Attractions
Dubai is evolving at a remarkable pace and has left its modest
history as a fishing port far behind. Yet in between the
ultra-modern skyscrapers and endless construction sites, there are
quite a few attractions of historical interest such as the Bastakia
district and the various
souks.
Other attractions center on Dubai's defining geophysical
features: the desert offers adventure touring, rock climbing and
photography, while the coastline offers a plethora of water
sports.
Dubai is not really suitable for exploring on foot. Attractions
tend to be far apart and the year-round heat - reaching inferno
proportions in summer - will turn your walk into an ordeal. Better
options are to hire a taxi and driver for the day, join an
organised tour, or rent a car and enjoy the inexpensive local
gasoline while taking in the sights.
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 dhows from the water. A cruise to Al-Maktoum...
see full detailsBastakiya
The old Bastakiya district is a step back in time to the days
before electricity and air-conditioning, where traditional
courtyard houses were cooled by wind towers. Old Dubai was famous
for its wind towers that lined the Creek on both sides, and today
the...
see full detailsSouks
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 everything golden, from 24-carat bars to rings and
elaborate necklaces, and all...
see full detailsGrand 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 up to 1,200 worshippers inside. Non-Muslims are not
permitted to enter...
see full detailsWild Wadi
One of the most advanced water theme parks ever designed, the
five-hectare (12-acre) water park at Wild Wadi offers families and
thrill seekers hours of fun, relaxation and adrenalin-pumping
action. Designed like an Arabian wadi (oasis), the park has an
Arabian folklore theme and...
see full detailsJumeirah 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 twin minarets, and is one of the few mosques...
see full detailsDubai Museum
The imposing 19th century Al Faheidi 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 aspects of Dubai life such as the markets, an
Islamic school, the desert,...
see full detailsSki 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 indoor snowdome can host up to 1,500 people. The longest
run...
see full detailsSheikh 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 as a museum exhibiting historical photographs and
artefacts...
see full detailsCamel Racing
No visit to Dubai would be complete without a trip to the races…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 to...
see full detailsJumeirah 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 100AED plus to use a hotel’s...
see full detailsBateaux 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 Al Maktoum Bridge...
see full detailsDubai Mall
Opened in November 2008, 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 rink, a hotel, and is the gateway...
see full detailsDubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
The recently opened Dubai Aquarium is fast becoming one of the Emirates most popular attractions. Featuring the largest viewing panel and one of the biggest tanks in the world, visitors have the opportunity to experience the incredible underwater domain of...
see full details