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Tours in Dubai |
Bastakiya
In the days before electricity and air conditioning, Dubai Creek used to be lined by a mass of wind towers that kept the local houses cool. The Bastakiya district is a step back in time, laden as it is with traditional courtyard houses, bedecked with these wind towers. The Bastakiya area is currently undergoing renovation, with improved visitor facilities planned for its transformation into a 'tourist village'. It now boasts a modest museum, a sprinkling of cafes and a slew of small art galleries, making its shady street ideal for wandering around and exploring.
East of Dubai Souk on Al-Fahidi Street
Palm Islands and the World
The three Palm islands, said to be visible from space, form the largest manmade islands in the world. The Palm Jumeirah, whose first residents moved in during 2007, boasts a number of hotels as well as private residences. The Palm Jebel Ali is slated to have more leisure facilities, including an aquatic theme park, when it opens in 2008/9. The third of the islands, Palm Deira, will be more geared towards residential use with over 7,000 villas, and will be the largest of the trio when it opens in 2009/10. New bridges will connect the islands to the mainland in one of the largest construction projects ever undertaken by man. The three islands are going to be accompanied by ‘The World', all very Dubai, an ambitious attempt to recreate the shape of the world on 300 offshore islands, slated to open in 2009/10. Watching these outlandish projects take shape has become one of Dubai's main attractions, with the view perhaps best from the upper floors of Burj al Arab hotel and its Al Muntaha restaurant (see Restaurants).
Tel: (04) 390 3333.
Website: www.thepalm.co.ae or www.theworld.ae
Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum's House
Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum's House is one of the oldest houses in the city, as well as one of the best examples of traditional architecture. Built from sandstone, in 1896, the house offers sweeping views out towards the sea - although the view has been slightly obscured by more modern development. The one-time ruler of Dubai used the house to monitor trade in and out of the country. The house was reopened as a museum in 1986; it also contains an exhibition illuminating Dubai's development from the 1940s to the late 1960s.
Near Al-Shindagha Tunnel, Al-Shindagha Road
Tel: (04) 393 7139.
Opening hours: Sat-Thurs 0800-2030, Fri 1530-2130.
Admission charge.
Jumeirah Mosque
The Jumeirah Mosque is the most photographed building in the city and an impressive example of modern Islamic architecture. Built along medieval Fatimid lines, entirely of stone, the mosque and its two minarets are unmistakable. It is particularly attractive at night, when subtle lighting increases its dramatic effect. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter mosques in Dubai, although they can enter this one if on an organised tour. Visitors should call the tourist office to check if these are available.
Al-Jumeirah Road
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours; access to non-Muslims through organised tours only.
Free admission.
Grand Mosque
The Grand Mosque was only rebuilt in 1998 and boasts the city's tallest minaret, at 70m (231ft). Located on the Bur Dubai side of the creek, near the Ruler's Court, the Grand Mosque consists of nine large domes and 45 smaller ones. This huge religious edifice can house up to 1,200 worshippers. Non-Muslims cannot enter but the mosque is worth visiting for its drama, scale and the special place it holds in the hearts of many locals.
Ali ibin Ali Talib Street
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours; entrance to non-Muslims is forbidden.
Souks (markets)
The souks, or traditional markets, are one of Dubai's greatest attractions. They are located on both sides of the creek, with the most impressive on the Deira side. The highlight is the colourful Spice Market, which abounds with exotic aromas and bustles with locals seeking bargains. Wandering around the atmospheric souks is a good way for visitors to get in touch with how life was in Dubai, before oil was discovered.
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
Opening hours: Sat-Thurs 0700-1200 and 1700-1900, Fri 1700-1900.
Free admission.
Children's City
Housed in Dubai Creekside Park, Children's City is a big hit with both local and international youngsters. The 7,700-sq-m (82,882-sq-ft) development takes young minds on a journey through the human body, science and space, with the help of different ‘zones'. With plenty of hands-on action to keep even the most demanding children occupied, this is no dull old museum. All exhibits are in English as well as Arabic.
