I was asked by the Al Barsha Veterinary Clinic to write an article for their newsletter for the month of April. Since many years I have been visiting their clinic with my pets and have always appreciated their amazing service as well as their continuous support for the strays in Dubai with their very often "Spay a Stray" campaign.
So when they approached me, I could not say anything other than: yes. I'm happy to share the article with you here as well.
Since many years The UAE and especially Dubai, has become more dog friendly. And as you know my platform is the space where you can find all dog friendly places like restaurants & hotels but also beaches, parks and events.
Born in The Netherlands, I come from a place where pets are part of our families. Taking your dog with you while going out for a coffee or even on a vacation is very normal. My dog Boefje who is now 15, was adopted by me when she was 3 years old. From the moment I had her, I took her with everywhere I could. Not only was she lucky enough to explore amazing places in Europe, in 2015 we both moved to The UAE.
I have been visiting The UAE regularly since I was 5 years old and therefore knew my way around here. However now with my dog I had to start exploring where we could go together. Although I did not find it hard, I found out a lot of dog owners were unaware where they could bring their dog. And so Doggie Adventures In Dubai started. I started sharing weekly videos and a website came very soon with several lists.
Now many years later, my platform has grown into an amazing community, the website has a proper directory and interactive map, plus we even organize dog friendly events.
I’m super excited to be writing this piece for you all for the ABVC Newsletter and below I like to share with you some of my favorite dog friendly places that you can enjoy before the weather get’s too hot.
Dog Friendly Restaurant
With over 230 dog friendly restaurants in Dubai alone, it’s really hard to pick just 1 restaurant that is my favorite. However, I really would recommend Jones The Grocer on Palm West Beach. Originally from Australia, Jones The Grocer is a f&b brand that has convenience stores, cheese rooms as well as cafes. Their branch on Palm West Beach not only has an amazing view overlooking JBR as well as the new Dubai Harbour, and you can also see Bluewaters Island with of course the Ain Dubai.
The outdoor terrace is lovely and right on the beach. Their menu has a wide variety of breakfast & lunch items as well as an extensive dinner menu that includes freshly made pizzas. And if this was not already enough to convince you, they are also licensed.
All the team members working at this lovely outlet truly love dogs. Without asking a water bowl is provided with some ice in it to keep our pooches hydrated. And don’t be surprised if your dog is spoiled with cuddles as well.
Urban Dog Friendly Staycation
Located at the doorstep of Dubai Downtown, you can find this beautiful art boutique hotel. The hotel not only lives and breathes culture and art, they’re also dog friendly.
I’ve said it many times, there’s a big difference in allowing dogs and being dog friendly. And at Hotel Indigo they really understand that when you’re out with your dog, you want to have fun and enjoy your time out together.
Entering the hotel, you’re surrounded by amazing art. There are so many details in the interior. Different styles are mixed together and I don’t know how, but it works! The colors, the smell, it really gives you a unique experience.
All staff members are extremely friendly and they all love dogs.
The rooms are spacious and have a beautiful view over the new Dubai Creek. At the room, a dog bed and water & food bowl are waiting for your pooch. Which makes your stay even more comfortable.
On the ground floor you can find the Open Sesame restaurant. A social eatery with a Mediterranean menu. The terrace is spacious and has a unique feel because of the amazing waterfall. It’s the perfect place to enjoy some amazing food in a relaxing ambiance together with your dog but this is also where you can enjoy your breakfast in the morning.
On the second floor you can find a 25-meter-long infinity pool.
Unlike many other hotels, dogs are also allowed at the pool deck at Hotel Indigo. So there’s no need to leave your dog alone at the room during your stay. On the pool deck you can also find the Orange Feels Bar which is a great place to enjoy shisha in the evening along with some bites and drinks.
At both Open Sesame as well as the Orange Feels bar, water bowls are provided without you having to ask for it. Cuddles are given to the dogs by the waiters and even the Valet Parking team members and the overall service is just outstanding.
Although the neighborhood is not typically dog friendly, you do have the possibility to have a lovely walk along the canal. The Marasi Drive has a 12km promenade so it’s safe to say that there is more than enough opportunity to stretch your own as well as your dog’s legs.
At Hotel Indigo they allow one dog per room and 2 dogs in a suite. To make sure all guests feel comfortable, only dogs up to 20kg are allowed.
Dog Friendly Beach
If you like to spend your day on a white sandy beach where your dog can run freely and swim in the water while you also can enjoy some amazing f&b, then Kite Beach Umm Al Quwain is what you’re looking for.
The beach restaurant & café serves everything from breakfast, lunch & dinner as well as snacks.
On the beach they have many sunbeds, beach chairs and bean bags as well as umbrellas so you and your pooch can sit in the shade.
Depending on where you live in Dubai, the drive to this amazing place is only around 1 hour. Which is not that far from the city and definitely worth the drive. Especially keeping in mind that none of the beaches where dogs are allowed in Dubai, allow the dogs to run off leash or swim in the water.
Dog Friendly Water Sport Activities
I’m sure many residents in The UAE have visited the Eastern Mangroves in Abu Dhabi. But not many know you can explore them with your dog as well. Sea Hawk is a company that provides guided tours per kayak and stand-up paddle in the mangroves where your dog can join you. The tour takes around 2 hours and it also gives you enough opportunity to let your dog run off leash on one of the beaches and swim in the water.
The instructors from Sea Hawk are very accommodating and friendly and can tell you a lot about the mangroves. But mainly you’re just having a lot of fun and quality time with your dog.
Dog Friendly Glamping
The last place I would like to recommend is really a place where dogs can be dogs. RAK Glamping is a beautiful hidden gem in the heart of Ras Al Khaimah. The place is nine acres big and is surrounded by beautiful trees and sandy dunes. In the distance you’ll be able to see the Hajjar Mountains which is a great skyline to look at. Especially very early in the morning.
Staying the night at RAK Glamping is very comfortable in either one of the Arabic Bedouin tents or the wooden cabin or recycled lodge. But you also have the opportunity to bring and set-up your own tent. There are toilet and shower facilities.
On the terrain you can find a nice sitting area with a koi pond where you and your pooch can relax but there are also nice facilities for you to play games like volleyball and table tennis which makes it also very fun for kids, and even bbq at night while sitting next to the camp fire. On top of all of this, there’s also an infinity pool where dogs can splash around.
Apart from the dogs you’ll also see some resident cats as well as horses and even tortoises! And of course, you’ll see many birds flying around and hear the crickets at night.
RAK Glamping is the ultimate dog friendly destination and really a must visit.
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