Al Barsha & Barsha Heights

With rows of boutique hotels, corner stores and ethnic eateries vying for attention, Al Barsha is a suburb of surprises. Located in New Dubai to the south of the city, it’s best known for being the home of Mall of the Emirates – a ‘shopping resort’ complete with hundreds of top brands, an indoor ski hub and five-star hotels next door.

A popular residential community, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to tasty treats. Sample native food from around the world – think Nepalese momos, Egyptian koshari, Lebanese shawarma, Pakistani curries and Filipino adobo. Grab a few of your favourite snacks and make your way to the peaceful Barsha Pond Park for a lakeside picnic in the sunshine.

The neighbourhood also cradles Barsha Heights, which is known for its collection of mid-range hotels, residential towers and office blocks. Further south is the aptly-named Barsha South, an area dotted with small shopping complexes alongside villas, offices and apartments.

It’s in this unassuming setting that you’ll find the famous Dubai Miracle Garden. Open only during winter, this wonderland houses acres of stunning floral displays – including a few record-breaking designs – and the world’s largest butterfly garden where thousands of species flit about in climate-controlled domes.

Getting there: If you’re travelling by Dubai Metro, look for the Mall of the Emirates station on the Red Line, or get off at the Dubai Internet City station if you want to reach Barsha Heights. Al Barsha South is a short taxi ride away.