When you’re mapping out a dream trip through Dubai’s futuristic skyline, Abu Dhabi’s cultural landmarks, or the UAE’s lesser-known deserts, mountains, and coasts, the right creator can make your plans smarter and your spend go further. These UAE-based travel bloggers and storytellers share the spots locals actually love, the itineraries that fit your time and budget, and the tiny details—parking, timings, dress codes, child-friendliness—you won’t always find in brochures. We refined and updated the original roundup with clearer categories, direct links, and collaboration guidance so you can follow, plan, and book with confidence in 2026.
How we chose these UAE travel bloggers
- UAE-base and relevance: Current or long-standing ties to the UAE, consistently publishing UAE or regional content.
- Usefulness: Actionable tips, mapped itineraries, and honest reviews readers can apply immediately.
- Diversity of niches: Family, budget, luxury, food, photography, road trips, and culture.
- Cross-platform reach: Active blogs plus Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok for up-to-date visuals and reels.
- Credibility: Transparent disclosures, community trust, and consistent publishing history.
Quick guide: choose the right UAE travel blogger for you
- Planning family-friendly weekends? Look for creators noting stroller access, shaded play areas, nap-friendly timings, and multi-generational picks.
- Chasing adventure? Prioritize detailed safety notes, gear lists, best seasons, and GPX links for hikes or road trips.
- Booking luxury stays or dining? Follow bloggers who list booking windows, loyalty perks, dress codes, and real cost breakdowns.
- Traveling on a budget? Seek transport hacks (RTA, Nol), free viewpoints, budget eateries, and sunrise/sunset timing tips.
- Partnering as a brand? Check for a UAE e-media influencer license for paid work, clear media kits, and case studies with results.
Top UAE Travel Bloggers & Creators to Follow
1) Travel Junkie Diary (Michelle Karam)
Launched by Dubai-based Michelle Karam, Travel Junkie Diary grew into a storytelling platform celebrating soulful journeys, hidden gems, and meaningful cultural exchanges. Expect reflective narratives, community initiatives, and destination spotlights that go deeper than the postcard view.
- Best for: Purposeful travel inspiration, community-led projects, boutique stays
- Where to follow: Website (search “Travel Junkie Diary”), Instagram @michkaram
- Location: Dubai
- Tip: Look for her features on slow travel and local artisans to enrich your UAE itineraries with people-first experiences.
2) Dubai Travel Blog (Ed)
Long-time Dubai resident Ed documents the city’s constant evolution—new attractions, dining, day trips, and seasonal happenings—through practical posts and photo-led updates. His guides help newcomers and residents uncover both headline sights and low-key neighborhood finds.
- Best for: Dubai attractions, hotel deals, practical itineraries
- Where to follow: dubaitravelblog.com, Instagram @dubaitravelblog
- Location: Dubai
- Tip: Use his roundups for time-sensitive openings and seasonal events to keep your plans fresh.
3) The Thrift Trip (Joy Caasi)
Joy blends street photography with heartfelt notes on expat life and thrifty adventures around Dubai. Her visual diaries spotlight small moments—markets, murals, and unexpected corners—that make the city feel intimate and walkable.
- Best for: Budget-friendly finds, street photography, everyday Dubai
- Where to follow: thethrifttrip.com, Instagram @joycaasi
- Location: Dubai
- Tip: Pair her photo walks with metro routes to explore car-free and on a budget.
4) Find Me a Break (Myla Laurel)
Digital marketer and photographer Myla captures mood-rich frames of city life, cafés, and weekend escapes. Her posts blend clean visuals with short, useful notes that help you recreate the scene—where to sit, what to order, and when the light is best.
- Best for: Short-break inspiration, photogenic cafés and corners
- Where to follow: findmeabreak.com, Instagram @findmeabreak
- Location: Dubai
- Tip: Save her café maps for early morning shoots when venues are quiet and naturally lit.
5) The Fierce Diaries (Nadya Hasan)
Emirati tastemaker Nadya Hasan fuses luxury fashion with wanderlust, showcasing elevated stays, high-style dining, and itineraries where wardrobe and destination tell one story. Expect glossy visuals and polished, fashion-forward trip ideas.
- Best for: Luxury travel, fashion-led city breaks, statement dining
- Where to follow: thefiercediaries.com, Instagram @nadyaa
- Location: UAE
- Tip: Check highlights for dress-code cues and resort styling that suit local norms.
6) Lady and Her Sweet Escapes (Lady Anne)
Healthcare professional by day and explorer on weekends, Lady curates budget-friendly itineraries, date-worthy spots, and easy getaways across the UAE. Her writing is warm, practical, and designed for real schedules.
- Best for: Affordable Dubai/Abu Dhabi weekends, date ideas, quick trips
- Where to follow: ladyandhersweetescapes.com, Instagram @ladyandhersweetescapes
- Location: Dubai
- Tip: Use her detailed cost notes to build transparent budgets before you book.
