Low-key things to do in the UAE this April

A simple walk in the park and a hidden coffee spot

Tucked away in the greenery of Nad Al Hammar Park, The Neighborhood Coffee is the kind of place you stumble upon and instantly want to keep to yourself. A compact timber kiosk surrounded by date palms and flowering beds, it quietly serves some of the city’s best specialty coffee and handcrafted matcha—no fuss, no theatrics.

There’s something about the setting that makes everything taste better. Maybe it’s the open sky, or the way the space invites you to slow down without trying too hard. It’s an easy, low-key stop—perfect for a morning reset or a late afternoon pause, where the coffee is good, the energy is calm, and nothing feels overdone.

Explore a local bookstore

If your idea of a good afternoon leans a little more thoughtful, Zerzura is the kind of place you lose time in. This rare bookshop in Al Serkal  feels less like a store and more like a quiet discovery—filled with antiquarian titles, vintage maps, original posters and printed pieces that carry a sense of history with them.

Named after a mythical lost oasis, the space mirrors that feeling of finding something unexpected. The collection is constantly evolving, with pieces sourced from auctions and private collectors around the world, but with a strong focus on the Middle East and the UAE. Whether you’re searching for something specific or just wandering, it’s one of those rare places that invites you to slow down, look closer and maybe leave with something you didn’t know you needed.

For more information visit @zerzurabooks

Take main character images for socials at Yesterday Dubai

For something a little different, Yesterday Dubai redefines what a casual dinner can feel like. This Emirati-owned spot isn’t just about food—it’s built around the idea of a “listening pizzeria,” where wood-fired Neapolitan pizza and a carefully curated hi-fi sound system exist in equal measure. It’s the kind of place where you notice the music as much as the meal.

The menu is intentionally minimal—just a handful of starters and pizzas—letting quality take the lead. But it’s the atmosphere that lingers. Records play through a dedicated sound setup, replacing the usual background noise with something more immersive and considered. Whether you go for the food or stay for the feeling, it’s an easy yet elevated way to spend an evening in the city.

For more information visit @yesterday.ae

For when you’re in need of a getaway brunch

If you’re in the mood for something that feels a little more elevated—but still easy—blue Abu Dhabi strikes that balance effortlessly. Set along Mamsha Beach on Saadiyat Island, the space is light-filled and open, with sweeping sea views and a relaxed energy that makes it just as suited for a long lunch as it is for dinner that stretches into the evening.

The concept centres around open-fire cooking, where Nordic techniques meet regional ingredients in a way that feels both thoughtful and unfussy. Seasonal produce—some sourced from the team’s own farm—is treated with precision, whether through slow fire, pickling or fermentation. The menu leans into sharing, encouraging a slower, more social way of dining, while the natural wine list and specialty coffee offering round out the experience. It’s refined without being overwhelming—the kind of place you go when you want something considered, but still feel completely at ease.

For more information visit @restaurant.blue

Go shopping at Primark

Sometimes all you need is a good shopping reset—and Primark’s arrival in Dubai makes it an easy one. The UK-born favourite has officially landed at Dubai Mall, bringing its signature mix of trend-led fashion, beauty and homeware at prices that feel surprisingly accessible.

It’s the kind of place you walk into “just to browse” and leave with far more than you planned—think easy summer basics, last-minute outfits and small finds that instantly refresh your wardrobe. Whether you’re updating your everyday pieces or just in the mood for a spontaneous spree, it’s a low-effort, high-reward stop that fits perfectly into an April afternoon.

Take the kids for free to AYA Universe

If you’re in the mood to do something a little unexpected, AYA Universe is where reality blurs into something far more immersive. Set within Wafi City, this interactive experience invites you to step into a series of otherworldly rooms—think glowing forests, digital waterfalls and entire galaxies you can quite literally walk through.

With 12 distinct spaces to explore, each one feels like its own universe. From dancing beneath cascading light in The Falls to wandering through the dreamlike, Avatar-inspired Flora, it’s designed to be playful, surreal and completely transportive. Whether you go for the visuals or just to switch off from everything else, it’s an easy escape—and with kids under 13 entering free until the end of April, it’s one of those plans that feels just as fun as it is effortless.

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Images: Supplied & Feature Image: @sohamt