Exploring Dubai with Nadine Kanso

One serene morning before the launch party for her latest Bil Arabi collection at DIFC’s prestigious Arts Club, we met Nadine Kanso in her striking, AD-featured home in Jumeirah. Nadine—artist, jewelry designer, and cultural voice—has long called Dubai home. Since relocating from Lebanon, she’s embraced the city’s shimmering beaches, dynamic design scene, and rare balance of serenity and bustle.

As we wandered through her home, filled with art, Arabic script, and sun-washed textures, Nadine opened up about the places that inspire her—from coastal cafes to contemporary galleries. Whether it’s lounging beachside or curating pieces in her studio, Nadine’s Dubai is steeped in heritage, creativity, and unmistakable style.

Nadine Kanso's Dubai Picks

A cultural entrepreneur’s personal guide to the city she loves.

The Arts Club Dubai

View place — Social Club in Dubai

“Obviously, if you're a private member, it would be the Arts Club. You a need member to go there. It's a beautiful, truly gorgeous place. It's a three to four storeys building, quite big. It's done by a beautiful, amazing designers from Milan, the Dimore studio. They are top notch and they've done a great great job with the place.”

Tashas Jumeirah

View place Restaurant in Dubai

“This is where you'd go if you want to have a very very nice bite, but very casual. It's the one at Galleria Mall.”

Twiggy by La Cantine

View place Restaurant in Dubai

“Twiggy is really cool, for the beach as well for a day on their pool, right by the creek.”

Filli Cafe

View place  Beachfront Café

"Simple, unfussy, and perfectly located by the beach. I love grabbing tea here after a walk."

Gaia Dubai

View place  Fine Dining – DIFC

"A standout in the Dubai food scene. Located in DIFC, Gaia is consistently impressive."

Creek Park

View place   Recreational Park

"I used to bring my kids here. There’s a fun cable car ride and lovely green spaces—it’s well made and a peaceful retreat."

City Walk

View place  Urban Lifestyle District

"A vibrant area with stylish restaurants, cafes, and shopping. Perfect for a casual afternoon."

La Ville Hotel & Suites City Walk

View place  Boutique Hotel

“If you want to be around downtown, Jumeirah and close to everything else. It's a very very good spot in City Walk.”

Kite Beach

View place  Public Beach

“I go often to the beach. There's a free beach next to kite beach. We go to every week. You can go and book a chair for like 70 Dirham on arrival.”

Comptoir 102

View place  Concept Store & Healthy Café

"Beautifully curated space with delicious healthy bites. I love their jewelry and home goods too."

Bil Arabi Studio

View place  Store in Dubai

“This is my showroom and my studio which is in Dubai Design District. You can come for a visit, by appointment by calling or WhatsApp."

THAT Concept Store

View place  Retail – Mall of the Emirates

“This is another physical store where you can actually  see all of our pieces which here at THAT concept store at the Mall of the Emirates. This is where you can find most of our collections.”

The Artisan Dubai

View place –  Italian Restaurant in Dubai

“For the best Italian, we have to mention this. It's at the Waldorf Astoria. Hands down the best Pizza and Pasta. Italian is my favourite food, obviously after Arabic food.”

Zuma

View place  Restaurant in Dubai

“DIFC is where you'll find some of the best restaurants in the city, Zuma is really good.”

Rove La Mer Beach

View place  Hotel in Dubai

“A more accessible price point for an amazing spot, with direct access to the beach."

The Maine Land Brasserie

View place  Restaurant in Dubai

“Definitely a great place at Business Bay, which has lots of buildings with really nice restaurants.”

Bulgari Hotel & Resort, Dubai

View place  Luxury Beach Resort

"Pure luxury. Beachfront access, impeccable service—an ideal retreat."

Orfali Bros Bistro

View place  Award-Winning Eatery

"Run by three Syrian brothers, this bistro is creative, honest, and absolutely delicious."

LPM Restaurant & Bar

View place  Restaurant in Dubai

"For a refined dining experience, LPM never disappoints."

Jumeirah

View place  Neighborhood in Dubai

“I mean, I'm a Jumeirah girl. I've been living in Jumeirah for the last 23 years since I came to Dubai. I think what's nice about this area is that you're always close to the beach. There are a lot of really nice hotels, cafes, and restaurants. It's really chic, and you can have the luxury side, and also more accessible spots. I'm not gonna lie, I'm a Jumeirah girl.”

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira

View place  Hotel in Dubai

“I would say if you want on the luxury side, go here or Bvlgari. It's located in my favourite neighbourhood, Jumeirah.”

Park Hyatt Dubai

View place  Hotel in Dubai

"A stunning location by the creek. You can even take a seaplane from here—it’s such a unique Dubai experience."

Arabian Tea House

View place   Traditional Café – Jumeirah

“A very authentic place to have Arabian tea and local Emirati dishes situated in Jumeirah. I usually walk there, it's very close to my house.”

Featuring Nadine Kanso

Renowned Artist and Designer

Nadine Kanso is a Lebanese artist and designer renowned for her unique fusion of Arabic calligraphy with contemporary design. Born and raised in Beirut, she pursued degrees in Communication Arts and Advertising Design from the Lebanese American University. 

Connect with Nadine Kanso

Bil Arabi: Where Arabic Calligraphy Meets Timeless Jewelry.

In 2006, Nadine launched her jewelry brand, Bil Arabi ("In Arabic"), which celebrates the beauty of the Arabic script through modern jewelry pieces. Her designs artfully incorporate Arabic letters and words, transforming them into wearable art that resonates with cultural significance. 

Visit Bil Arabi by Nadine Kanso