7) Ishita Unblogged (Ishita)
Ishita braids travel with culinary storytelling, spotlighting Dubai and Kolkata alongside global kitchens. Expect recipes, restaurant picks, chef conversations, and plenty of nostalgia that turn meals into memory-making experiences.
- Best for: Food-led travel, heritage eats, chef interviews
- Where to follow: ishitaunblogged.com, Instagram @ishitaunblogged
- Location: Dubai
- Tip: Bookmark heritage food trails and festival posts—they sell out quickly.
8) Sweet Life in the Sandpit (Mizra Al Hosani)
Mizra’s blog is a family-first guide to the UAE’s best-kept secrets—new activities, restaurants, and short trips with a personal lens. It’s a reliable compass for parents balancing novelty with practicality.
- Best for: Family activities, kid-approved eats, UAE day trips
- Where to follow: sweetlifeinthesandpit.com, Instagram @sweetlifeinthesandpit
- Location: Dubai/Abu Dhabi
- Tip: Look for notes on shade, parking, and stroller access to stress-proof outings.
9) Arabian Notes (Lindsey Parry)
Writer and media professional Lindsey shares thoughtful takes on expat life between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, weaving culture, attractions, and practical living tips into accessible guides. Her posts emphasize understanding place as much as seeing it.
- Best for: Expat essentials, cultural context, balanced city guides
- Where to follow: arabiannotes.com, Instagram @arabiannotes
- Location: Abu Dhabi/Dubai
- Tip: Start with her cultural highlights to add depth to your standard itineraries.
10) Mr. Moudz (Mahmoud Sidani)
Fashion insider Mahmoud Sidani blends travel with runway energy—think design-forward hotels, global fashion weeks, and curated city moments. His aesthetic is luxe yet approachable, with a seasoned buyer’s eye for detail.
- Best for: Fashionable city breaks, luxury hotels, style-led itineraries
- Where to follow: mrmoudz.com, Instagram @mrmoudz
- Location: Dubai
- Tip: Use his travel weeks as a calendar to plan stylish shoulder-season trips.
11) The Boho Chica (Natasha Amar)
Dubai-based storyteller Natasha champions conscious exploration—from mountain trails and markets to meaningful cultural exchanges. Expect rich, practical guides that encourage connecting with places and people.
- Best for: Ethical travel, hiking and nature, markets and stories
- Where to follow: thebohochica.com, Instagram @thebohochica
- Location: Dubai
- Tip: Her hiking and wadis content pairs well with early-start tips to beat heat and crowds.
12) While I’m Young (Danielle)
Written for experience-first travelers, Danielle’s blog balances budget hacks with bucket-list moments. Though UK-based, her Dubai and Middle East features remain helpful for first-time visitors plotting high-value itineraries.
- Best for: Budget-savvy trips, first-timer Dubai guides
- Where to follow: whileimyoung.com, Instagram @danniellelily
- Location: UK; frequent Middle East coverage
- Tip: Cross-check her packing and cost guides against seasonal event calendars.
13) Momentary Awe (Catalin Marin)
Dubai photographer Catalin Marin is known for jaw-dropping cityscapes—fog-laced skylines, architectural symmetry, and golden-hour skyscrapers. His blog and socials show you where and when to capture the city at its best.
- Best for: Photography spots, skyline planning, architecture
- Where to follow: momentaryawe.com, Instagram @anaelisaseixas (photography updates may be cross-posted)
- Location: Dubai
- Tip: Watch for fog alerts and winter sunrise windows to replicate iconic skyline shots.
14) Moment Keepers (Jeremiah & Joanna)
By day, they’re IT pros; by night, travel storytellers cataloging weekends, staycations, and scenic escapes. Their couple’s perspective is relatable, with itineraries you can lift and use.
- Best for: Couples’ trips, budget-friendly staycations, city photo spots
- Where to follow: themomentkeepers.com, Instagram @themomentkeepers
- Location: Dubai
- Tip: Their sunrise/sunset picks are perfect for quick, no-fuss golden-hour plans.
15) I Am Ella (Ella Dvornik)
Though London-based, Ella’s long travel history and culinary curiosity resonate with UAE readers who pair European weekends with Middle East adventures. Expect chic city itineraries and a food-first lens.
- Best for: Stylish Europe add-ons to UAE trips, dining-led city breaks
- Where to follow: elladvornik.com, Instagram @elladvornik
- Location: London; global travel
- Tip: Use her guides to extend UAE holidays with smart Europe connections via DXB.
10 More UAE-Based Creators to Discover
16) Our Globetrotters (Keri Hedrick)
Abu Dhabi-based family travel expert Keri shares kid-tested itineraries across the UAE and beyond—with stroller notes, shade tips, and honest costs. She also runs Dubai Travel Planner for city-specific advice.
- Best for: Family travel, Abu Dhabi and UAE weekends, practical planning
- Where to follow: ourglobetrotters.com, Instagram @ourglobetrotters
- Location: Abu Dhabi
- Tip: Start with her “UAE with kids” hubs to plan by age and season.
17) Dubai Travel Planner (by the Our Globetrotters team)
Built for first-timers and repeat visitors, this site covers visas, dress codes, best seasons, public transport, and curated day-by-day plans. It’s a high-value one-stop resource for Dubai logistics.
