, with the food primarily sourced from organic and local farming areas. And those in search of spiritual nourishment will also find what they are looking for in this picturesque spot, because yoga and Pilates courses are held here every morning. All of this physical activity is rewarded with a healthy breakfast. However, it is not necessary to leave the city to experience healthy dining. The city centre also boasts a selection of vegan restaurants, such as the BiOrganic Café and The Organic Foods and Café. Healthy culinary highlights are also to be found in Omnia Gourmet, which recently opened in Jumeirah Fishing Village. The famous and multi award-winning restaurant chain of British TV chef Silvena Rowe has been serving vegan delicacies in Dubai since last summer, gluten-free and without sugar. Sweet and vegan, that also works. As the name suggests, Coco Yogo creates delicious coconut yoghurts. And for any – one still wanting more, there is vegan cheesecake.
PICNIC IN THE PARK
Eating outdoors has a long tradition in the UAE. Locals meet up with friends and family in one of the surprisingly numerous parks in the city. They dine amidst the greenery − and this in a desert city. It is surprising just how much green space Dubai has. The parks are very well tended, with shading trees, barbecue and seating areas, cafés and snack bars ensuring a relaxed time out. Each park is individually laid out and has its own regulations. In some parks specific sports such as rollerblading or cycling are allowed, whereas in others they are forbidden, but ball games permitted. All that is required for a healthy picnic in one of these green oases can be found in the organic shops or the markets of the city. Anyone choosing to take a picnic on a Friday, the weekly day-off in the UAE, should spread out their blanket in Zabeel Park. This is where the Ripe Food & Craft Market sets up its stalls on Friday mornings. Green grass and white sand is a particularly attractive combination that a number of parks in Dubai offer. Over 100 hec tares in size, the Al Mamzar Beach Park is especially charming and varied. In addition to green spaces, it also offers visitors a sheer endless beach, perfect for relaxing and bathing. Lifeguards are on hand to ensure safety, as they are at the Jumeirah Beach Park. Those that prefer things more comfortable can rent one of the air-condi – tioned chalets available to day guests. Surrounded by lawns, trees and flowers, the gaze on the blue Arabian Gulf, hectic day-to-day life is soon forgotten in green Dubai.
Text: Sarah Schmitt
Further information at: www.dubaitourism.ae, www.dubaiveganguide.com