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| Dubai
Sightseeing |
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Overview
Sightseeing in Dubai is divided between the Deira and Bur
Dubai sides of the Dubai Creek. Deira is the commercial
and business center of Dubai and is home to the best shopping. Highlights
include the numerous Souks, such as the Spice Souk, Deira
Old Souk and Dubai Covered Souk.
The historic Bur Dubai is not as lively and is
home to many attractions, including the Dubai Museum, Grand Mosque
and Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum’s House.
The Dubai Creek is also something of an attraction. Visitors
can choose to take the traditional dhow cruises
or stroll along its banks on the promenade on the Bur Dubai side.
Jumeirah Beach lies to the west of the mouth of
Dubai Creek. It is a sweeping strip of sand fringed by the warm
waters of the Arabian Gulf. The beach is officially private property
of the many beachfront hotels, but there is little to stop people
from wandering around. Many of Dubai’s five star hotels are
located on Jumeirah Beach. Leisure facilities like Wild
Wadi Water Park and the more traditional Jumeirah Mosque.
It is regarded by locals and tourists as the most beautiful mosque
in Dubai.
Away from the city, adventures await in the deserts and mountains.
"Dune bashing" and "Wadi
bashing" jeep safaris in the mountains and deserts
near Dubai are very popular. Other excursions can be made into the
neighbouring emirates and Oman.
Tourist
Information
Department of Tourism and Commerce
Marketing (DTCM) Welcome Bureau
Beni Yas Square, Deira
Telephone: (04) 228 5000. Fax: (04) 228 0011.
Email: info@dubaitourism.co.ae
Web site: www.dubaitourism.co.ae
Open: Daily 9:00am to 11:00pm.
The DTCM has two other Welcome Bureaux located at the airport and
on the Sheik Zayed Road to Abu Dhabi.
Bastakiya
Before the days of electricity and air conditioning, Dubai Creek
used to be lined by wind towers that kept the houses cool. Visiting
the Bastakiya district is like stepping back in time. Traditional
courtyard houses are bedecked with these wind towers.
East of Dubai Souk on Al-Fahidi Street
Bus 19 or the abra to Bur Dubai.
Children’s City
At Dubai Creekside Park, Children’s
City is a big hit with both local and international youngsters.
The 7700 square metre (82,882sq-ft) fun park takes the children
on a journey through the human body, science and space with the
help of different ‘zones’. There are plenty of hands
on action to keep even the most demanding children occupied. All
the exhibits are in English and Arabic.
Creekside Park
Telephone: (04) 334 0808.
Transport: Bus 19.
Hours: Sat-Thu 9:00am - 10:00pm. Fridays 4:00pm - 10:00pm.
Dubai Museum
The Al-Fahidi Fort which
is home to the Dubai Museum is an attraction in itself. The historic
fort dates back to 1799 and was converted into a museum in 1970.
The wide range of exhibits include old weapons and pearl-diving
outfits to an impressive array of military artifacts. Some of the
more interesting exhibits are those from the 3,000 to 4,000 year-old
graves at Al-Ghusais.
Al-Fahidi Road
Telephone: (04) 353 1862.
Transport ion: Bus 19.
Daily 08:30-20:30.
Encounter Zone
On 3rd floor of the Wafi Shopping Centre, this state-of-the-art
Encounter Zone entertainment centre is a playground for everyone.
The most popular attractions are the horror chamber, the Crystal
Maze and the 3D films. Other venues include the virtual reality
roller coaster and the many arcade games.
Wafi Shopping Centre
Telephone: (04) 324 7747.
Transport: Bus 14, 16 or 44.
Sat-Tues 10:00-23:00, Wed-Thurs 10:00-24:00.
Free Admission
The Grand Mosque
Rebuilt in 1998 it boasts the city’s tallest minaret at 70m
(231ft). It is located on the Bur Dubai side of the creek near the
Ruler’s Court. The Grand Mosque has nine large domes and 45
smaller ones. The mosque can hold up to 1,200 worshippers.
