In a three-part special of Travel Series, Hypebeast explores Dubai through an alternative lens. Looking past its main attractions, we tour the unexpected places that distill the city’s authentic culture and shape how both locals and visitors spend their time. The first episode follows model and content creator Jamal Sultan Alsaleh. Residing in neighboring Saudi Arabia, Jamal often finds himself retreating to Dubai for a short break from his day-to-day life. As well as simply offering a change of scenery, the city provides him with several go-to hubs where he’s come to spend his downtime. “Everytime I'm tired of the hustle and bustle of life, Dubai finds a way to bring me back to myself,” he mentions to Hypebeast. “A reset isn't a random vacation. It's a conscious decision to recalibrate my mind and body.”As Jamal highlights three main touchpoints to his restorative break – focus, engage, and unwind – Hypebeast follows his trip along the way. Be sure to discover the full guide below. Dubai Autodrome“Focus begins where distraction ends,” shares Jamal. Taking a spin around the 620m indoor track at Dubai Autodrome, he calls the karting experience a form of “forced meditation” where the only challenge is making it around the winding corners at record time. Dubai AutodromeAl Hebiah FirstMotor City, Dubai Champs Sports ClubIn a similar sporting escape, Jamal heads to the Champs Sports Club to shoot some hoops at the state-of-the-art basketball courts in the complex. He says, “If the track is about sharp, external focus, the court is about finding it internally. Basketball is about finding my rhythm.”Champs Sports Club 9 15th St, Al QuozAlAl Quoz, DubaiMatcha ClubFrom sports that demand focus to those that offer a chance to engage with others, Matcha Club serves as both a social hangout and a boutique sports space with yoga and pilates classes taking place alongside padel tournaments. Jamal calls this the perfect place to meet new friends, where "it's not just about the workout; it's a connection.”Matcha Club20 8 St, Al QuozAl Quoz, DubaiDubai Design District (D3)If, like Alsaleh, you work in a creative environment, a reset means also recharging the mind. At Dubai Design District (D3), you can take in “ideas, culture and creativity” from the array of contemporary sculptures, boutique shops and pop-up design showcases in the multidisciplinary space.Dubai Design District (D3)Building 3Dubai Design District, DubaiApolloLocated on the scenic The Palm, Jumeirah, Apollo is an all-day bistro that gives its diners a breathtaking view of Dubai’s cityscape while they enjoy breakfast favorites or classic lunch dishes. As the first place Jamal visits to unwind, he says, “This is the reward for all that effort… It's slowing down to savor everything.”Apollo Palm Views West-Palm, Nakhlat JumeiraJumeirah, DubaiINÁWhen the sun sets in Dubai, there’s one place that, according to Jamal, you must visit. INÁ, the indoor-outdoor restaurant, was recently awarded the 2025 FACT Dining Favorite Newcomer prize for its innovative fire-based cooking, local produce, and seasonal menus. INÁ71A St, J1 BeachJumeirah, Dubai SAL“Here, you truly let go. You unwind completely. It's not about emptying your mind, but letting it be still,” shares Jamal as he checks into SAL the following day. Nestled on the terrace of the iconic Burj Al Arab, this sun-drenched spot, with its sleek white architecture and 100m infinity pool, comes together as a contemporary oasis that reminds you to slow down.SALBurj Al Arab, Jumeira St.Umm Suqeim, DubaiRead more at Hypebeast