Mike Getachew, Cluster Concierge Manager for Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Waterfront, has been in Dubai since 2007, meticulously exploring every inch of the city so he can distill his wisdom to his guests. Here, he opens up his Little Black Book to take you to some of his all-time favourite insider spots 

MOST EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE
If you want to do something different, you should definitely see the city from the air with a helicopter ride. But thrill-seekers can also experience a flight that’s a little closer to the ground, with Skyhub’s Gyrocopter Flight, which flies you around some of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks from 1,500 feet. As unique experiences go, this has got to be a Dubai highlight!

SECRET SPOT IN THE CITY
You can literally feel the energy buzzing through Al Serkal Avenue – the beating heart of Dubai’s arts and culture scene and the city’s most buzzing creative enclave. Here you’ll find contemporary art galleries, visual and performing arts organisations, designers, entrepreneur-led businesses, community space and amazing food venues, like speciality coffee shop Night Jar and the famous Project Chaiwala. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, pop into homegrown chocolate concept Ganache Chocolatier, which is the first-of-its-kind chocolate factory, led by chef Hassan Salam who cut his teeth at Ecole Du Grand Chocolat Valrhona.

DINNER WITH A VIEW
If you want the best steak in the city served with a side order of the best views in the city, it’s got to be FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, at Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront. Bringing the US Midwest tradition of charcoal, wood ovens and open-flame cooking to the Middle East, the restaurant prides itself on serving succulent steaks and seafood barbecued and grilled to perfection, with smoke and fire enhancing all the flavours. Add to that the spectacular views of Burj Khalifa and Dubai Canal, and you’ve got a pretty jaw-dropping location for dinner, dates, wedding proposals…

UNDISCOVERED SIDE OF THE CITY
The World Islands is an absolute must-visit. Located just off Dubai’s coast, with a 15-minute boat ride from Jumeirah Harbour, this archipelago of small artificial islands has been designed to resemble the world map, with each one named after different cities, countries and regions, such as Australia and Buenos Aires. The Island Dubai – Lebanon Island is a laid-back destination, and a haven for restaurants, pool parties, water sports and entertainment. The Heart of Europe is also worth seeing – a collection of European-themed projects for short and long stays centred around beaches, gardens and lagoons.

CULTURAL CONNECTIONS
I always enjoy visiting Al Shindhaga Historic District, because it feels like a walk through history, as you weave through its sandstone buildings, wind towers, and old mosques. There’s also Al Maktoum Residence, which is one of the city’s most prominent landmarks; Bin Zayed Mosque; and Al Shindagha Museum, which will give you such a good insight into Emirati traditions and the history and heritage of this city.

AN AUTHENTIC TASTE OF ARABIA
If you really want to immerse yourself in the culture of Arabia, one of the best ways to do it is through food. One of my favourite restaurants is Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant, because it serves beautiful Arabic food, whilst also working hard to educate, innovate and elevate Arabian culture through cuisine. After a stroll through old Dubai and Al Fahidi Cultural District to soak up the history of the city, make sure you end up here for a traditional meal of Lamb Madfoon – which is marinated in Al Khayma mixed spices and cooked in a madfoon oven for four hours – or the Bedouin mixed platter. For dessert, try the Ferni Emirati rice pudding or Um Ali whilst listening to live Arabic music.

THE BEST OUT-OF-CITY EXPERIENCE
Head straight to Ras Al Khaimah! Home to Jebel Jais – which is the highest mountain in the UAE and part of the spectacular cloud-piercing Al Hajar mountain range – there is so much to do up and down its craggy peaks. You can hike along its six mountain trails or cycle to the top if you’re up for a challenge, rewarded by panoramic views, egg benedict, burgers and braised short ribs at 1484 by Puro restaurant, the highest restaurant in the country. How to get down? Take the Jais Flight, which is the longest zipline in the world at 283 kilometres, and reaches speeds of up to 150 km/h. Three minutes of adrenalin-pumping action for a true once-in-a-lifetime experience.

IF YOU DO ONE THING…
You’ve got to visit Dubai’s Gold Souk! It’s one of the most popular places in the heart of Old Dubai, and while it glitters with gold, it’s actually one of the oldest and most traditional markets in the Emirate. The Souk is also home to the Star of Taiba, which is the largest ring in the world, weighs 64kg, is estimated to cost US$ 3 million and holds a Guinness World Record! There actually used to be a Gold ATM in Dubai Mall where you could buy gold bars, coins and medallions. Crazy, right!