UAE In The 80s: 10 Places That Locals Loved Visiting Before The City Boom

Before skyscrapers reshaped the skyline and mega malls became weekend destinations, the UAE had a simpler way to have fun. Families would pile into cars for beach picnics, children looked forward to amusement rides, and a trip to the cinema or local market could become a memorable outing. These places may look very different today, but they remain part of the childhood memories of those who experienced the UAE in the 1980s.

UAE In The 80s

1. Al Ghurair Centre

Al Ghurair Centre was one of Dubai’s early shopping and entertainment destinations after opening in 1981. For families in the 1980s, a visit meant browsing the shops, grabbing a bite and catching a movie, but the real draw for many youngsters was Sinbad, one of the city’s first indoor arcades. Packed with arcade games and entertainment, it quickly became a favourite hangout for children and families, adding to the centre’s appeal as a go-to weekend destination.

2. Dubai Zoo

Dubai Zoo in Jumeirah was a much-loved family outing in the 1980s, when a visit to see lions, monkeys, giraffes and other animals was enough to turn an ordinary weekend into an exciting day out. Families would head to the zoo, often followed by a beach trip or a nearby meal, making it one of the simple pleasures of old Dubai. Before sprawling theme parks and giant entertainment complexes were part of everyday life, Dubai Zoo held a special place in many residents’ childhood memories.

3. Al Jazeera Park Sharjah

In the 1980s, a trip to Al Jazeera Park in Sharjah could easily turn into the highlight of the weekend. Families would pile into the car, drive from Dubai or nearby neighbourhoods, and spend the day on amusement rides, with children eagerly choosing their favourites and parents enjoying the old-school park atmosphere. No high-tech entertainment centres or indoor play zones competed for attention, so even a few rides, some snacks, and time outdoors felt like a proper adventure.

4. Volcano Fountain Abu Dhabi

The Volcano Fountain was more than just a landmark — it was a playground for children and a favourite meeting spot for families. Kids would race up and down its steps and play hide-and-seek around the structure while parents and grandparents watched nearby. Small picnics at the foot of the steps with friends, cousins and family turned ordinary evenings into cherished memories, making the fountain a memorable part of growing up in old Abu Dhabi.

5. Khor Fakkan Beach

Khor Fakkan Beach was a much-loved weekend escape for UAE families in the 1980s, when a beach day meant packing homemade food, gathering friends and cousins, and hitting the road. Barbecues were also allowed on the beach, turning these outings into laid-back gatherings with grilled food, picnic mats and plenty of time by the water. Families could spend hours swimming, playing on the sand and enjoying the mountain views before heading home.

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6. Plaza Cinema

Plaza Cinema was a familiar name in Dubai’s old-school cinema scene, where catching a Hindi, English, or regional film could turn into a much-anticipated family outing. Moviegoers would meet friends, grab snacks and settle in for an evening at a time when cinemas were among the city’s favourite forms of entertainment. The venue was later renamed Golden Cinema in the mid-2000s after a change in ownership, but its earlier name remains tied to memories of old Dubai.

7. Luna Park & Al Nasr Club

Luna Park at Al Nasr Leisureland was a big draw for families looking for a fun day out, with amusement rides, bumper cars and plenty of excitement for children. Just next door, Al Nasr Club was another popular spot for sports, social gatherings and community events, giving families even more reason to spend their weekends in the area. Together, the two became part of Dubai’s old-school entertainment scene, when a trip to Al Nasr could mean rides, games, sports and a full day of family fun.

8. Chicago Beach Hotel

Long before Jumeirah’s coastline became synonymous with luxury resorts, Chicago Beach Hotel was a familiar name for beachgoers in Dubai. Its sandy stretch and relaxed seaside setting made it a popular place to spend time with family and friends, especially on leisurely weekends. The low-rise hotel became part of the city’s old-school landscape, bringing back memories of a quieter Dubai before the coastline transformed.

9. Murshid Bazaar

A trip to Murshid Bazaar meant stepping into the bustling heart of old Deira, where narrow lanes, busy shops and the aroma of spices created a distinctly nostalgic Dubai experience. Families would wander through the market picking up spices, fabrics, perfumes and everyday essentials, often turning a simple shopping trip into an afternoon out. The chatter of shopkeepers, crowded streets and traditional storefronts offered a glimpse of Dubai before polished malls became the go-to shopping destinations.

10. Al Mulla Plaza

Al Mulla Plaza was one of those old-school shopping destinations that many UAE residents remember as part of everyday life before Dubai’s mega-mall era. Families would head there to browse the shops, pick up clothes and household essentials, grab a bite and spend time together. Its bustling corridors and familiar storefronts offered a very different kind of shopping experience one that still evokes memories of a simpler UAE.

The 1980s UAE may have looked very different, but its simple weekend outings and beloved local spots created memories that continue to live on.

Cover Image Courtesy: Al Nasr Leisureland/Instagram and Alserkal/Website