Finding her Canvas

DUBAI IS AN EMOTIVE AMALGAMATION OF HERITAGE, CULTURE, AND MODERNITY—AN URBAN OASIS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE VAST ARABIAN DESERT. ITS COSMOPOLITAN OUTLOOK AND AVANT-GARDE CHARACTER MAKE IT THE PERFECT DESTINATION FOR WOMEN TRAVELLERS. WE TOOK OUR COVER STAR, RADHIKA APTE, WHO REPRESENTS THE URBAN MILLENNIAL ON AND OFF SCREEN, TO THE EMIRATI JEWEL TO EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF ARCHITECTURE, MODERN ART, AND GASTRONOMY.

- PRIYANKA CHAKRABARTI

THE SHINING SUN, SAND, AND TOWERING SUPER STRUCTURES OF DUBAI MAKE IT SEEM PRODIGIOUS AT FIRST SIGHT.

If you arrive at Emirates Terminal 3, you realise rightaway that Dubai is a melting-pot of avant-garde art, innovation, and grace.

Exuding glitz and glamour from every corner and rooted in tradition, Dubai is fast becoming the most popular holiday destination for women travellers around the world. The City of Gold spoils you silly for choice. Whether it’s art, entertainment, gastronomy, or shopping, Dubai is a dream come true for female explorers. Thanks to its cosmopolitan culture and the liberal attitude of the ruling Sheikh, it is also one of the safest cities in the world. An apt personification of this ideology can be seen in actor Radhika Apte, who effortlessly brings to life bold and intriguing characters. Hence, she was our ideal companion to discover the hidden jewels of the Emirate.

ART ATTACK

The art scene in Dubai saw a major shift with the establishment of Alserkal Avenue in 2008.

Alserkal Avenue

If you want to explore Dubai’s quirky and vibrant art and culture, this is where you need to head. Grey concrete warehouses turned into intellectually stimulating art spaces, coupled with cafes, a cult cinema hall, a vintage car museum, and so much more will leave you spellbound. “I have been to Dubai so many times before, for events and promotions, but I have never been to this place before. I am in awe of Alserkal Avenue. The architecture, the art, and the cafes here are just amazing!” says Apte.