Ali ibin Ali Talib Street
Transport: Bus 19.
Daily 24 hours; entrance to non-Muslims is forbidden.
Free Admission
Heritage Village
The Heritage Village attempts to recreate some local colour among
the city's rapidly developing 21st-century skyline. Here you will
find the Bedouin way of life, with locals dressed in traditional
costume, displays of traditional handicrafts, with song and dance.
You can also purchase local handicrafts.
Near Shindagha Tunnel, Al-Shindagha Road
Telephone: (04) 393 7151.
Transport: Bus 8, 16, 19 or 20.
Sat-Thurs 08:00-22:00 and Fri 16:00-22:00.
Free Admission
Jumeirah Beach
Much of Jumeirah Beach is to home to Dubai's luxury hotels and their
facilities. There is a stretch of public beach available, with clean
white sand, crystal clear warm water. Some hotels allow non-guests
to use their pools and beach if they buy lunch or pay a modest day
fee.
Al-Jumeirah Road next to Marine Beach Resort
Transport: Bus 8 or 20.
Daily 24 hours.
Jumeirah Mosque
This is the most photographed building in Dubai and an impressive
example of modern Islamic architecture. Constructed along medieval
Fatimid lines and entirely of stone, the mosque and its two minarets
are unmistakable. It is attractive at night when lighting increases
its dramatic effect. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter mosques
in Dubai. Exceptions though are those on organised tours.
Al-Jumeirah Road
Transport: Bus 8 or 20.
Daily 24 hours. Access to non-Muslims through organised tours only.
Free Admission
Majlis Ghorfat Um-Al-Sheef
This is the place to get an insight into the opulent and rich world
of Dubai. This was once the home of the late ruler of Dubai, Ghorfat
Um-Al-Sheef, and now it is now open to the public. The home dates
back to 1955 and the most impressive areas are the majlis gardens
that include a reproduction of a traditional Arab irrigation system.
17 Street, off Al-Jumeirah Road
Telephone: (04) 394 6343.
Transport: Bus 8.
Daily 07:30-14:30 and 16:30-21:00.
Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum’s
House
For one of the best examples of traditional architecture be sure
and visit this place. Constructed from sandstone in 1896, this house
offers views towards the sea, although this has been slightly obscured
by recent development. The former ruler used this house to monitor
trade in and out of the country. The house was reopened as a museum
in 1986 and it also has an exhibition highlighting Dubai’s
development from the 1940s to the late 1960s.
Near Al-Shindagha Tunnel, Al-Shindagha Road
Telephone: (04) 393 7139.
Transport: Bus 8, 16, 19 or 20.
Sat-Thurs 08:30-21:00 and Fri 15:00-22:00.
Souks (markets)
The Souks or local markets offer a unique shopping experience
with sights, sounds and aromas of the yesteryear. The Spice Souk
on Al-Sabkha Road, is mostly a tourist attraction, while the
Gold Souk on Sikkat al-Khali Street, offers great
deals on all things gold. Prices for necklaces, rings, bangles,
earrings and brooches are among the lowest in the world. The Fish
Souk in Deira is also a tourist attraction Visitors are unlikely
to want to take fresh fish home with them. Every morning and late
at night, local fishermen unload heaps of fresh fish, which they
bargain and haggle over. Bargaining is normal practice in all of
the Souks and business hours are between 7:00am and 5:00pm. |
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| Deira Covered Souk: |
Al-Sabkha Road |
| Deira Old Souk or Spice Souk: |
67 Street |
| Deira Gold Souk: |
Sikkat al-Khali Street |
| Perfume Souk: |
Sikkat al-Khali Street |
| Electronics Souk: |
Al-Sabkha Road and Al-Maktoum Hospital Road |
| Dubai Souk: |
Bur Dubai |
| Transport: |
Bus 5, 16, 19 or 20 all drop off at Souks
in both Bur Dubai and Deira. |
| Opening hours: |
Daily 7 pm to 12 noon and 5 pm to 7 pm;
closed Fri am. |
| Admission: |
Free |
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