- Best for: Visas, etiquette, itineraries, neighborhood guides
- Where to follow: dubaitravelplanner.com, Instagram @dubaitravelplanner
- Location: Dubai/Abu Dhabi
- Tip: Use the month-by-month guides to pick dates around weather and events.
18) The Road Reel (Irina)
Dubai-based Irina specializes in scenic road trips, hikes, and photo-ready itineraries around the UAE, Oman, and the Balkans. Expect detailed routes, maps, and seasonal timing.
- Best for: UAE/Oman road trips, hikes, offbeat itineraries
- Where to follow: theroadreel.com, Instagram @theroadreel
- Location: Dubai
- Tip: Her wadis and mountain routes are best tackled in cooler months—check safety notes.
19) Mr & Mrs Brunch
The duo behind Dubai’s brunch culture also spotlight staycations and city breaks across the UAE. Their guides blend honest reviews with timely deals and special-event line-ups.
- Best for: Brunch intel, staycations, dining-and-stay combos
- Where to follow: mrandmrsbrunch.com, Instagram @mrandmrsbrunch
- Location: Dubai
- Tip: Follow stories for limited-time offers and pop-ups that sell out fast.
20) FooDiva (Samantha Wood)
Award-winning Dubai critic Samantha covers restaurants, culinary travel, and industry insights with rigorous standards. Her verdicts help you book better—and avoid costly misses.
- Best for: Special-occasion dining, culinary travel, industry insights
- Where to follow: foodiva.net, Instagram @foodiva
- Location: Dubai
- Tip: Cross-reference her reviews with chef changes and seasonal menus.
21) A to Za’atar (Courtney Brandt)
Author and long-time Dubai resident Courtney explores dining, hotels, and travel across the UAE and region. Her writing is candid, organized, and easy to act on.
- Best for: Hotel reviews, UAE dining, city breaks
- Where to follow: atozataar.com, Instagram @atozataar
- Location: Dubai
- Tip: Her hotel write-ups often include room-type notes that influence value.
22) Ginger and Scotch
A veteran Dubai expat blog mixing recipes, markets, travel, and family life. Expect practical trip notes with a comforting, home-cooked perspective on food-led adventures.
- Best for: Family-friendly food and travel, markets, easy recipes
- Where to follow: gingerandscotch.com, Instagram @gingerandscotch
- Location: Dubai
- Tip: Pair her recipes with market guides to shop and cook locally.
23) Frying Pan Adventures (Arva Ahmed)
Founded by Emirati food historian and guide Arva Ahmed, this blog and tour platform digs into Dubai’s soul-food neighborhoods. A must for travelers who plan via their palate.
- Best for: Food heritage, walking tours, old Dubai eats
- Where to follow: fryingpanadventures.com/blog, Instagram @fryingpanadventures
- Location: Dubai
- Tip: Book early in peak season; her blog posts help you DIY if tours are full.
24) Naomi D’Souza
Engineer-turned-creator Naomi blends data-forward reviews with lifestyle, travel, and dining picks. Expect transparent comparisons, accessibility notes, and honest pros/cons.
- Best for: Data-led dining and travel picks, accessibility notes, value comparisons
- Where to follow: naomidsouza.com, Instagram @naomi_dsouza
- Location: Dubai
- Tip: Her price/portion breakdowns are invaluable for budget planning.
25) The Travel Camel (Shane Dallas)
A long-time Middle East travel voice, Shane shares photography-first stories and destination context, including regular UAE features and regional trips that pair well with a Dubai base.
- Best for: Photography-led travel, culture-rich Middle East itineraries
- Where to follow: thetravelcamel.com, Instagram @thetravelcamel
- Location: Dubai/Middle East
- Tip: Use his cultural notes to shape respectful, immersive itineraries.
How to collaborate with UAE travel bloggers (brands, PRs, and boards)
- Check credentials: For paid promotions in the UAE, creators typically require an e-media influencer license; ask for proof and media kit.
- Be clear on rights: Specify content formats, exclusivity, geotargeting, and usage windows for ads or whitelisting.
- Prioritize fit over follower count: Match niche and audience location to your objective; ask for case studies and insights screenshots.
- Mind seasonality: Major events, Ramadan, and peak heat shape performance; plan campaigns around calendars that matter locally.
- Disclose and align: Ensure ASA/MRO-compliant disclosures and brand safety guidelines are followed across platforms.
Essential planning tips for travel in the UAE
- Best months: Late Oct–Apr for outdoor plans; summer for value hotel rates with strong AC and indoor attractions.
- Etiquette: Dress modestly at religious and government sites; always ask before photographing people.
- Transport: The Dubai Metro, Nol cards, and Careem/Uber cover most itineraries; rent a car for mountains and desert.
- Weekends: In the UAE, the weekend is Sat–Sun; book popular restaurants and attractions in advance.
- Family planning: Many venues offer shaded play, indoor soft play, and early-opening hours—perfect for little ones.
