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This residential area is perfect for dog-lovers and petrol-heads. Find life in the city outside its skyscraper-filled centre, in the suburbs of Motor City, where people ride bikes, walk dogs and actually say 'hi' to their neighbours
Eat
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Friends Avenue is a gorgeous little cafe with tropical wall art, exposed pipework and light bulbs, and rows of hanging plants. Breakfast dishes are served until 3pm, and portions are huge. Another good breakfast option is Projeto Acai. There are only two tables, so you'll probably need to take out, but the bowls are moreish. For decent Indian eats on a budget, try the set menu at Bhoujan. From just Dh35, you'll get a starter, salad, two types of curry, roti, rice and dessert. If you fancy al fresco dining by the lake, go to SanSation, where there's a Lebanese-inspired menu, its open late and shisha is served. And if you happen to be following a Paleo diet, you'll be spoiled for choice at The Cycle Bistro.
Stay
The only hotel is the Park Inn Dubai Motor City, where rooms are spacious and rates are reasonable. Here, Le Petit Belge, on the ground level, is a busy nightspot where there's often live entertainment, too.
Do
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Dubai Autodrome is one of Motor City's landmarks, and one of the reasons the area was built in the first place. The 5.39-kilometre FIA-certified track opened in October 2004 and hosts year-round events, such as the Hankook 24-hour endurance race and the Gulf Sportscar Championship, as well as regular driving sessions. Even if you're not into motorsports, wandering up to the stadium with a coffee and perching on one of the grandstand seats to watch the drivers spin around the tarmac is something different to do on a weekend. If cycling, running or rollerblading are on your list, visit the Autodrome on Wednesday evenings when the floodlit circuit is open to the public. Nearby, the Dubai Kartdrome offers indoor and outdoor go-karting for anyone keen to get behind the wheel. There's also a 400-square-metre Laser Tag arena here, where you can run around a glowing maze designed to resemble a series of medieval dungeon ramparts.
Shop
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It's not a shopping metropolis, but Motor City is home to the largest Spinneys in Dubai. There's also a selection of smaller high-street style shops. Find books, games and more in Madarek Book Shop and We Flowers do beautiful bouquets, as well as cute Christmas decorations at this time of year. If your locks need some love, Ted Morgan is a popular Dubai salon, while BdB BlodryBar do a fantastic – and speedy – blow-dry. If you're in the market for a motorbike, head to MivoMoto.
Plus … it’s dog-friendly
While some other parts of Dubai have restricted dog-walking spaces, in Motor City you can even bring your pup along to some of the al fresco cafes located on the main boulevard. There are also lots of green pockets and walkways that are perfect for meandering through, as well as plenty of bins for cleaning up after your four-legged friend.
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