Creekside Park
Tel: (04) 334 0808.
Website: www.childrencity.ae
Opening hours: Sat-Thurs 0900-2030, Fri 1500-2030.
Admission charge.
Dubai Museum
The building that houses the Dubai Museum, Al-Fahidi Fort, is an attraction in itself. The historic fort, dating back as far as 1799, was converted into a museum in 1970. The exhibits range from old weapons and pearl-diving outfits to an impressive range of military artefacts. Some of the most fascinating exhibits are those recovered from the 3,000- to 4,000-year-old graves at Al-Ghusais, while perhaps the most striking is the huge wooden sailing craft that is beached outside.
Al-Fahidi Road
Tel: (04) 353 1862.
Opening hours: Sat-Thurs 0830-2030, Fri 1430-2030.
Admission charge.
Majlis Ghorfat Um-Al-Sheef
At the Majlis Ghorfat Um-Al-Sheef, it is possible to delve into the opulent world of the moneyed men of Dubai. The late ruler of Dubai, Ghorfat Um-Al-Sheef, used this building as his ‘home from home' but it is now open to the public. The building dates back to 1955 and its most impressive feature are the majlis gardens, which include a reproduction of a traditional Arab irrigation system.
17 Street, off Al-Jumeirah Road
Tel: (04) 394 6343.
Opening hours: Daily 0730-1430 and 1630-2100.
Admission charge.
Heritage Village
The Heritage Village is an attempt to weave in some local colour among Dubai's rapidly developing 21st-century skyline. The emphasis is on recreating the Bedouin way of life, with locals dressed in traditional garb, displays of traditional handicrafts, song and dance. Local handicrafts are also available for purchase. There is also a small section for children, with a smattering of things to keep young visitor's occupied.
Near Shindagha Tunnel, Al-Shindagha Road
Tel: (04) 393 7151.
Opening hours: Sat-Thurs 0800-2200, Fri 0800-1100 and 1600-2200.
Free admission.
In the days before electricity and air conditioning, Dubai Creek used to be lined by a mass of wind towers that kept the local houses cool. The Bastakiya district is a step back in time, laden as it is with traditional courtyard houses, bedecked with these wind towers. The Bastakiya area is currently undergoing renovation, with improved visitor facilities planned for its transformation into a 'tourist village'. It now boasts a modest museum, a sprinkling of cafes and a slew of small art galleries, making its shady street ideal for wandering around and exploring.
East of Dubai Souk on Al-Fahidi Street
Palm Islands and the World
The three Palm islands, said to be visible from space, form the largest manmade islands in the world. The Palm Jumeirah, whose first residents moved in during 2007, boasts a number of hotels as well as private residences. The Palm Jebel Ali is slated to have more leisure facilities, including an aquatic theme park, when it opens in 2008/9. The third of the islands, Palm Deira, will be more geared towards residential use with over 7,000 villas, and will be the largest of the trio when it opens in 2009/10. New bridges will connect the islands to the mainland in one of the largest construction projects ever undertaken by man. The three islands are going to be accompanied by ‘The World', all very Dubai, an ambitious attempt to recreate the shape of the world on 300 offshore islands, slated to open in 2009/10. Watching these outlandish projects take shape has become one of Dubai's main attractions, with the view perhaps best from the upper floors of Burj al Arab hotel and its Al Muntaha restaurant (see Restaurants).
Tel: (04) 390 3333.
Website: www.thepalm.co.ae or www.theworld.ae
Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum's House
Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum's House is one of the oldest houses in the city, as well as one of the best examples of traditional architecture. Built from sandstone, in 1896, the house offers sweeping views out towards the sea - although the view has been slightly obscured by more modern development. The one-time ruler of Dubai used the house to monitor trade in and out of the country. The house was reopened as a museum in 1986; it also contains an exhibition illuminating Dubai's development from the 1940s to the late 1960s.
Near Al-Shindagha Tunnel, Al-Shindagha Road
Tel: (04) 393 7139.
