At first glance, Al Quoz appears like any other mid-city industrial suburb, with streets full of outwardly unremarkable warehouses. However, art lovers who take a turn down Alserkal Avenue will uncover Dubai's emerging culture hub. Spread over 500,000sqft, Alserkal features more than 40 concepts, including 20 permanent art spaces such as Salsali Private Museum, the region's first gallery for contemporary Middle Eastern art; Carbon 12 Dubai, which rotates exhibitions of international artists; and a high-energy calendar of art and culture events all through the year.

Hungry creatives can find inner fulfilment at one of Al Quoz's suitably inspiring cafes, including Lime Tree Cafe, vegan café Wild & the Moon, and the always-bustling Tom & Serg.