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What to see in Dubai
Dubai Attractions
Visitors to Dubai will quickly discover the city has an incredible wealth of attractions on offer. The best place to start is with a sunset boat trip one of the traditional dhows on Dubai Creek. With the iconic skyline as a backdrop, this is an unforgettable experience.
Dubai is renowned for its modern, progressive architecture. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the dizzying heights of the observation deck on the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. From here visitors will be able to see the man made Palm Jumeirah, spread out like a palm tree into the Persian Gulf and covered with high-end hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs.
Many hotels, such as the ultra-luxurious Burj Al Arab, have their own private beaches, and there are numerous dedicated beach resorts for sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts to enjoy. Those seeking an escape from the fierce sun can disappear into the colossal shopping malls and traditional markets for which the city is so well known.
For all its modern luxury, Dubai has not forgotten its roots. The quiet, narrow lanes of the old Bastakia quarter are lined with well-preserved examples of traditional Arabian architecture. For the more adventurous, the desert beckons. Explorers can enjoy 4x4 safaris and camel rides, and get a taste of the Bedouin lifestyle with desert sleep outs, traditional dinners, and belly-dancing shows.
Dubai is also a sought-after destination for world sport, hosting enthusiastic fans for rugby sevens, tennis tournaments, and horse racing events. There truly is something for everyone on one of the world's premier tourist cities.

Al Fahidi Historic District
The Al Fahidi Historic District (formerly known as the Bastakiya Quarter) allows visitors to step back in time to the days before electricity and air-conditioning, when traditional, courtyard houses…

Bateaux Dubai Dinner Cruise
The Bateaux Dubai Dinner Cruise provides visitors to the Emirate with a unique and memorable way in which to view the older part of Dubai. The two and a half hour cruise departs from just beyond the…

Camel Racing
No visit to Dubai would be complete without a trip to the camel races. This is a traditional sport in the UAE and hugely popular among local Emiratis, who head to the race tracks early in the morning…

Dubai Creek
The natural seawater inlet that cuts through the centre of the city is the historical part of Dubai where visitors can take an abra (small water taxi) and view the old trading port and the…

Dubai Mall
Opened in November 2008, the Dubai Mall is the world's largest shopping centre and is home to around twelve hundred retailers. It is the size of more than fifty football pitches and features an ice…

Dubai Marina
The heart of cosmopolitan Dubai is the slick and modern Dubai Marina, a development that continues to add new attractions each year. World-class hotels and shopping malls dominate the distinctive skyline,…

Dubai Museum
The imposing 18th-century Al Fahidi Fort houses the Dubai Museum, which has an impressive collection of military and cultural artefacts, as well as working models and life-size displays depicting various…

Dubai Souks
The souks, or traditional markets, are popular with bargain hunters as well as sightseers and photographers. The most famous is the Gold Souk, where the narrow streets are lined with shops selling…

Grand Mosque
Boasting the city's tallest minaret at 230 feet (70m), the Grand Mosque is a notable landmark with its multi-domed style and impressive size. It is an important place of worship and can accommodate…

Jumeirah Beach Park
One of the main reasons holidaymakers flock to Dubai is to take advantage of the stunning beaches. If visitors aren't staying somewhere with access to the sand and sea, and don't want to pay AED 100…

Jumeirah Mosque
The Jumeirah Mosque is one of the most photographed sights in Dubai. A fine example of modern Islamic architecture, this beautiful mosque is also one of the city's largest, with a majestic dome and…

Sharjah
Sharjah is the third largest of the UAE's cities, and is the capital of the wealthy Sharjah emirate. Many of the headline attractions are within the Heritage Area near the main cornice. Here visitors…

Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum Museum
Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum's house dates back to the 19th century, and was built for Dubai's ruler with commanding views over the sea. It is one of the oldest residences in the city and has been restored…

Ski Dubai
One of the city's newest and most interesting attractions is the region's first indoor ski resort, with real snow and five runs catering to both beginner and expert skiers and snowboarders. The monumental…
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