Natasha Amar

From 19th-century air con to a robot-made museum, Dubai’s buildings map its stylish rise. By Natasha Amar

Tucked away on the eastern part of the Great Himalayan Range between Tibet, an autonomous region of China and the Indian states of Sikkim, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, is the kingdom of Bhutan, known locally as Druk Yul, or ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’. Often referred to as the world’s ‘last Shangri-La’, Bhutan wears its deep-rooted cultural identity with pride while taking a careful, nuanced approach to embracing modernization. With a rich cultural heritage, spectacular landscapes, warm, kin...

While growing up in Dubai in the early 1990s, our family's culinary adventures were mostly limited to shawarma and falafel takeaways, dining at Indian and Pakistani restaurants, or American fast-food chains.
Today, as a travel writer living in Dubai, I’m completely in awe of its wildly exciting dining scene filled with innovative restaurants, avant-garde concepts and bold chefs keen to show off their creative genius in a city where original ideas are favored and quickly accepted over old-fash...

The popularity of zero-alcohol cocktails has significantly increased in recent years in Dubai, even as the city’s dining and nightlife scene shows no signs of slowing down. Whether it’s a result of most of the local population’s culture or shifting lifestyle preferences, there’s never been a better time to browse the non-alcoholic drinks sections of menus around town.
Expect to sip on elevated mocktails at these Dubai hotel restaurants and bars.
Coya Dubai
Tucked away at the Restaurant Villag...

The popularity of zero-alcohol cocktails has significantly increased in recent years in Dubai, even as the city’s dining and nightlife scene shows no signs of slowing down. Whether it’s a result of most of the local population’s culture or shifting lifestyle preferences, there’s never been a better time to browse the non-alcoholic drinks sections of menus around town.
Expect to sip on elevated mocktails at these Dubai hotel restaurants and bars.
Coya Dubai
Tucked away at the Restaurant Villag...

With its rich cultural heritage, sublime landscapes, interesting museums, contemporary architecture, vibrant food scene and kind-hearted people, Abu Dhabi is a delight.
Abu Dhabi fosters a sense of unhurried living where people take the time to chat. They’ll even go out of their way to show you around an art gallery or point you in the right direction should you find yourself looking for a certain bakery in a maze of backstreets.
With a sizable expat population in the UAE, Emiratis are no str...

The vast desert landscapes, quiet beaches, verdant oases, heritage sites, interesting museums and thrilling theme parks of Abu Dhabi appeal to travelers who are after a deeper cultural experience in the UAE.
In summer, the emirate, like the rest of the UAE, experiences a blistering heat that makes visitors swap outdoor activities for shopping in air-conditioned malls, visiting museums, galleries and indoor theme parks, and eating their way around the city’s exciting food scene. Winter brings ...

I wrote the Abu Dhabi chapters and Day Trips from Dubai and Abu Dhabi chapters for the new edition of Lonely Planet's Dubai and Abu Dhabi (March 2024, print and e-book), their most comprehensive guide that extensively covers all the country has to offer, with recommendations for both popular and lesser-known experiences.

While a Dubai holiday might conjure images of sleek skyscrapers, high-end shopping in swanky malls and gold-leaf-topped dishes, your trip to the United Arab Emirates could also be an opportunity to prioritize your wellness with specialized treatments.
With holistic wellness programs, regenerative therapies, guided yoga and meditation sessions, sound healing and nourishing meal plans, these resorts invite you to slow down and take the time for self-care, whether for a couple of hours or a few ...

It’s no secret that Dubai is a paradise for lovers of contemporary architecture. Futuristic skyscrapers and imaginative structures deck out its arterial roads, waterfront communities, glamorous islands and marinas. Whether it’s from the city’s love of superlatives or the desire to bolster its image as a forward-looking metropolis, the United Arab Emirates hub constantly broadens the horizons of engineering innovation.
We’ve curated a list of the most spectacular architectural marvels in a cit...

Skiing? Eating gold? You won’t believe what you can do in Dubai.
Growing up in Dubai in the 90s, I was taught that my hometown (and the city I still call home) was the City of Gold. As a 5-year-old, I strolled around the labyrinth lanes of Deira’s Gold Souk with my father, my eyes transfixed on the multilayered gold necklaces and dazzling diamond tiaras in shop windows. As a travel journalist, I’ve seen everything from gold leaf-topped ice creams and gold-plated bathroom taps at the Burj Al A...

In our 5 Shops series, we'll point you in the direction of our favorite independent shops across some of the world's best cities. From food markets to bookshops, vintage and homegrown design, we've found a diverse and exciting mix of local retailers where you can pick up one-of-a-kind pieces.
As one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, the richness of Dubai’s diversity truly shines through in its contemporary shopping scene, just as it once did in the souks of yesteryear.
Looking to ...

Abu Dhabi’s diverse experiences surprise first-time visitors. Most come to see awe-inspiring sights such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, chase thrills at Ferrari World and partake in the world-class shopping and dining in this cosmopolitan capital. Still, other lesser-known sides of the city deserve exploration.
We’ll let you in on the city’s best-kept secrets — from the city’s tranquil green spaces to its vibrant art scene — so that you can travel deeper in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi’s ample gre...

It’s no secret that Dubai is a paradise for lovers of contemporary architecture. Futuristic skyscrapers and imaginative structures deck out its arterial roads, waterfront communities, glamorous islands and marinas. Whether it’s from the city’s love of superlatives or the desire to bolster its image as a forward-looking metropolis, the United Arab Emirates hub constantly broadens the horizons of engineering innovation.
We’ve curated a list of the most spectacular architectural marvels in a cit...

In Zurich, smart technologies, efficient urban planning and a cultural appreciation for the outdoors unite to create a well-rounded approach to sustainability that includes the environment, economy and society. Among the most sustainable destinations in the world, Zurich has its eye on becoming climate neutral by 2040.
The city also leads the way in sustainable tourism initiatives, so it’s not surprising that Zurich makes it easy for eco-conscious travelers. The Zurich City Guide App helps pl...