Exploring Dubai with Nadine Kanso

We sat down with Nadine at her AD-featured house in Jumeirah, one morning before the launch party of her new collection of Bil Arabi at DIFC's Arts Club. Nadine first moved to Dubai with her family after leaving Lebanon, where she quickly fell in love with the city's beaches, fashion culture, balance of fast-paced and relaxed living, just like many others who end up settling here. 

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Nadine Kanso  | Hyperlocal Guide
Nadine Kanso  | Hyperlocal Guide

Nadine Kanso's spots in Dubai

Nadine, who calls herself a "Jumeirah girl," shares with us what makes this neighbourhood so dear to her, and her favourite activities in Dubai that keeps her creative as a cultural entrepreneur.


The Arts Club Dubai - Hyperlocal Guide

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.”

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Tashas Jumeirah - Hyperlocal Guide

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.”

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Twiggy by La Cantine - Hyperlocal Guide

Restaurant in Dubai

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

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Filli Cafe - Hyperlocal Guide

Cafe in Dubai


“Great cafe by the beach with multiple location."

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Gaia Dubai restaurant - Hyperlocal Guide

Restaurant in Dubai

“This is obviously an amazing restaurant at DIFC.”

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Creek Park - Hyperlocal Guide

Parks in Dubai

“If you want a nice park, you can go to this one on the creek. I used to take my kids there, there is a nice cable car you can take, it's really well made.”

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City Walk - Hyperlocal Guide

Mall in Dubai

“It's an area with really nice restaurants and cafes.”

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La Ville Hotel & Suites City Walk - Hyperlocal Guides

Hotel in Dubai

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

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Kite Beach - Hyperlocal Guides

Beach in Dubai

“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.”

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Comptoir 102 Healthy Cafe and Concept Store Dubai - Hyperlocal Guides

Restaurant in Dubai

“This is a nice place and if you want to have a nice bite, and they have a good concept store.”

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Bil Arabi - Hyperlocal Guides

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.”

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THAT Concept Store - Hyperlocal Guides

Store in Dubai

“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.”

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The Artisan Dubai - Hyperlocal Guides

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.”

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Zuma - Hyperlocal Guides

Restaurant in Dubai

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

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Rove La Mer Beach - Hyperlocal Guides

Hotel in Dubai

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

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The Maine Land Brasserie - Hyperlocal Guides

Restaurant in Dubai

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

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Bulgari Hotel & Resorts, Dubai - Hyperlocal Guides

Resort in Dubai

“A really amazing spot, it's on the beach, and you have access directly to the beach.”

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Orfali Bros Bistro Restaurant - Hyperlocal Guides

Restaurant in Dubai

“Great food, multi-awarded place to eat, ran by three Syrian brothers.”

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LPM Restaurant & Bar - Hyperlocal Guides

Restaurant in Dubai

“If you want to go up a notch, LPM is a great spot to dine.”

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Jumeirah - Hyperlocal Guides

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.”



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Mandarin Oriental Jumeira - Hyperlocal Guides

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.”

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Park Hyatt Dubai - Hyperlocal Guides

Hotel in Dubai

“It's really nice hotel. You can even take a seaplane from Park Hyatt and go up.”

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Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Cafe  - Hyperlocal Guides

Restaurant in Dubai

“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.”

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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. 
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Nadine Kanso  | Hyperlocal Guide

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
Nadine Kanso | Hyperlocal Guide