Discovering Dubai: A Celebration Of Heritage, Modernity And Mercure’s Milestone

Dubai is a city that gracefully oscillates between the futuristic and the traditional, offering an unparalleled canvas for exploration. My recent trip to the megalopolis to celebrate the milestone opening of Mercure’s 1,000th global outlet at Mercure Dubai Deira became an immersive journey into the core of the city. Located in the heart of Dubai Deira—the historical heart of Dubai—the hotel represents a thoughtful conflation of modern hospitality and cultural heritage, making it an ideal starting point for uncovering old Dubai’s charm.

First Impressions: A Warm Welcome in Deira

By virtue of its location, Mercure Dubai Deira is a gateway to the city’s roots, far removed from the glitz, glamour, and crowds of newer developments. Its thoughtful design combines contemporary aesthetics with locally inspired elements, such as wall paintings created by Dubai-based artists, iconographies of seafaring communities, and local spices on display, providing an authentic sense of place.

Dubai Deira is one of Mercure’s newest properties. Mercure celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023 and achieved a milestone in 2024 with its 1,000th hotel. Close to Dubai's busy souks, Mercure Dubai Deira offers the ideal fusion of contemporary comfort and regional flair. The hotel has an inviting rooftop infinity pool, 152 modern rooms, and a range of dining options. It is a great option for both business and leisure travellers due to its proximity to the Gold Souk Metro station, Dubai International Airport, and neighbouring cultural attractions.

Soon after checking in, it was time for a guided tour. I was impressed by Mercure’s celebration of local artistry. The wall paintings, crafted by local artists with folkloric and global motifs, added a personal touch to the otherwise contemporary interiors. The hotel’s restaurants championed a fresh-to-table philosophy, emphasising sustainability—a theme that echoed throughout our stay.

The room I stayed in was an elegant affair, unifying thoughtful amenities and contemporary design with a focus on comfort and spaciousness. It boasts a luxurious king-size bed, walk-in showers, and eco-friendly toiletries to promote convenience and relaxation. It was well equipped with high-speed WiFi, tea and coffee facilities, a mini-fridge, and a smart TV with a 55-inch LED screen within A roomy 22-metre square layout.

Dinner that evening at Atmos, Mercure’s rooftop dining space, was an eye-opening introduction to the city. Over locally inspired dishes, our conversation veered toward Dubai’s evolution. Deira, with its quieter streets and historical landmarks, stands as a counterpoint to the city’s modern skyline. Julia Schamne, Hotel Manager of Mercure Dubai Deira, said, “Deira, with its quieter streets and historical landmarks, offers travellers a chance to experience the soul of old Dubai, away from the bustling crowds of the newer developments.”

Discovering Dubai’s Heritage

The next morning began with breakfast at Farmstead, one of Mercure’s restaurants. Shortly after, we embarked on a day tour from the hotel that unravelled the layers of Dubai’s rich history. The journey began at Dubai Creek, the lifeline of the city’s early seafaring community. From there, we explored the Deira Souks, where the Spice Souk was a sensory feast, and the Gold Souk glistened with its extravagant displays, including record-breaking gold ornaments like the 60-kilogram gold ring that exemplifies Dubai’s opulence.

At Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Zabeel Palace, the serene setting offered a glimpse into the grandeur of Emirati leadership. Built in the 1960s, it serves as the royal residence of Dubai's ruler. Outside the palace gates, we observed his signature car, flanked by a police vehicle, both adorned with exclusive single-digit number plates—a mark of prestige and rarity in the UAE. Later, The Frame, built by Fernando Donis, provided a literal and metaphorical window into Dubai’s dual identity. One side of the structure revealed the city’s humble beginnings, while the other showcased its ambitious skyline, embodying the essence of transformation.

Midday brought us to the Arabian Tea House, a gem tucked away in the heart of the city. Its interiors were a charming blend of white wicker furniture, Santorini-turquoise accents ensconced in fragrant bougainvillea blooms. Known for its authentic Emirati hospitality, the Tea House serves a variety of local delicacies, from saffron-infused teas to chebab pancakes. I savoured two cups of their coffee since understandably one wasn’t enough to satiate my tastebuds.

The afternoon continued with a delicious sustainable lunch back at Farmstead at the hotel, where each dish celebrated locally sourced ingredients. Evening activities ranged from a Islamic calligraphy painting session led by an expert, where we dabbled in the graceful art of Islamic script, to a private cooking class with Chef Ayman, whose expertise made even the most complex dishes seem approachable.

Later, we wrapped up the day at Dubai Mall, where the Burj Khalifa stood gloriously with the city at its feet, an engineering marvel and the tallest building in the world. As we drove back, the sleek silhouette of the Museum of the Future hinted at Dubai’s relentless pursuit of innovation, a city always looking forward while honouring its roots.

Cultural Threads and Culinary Journeys

Our final day in Dubai began with a creative workshop at the Al Fahidi Historical District. Guided by local artisans, we wove camel figurines from grass, a therapeutic activity that connected us to the region’s craft traditions. The Al Shindagha Museum further enriched our understanding of Dubai’s heritage, featuring interactive exhibits that allowed us to experience the fragrances of oud, frankincense, and other elements integral to the region’s culture. A short documentary detailed Dubai’s transformation—from a humble trading hub to a global metropolis—underscoring the city’s remarkable resilience and vision. What was once the bustling hub of pearl divers and merchants, and its waters still shimmer with echoes of the past.

Back at the hotel, we enjoyed another sustainable lunch, this time prepared by Chef Razmi, whose creations celebrated locally sourced, responsibly produced ingredients. The culinary experience was a testament to Mercure’s commitment to sustainability and local immersion.

A Celebration of Milestones

The trip culminated with Mercure’s Hero Event, marking the opening of its 1,000th address worldwide. Held on the rooftop of Mercure Dubai Deira, the celebration was a vibrant showcase of local razzle-dazzle  and culture. Special guests, including journalists and influencers, gathered to experience the brand’s new “1,000-Hours of Local Flavours”, which celebrates authentic tastes from each destination. Mercure Dubai Deira featured unique offerings like the Agarwood Fashioned cocktail, infused with homemade date syrup and oud wood chips, and Project ChaiWala’s Masala Carat Tea, garnished with 24-karat gold leaf—culinary experiences designed to captivate and connect guests to the locale.

The Information

Address: Al Yazia plaza - 110 Al Khaleej St - Deira - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Tariff: Starts from INR 22,670 (AED 981.51)

How to Reach: Travelling to Dubai from India is easy with direct flights from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, operated by Emirates, Air India, and IndiGo. Flights take about 3.5 to 4 hours. From Dubai International Airport, taxis or the Metro provide quick access to the city centre, approximately 20-30 minutes away.