Opening hours: Sat-Thurs 0800-2030, Fri 1530-2130.
Admission charge.
Jumeirah Mosque
The Jumeirah Mosque is the most photographed building in the city and an impressive example of modern Islamic architecture. Built along medieval Fatimid lines, entirely of stone, the mosque and its two minarets are unmistakable. It is particularly attractive at night, when subtle lighting increases its dramatic effect. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter mosques in Dubai, although they can enter this one if on an organised tour. Visitors should call the tourist office to check if these are available.
Al-Jumeirah Road
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours; access to non-Muslims through organised tours only.
Free admission.
Grand Mosque
The Grand Mosque was only rebuilt in 1998 and boasts the city's tallest minaret, at 70m (231ft). Located on the Bur Dubai side of the creek, near the Ruler's Court, the Grand Mosque consists of nine large domes and 45 smaller ones. This huge religious edifice can house up to 1,200 worshippers. Non-Muslims cannot enter but the mosque is worth visiting for its drama, scale and the special place it holds in the hearts of many locals.
Ali ibin Ali Talib Street
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours; entrance to non-Muslims is forbidden.
Souks (markets)
The souks, or traditional markets, are one of Dubai's greatest attractions. They are located on both sides of the creek, with the most impressive on the Deira side. The highlight is the colourful Spice Market, which abounds with exotic aromas and bustles with locals seeking bargains. Wandering around the atmospheric souks is a good way for visitors to get in touch with how life was in Dubai, before oil was discovered.
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
Opening hours: Sat-Thurs 0700-1200 and 1700-1900, Fri 1700-1900.
Free admission.
Children's City
Housed in Dubai Creekside Park, Children's City is a big hit with both local and international youngsters. The 7,700-sq-m (82,882-sq-ft) development takes young minds on a journey through the human body, science and space, with the help of different ‘zones'. With plenty of hands-on action to keep even the most demanding children occupied, this is no dull old museum. All exhibits are in English as well as Arabic.
Creekside Park
Tel: (04) 334 0808.
Website: www.childrencity.ae
Opening hours: Sat-Thurs 0900-2030, Fri 1500-2030.
Admission charge.
Dubai Museum
The building that houses the Dubai Museum, Al-Fahidi Fort, is an attraction in itself. The historic fort, dating back as far as 1799, was converted into a museum in 1970. The exhibits range from old weapons and pearl-diving outfits to an impressive range of military artefacts. Some of the most fascinating exhibits are those recovered from the 3,000- to 4,000-year-old graves at Al-Ghusais, while perhaps the most striking is the huge wooden sailing craft that is beached outside.
Al-Fahidi Road
Tel: (04) 353 1862.
Opening hours: Sat-Thurs 0830-2030, Fri 1430-2030.
Admission charge.
Majlis Ghorfat Um-Al-Sheef
At the Majlis Ghorfat Um-Al-Sheef, it is possible to delve into the opulent world of the moneyed men of Dubai. The late ruler of Dubai, Ghorfat Um-Al-Sheef, used this building as his ‘home from home' but it is now open to the public. The building dates back to 1955 and its most impressive feature are the majlis gardens, which include a reproduction of a traditional Arab irrigation system.
17 Street, off Al-Jumeirah Road
Tel: (04) 394 6343.
Opening hours: Daily 0730-1430 and 1630-2100.
Admission charge.
Heritage Village
The Heritage Village is an attempt to weave in some local colour among Dubai's rapidly developing 21st-century skyline. The emphasis is on recreating the Bedouin way of life, with locals dressed in traditional garb, displays of traditional handicrafts, song and dance. Local handicrafts are also available for purchase. There is also a small section for children, with a smattering of things to keep young visitor's occupied.
Near Shindagha Tunnel, Al-Shindagha Road
Tel: (04) 393 7151.
Opening hours: Sat-Thurs 0800-2200, Fri 0800-1100 and 1600-2200.
Free admission.
View Our Airport Guides for Dubai:
Dubai International Airport