Peel off the glossy exterior of our awe-inspiring skyline, and discover the true heart of Dubai; this is our story, through the eyes of our residents, and is indeed, the Soul of Dubai.

The journey to the soul of Dubai is in the contents of a narrative that reflects the very essence of the Emirate, its nooks and crannies, and offers insights into what has made Dubai the city it is today.

The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirates dedicated Authority for culture, arts, and heritage, has chronicled tales of its people in the form of the Soul of Dubai Guide, a one-stop referral source into one of the most dynamic cities in the world.

Marking its launch at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2014, the Soul of Dubai Guide will be available across various locations in the city including the shopping, art, and culinary districts, as well as the widely-visited Dubai International Airports, and other touristic attractions.

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said: With all of Dubais towering accomplishments demonstrating the citys can-do spirit, it is equally important for us to portray the soul of Dubai our heritage, culture, and traditions all of which have inspired us to achieve our ambitions. The Soul of Dubai Guide serves as a window into the evolution of our city, the spirit of our people, and above all, it chronicles the love of our people for our city.

Presenting the peoples view to what visitors and residents should experience during their tour of the city, the first version of the Soul of Dubai Guide also celebrates the expansion of Dubai Cultures Soul of Dubai, a path-breaking initiative aimed at showcasing the dynamic growth of the city as well as its cultural diversity, its roots and heritage, as seen through the eyes of its community, through various disciplines of art. Having started out with film, Soul of Dubai steps into the realm of literature, culture, and visual arts, among others, with the Soul of Dubai Guide.

Featuring tales of humble beginnings and aspirations for the future from a diverse cross-section of residents and citizens of Dubai, from television personalities to art gallery owners, and entrepreneurs, who have made their mark in the citys creative landscape, the first edition of the 'Soul of Dubai Gude' is the result of extensive focus group interviews and research, conducted with people from different industries and nationalities, who come together to reveal their favourite places in the city. An ongoing initiative, Dubai Culture will continue to update the Soul of Dubai Guide with feedback from the community,

Designed to provide visitors with the perfect juxtaposition between Old and New Dubai, the Soul of Dubai Guide reveals many of the citys renowned gems from local eateries, heritage sites, quaint boutiques and organic markets, to picturesque parks and beaches.

Visitors can gain a strong understanding of the city in the various sections, all divided into easy-to-reference zones, ensuring that they experience all that the city has to offer. Each zone is introduced by a cultural figure from the city, who shares their stories of Dubai, and offer visitors with their personal recommendations on what should be explored in the city.

In Zone A, visitors will see a world of contrasts in Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, and Al Quoz; while Zone B resonates New Dubai with Jumeirah Beach, Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Nad Al Sheba, and Meydan.

Old and New Dubai, city and natural wetlands, take the centrestage in Zone C, which features Jumeirah Centre, Satwa, Trade Centre, Dubai International Financial Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Karama, and Ras Al Khor.

The oldest part of the city, and very much the heart of the city, is revealed in Zone D, with Khor Dubai (Dubai Creek), Deira, Bur Dubai, and Mirdif; while Zone E embodies the cultural essence of the city through Al Shindagha Historical Neighbourhood and Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. Go beyond the borders of the city in Zone F, which features Greater Dubai and The Desert.

Available free-of-charge at various locations, you can also download the guide via the Dubai Culture website www.dubaiculture.ae