Once an industrial area in the centre of Dubai, Alserkal Avenue now comprises around 40 warehouses, converted into galleries, dance studios, artisanal cafes and more. The neighbourhood has nurtured a culture of creativity and is now one of the region’s leading art hubs. Since its humble beginnings as a standalone gallery in 2008, word caught on and similar concepts soon moved into the area. Popular spots include arthouse theatre Cinema Akil, the hipster-inspired Nightjar Coffee and Leila Heller Gallery.

You haven’t experienced boutique shopping in the UAE until you’ve shopped at Sauce. With five locations across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, this fashion and lifestyle boutique carries unique casuals and evening-wear. The brand’s fresh mix of fashion, lifestyle and home decor accessories has landed Sauce numerous Best Boutique trophies. It has also been shortlisted in two categories at WGSN's Global Fashion Awards for Outstanding Brand Mix and Outstanding Fashion Innovator.

Vintage devotee? Head straight to Garderobe in Jumeirah, where you'll find a treasure chest brimming with authentic pieces at a fraction of the original price. There is a constant turnover at this airy villa, but high-end brands you might chance upon include Chanel, Hermes, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Alexander McQueen, and Louis Vuitton. The boutique works in tandem with a flourishing online business, where you can buy and sell pre-owned fashion. You're in safe hands no matter your selection, as former fashion buyer Micha Maatouk founded the business. 

The city's style set puts its best foot forward at Dubai Design District – better known as d3. This urban development is dedicated to the fashion industry, professional design and in-house design studios, and is also home to a shopping promenade. A major draw of d3 is the hip cafes popping up left and right. Try Mediterranean fare at The Lighthouse, sample Japanese street food at the anime-themed Akiba Dori or enjoy a modern spin on French cuisine at Molecule, where you can rub shoulders with those in the world of haute couture.