Dubai is not a destination that is easy to explore on foot, with many of the areas of interest, such as Deira and Jumeirah Beach, situated far apart. Sightseeing within the city centre is split mainly between the Deira and Bur Dubai flanks of Dubai Creek.

Deira, on the right bank of the waterway, is the business and commercial heart of the city and is also home to the best shopping. Highlights include the myriad souks, including the Spice Souk, Deira Old Souk and Dubai Covered Souk. Deira is also the most atmospheric part of Dubai for a spot of aimless wandering, with a real sense of manic activity and rambling streets that are in sharp contrast to the order and calm of much of the city.

Meanwhile, historic Bur Dubai has less of a bustling atmosphere and is home to a number of tourist attractions, including the Dubai Museum, Grand Mosque and Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum's House.

Dubai Creek itself is also something of an attraction, whether visitors choose to take the traditional dhow cruises along its length or just to stroll along its banks on the promenade on the Bur Dubai side. From here, there are good views back towards the ultra-modern skyline on the other flank of the Creek.

Breaking away, west from the mouth of Dubai Creek, is Jumeirah Beach, not really one beach as such but rather a sweeping strip of sand fringed by the bath temperature waters of the Arabian Gulf. Much of the beach these days is officially the private preserve of the ever increasing string of beach-side luxury hotels, although there is little to stop people wandering where they want to, once on the sand.

Many of Dubai's best hotels are located on or nearby Jumeirah Beach, including the unmistakable hulk of the Burj al Arab (or ‘Arab Tower'), as well as leisure facilities like Wild Wadi Water Park and the more traditional attraction of Jumeirah Mosque, which is regarded by both locals and tourists alike as the most charming mosque in Dubai. The new Madinat Jumeirah development has become the focus of Jumeirah's eating and drinking scene.

One new attraction that visitors can see clearly taking shape off the coast are the Palm Islands, the three islands that are set to become the new focus of the city when they are completed, and the World archipelago.

Dubai is changing at a rapid rate - Ski Dubai, the Middle East's first indoor ski resort, opened in 2005 and Burj Dubai, set to be the world's tallest tower, is due for completion in September 2009. Then there is Dubailand, a massive development in the desert that the emirate's movers and shakers aim to turn into the city's number one tourist attraction. Its completion date (or rather dates given the sheer scale of the project) are fluid to say the least.

Away from the city itself, further adventures await in the deserts and mountains, with wadi bashing and dune bashing jeep safaris in the mountains and deserts of Dubai both becoming increasingly popular. Further excursions can be made into the neighbouring emirates and Oman.

Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) Welcome Bureau
Beni Yas Square, Deira
Tel: (04) 228 5000.
Website: www.dubaitourism.co.ae  
Opening hours: Sat-Thurs 0900-2100, Fri 1500-2100.

The DTCM has other Welcome Bureaux located at the airport and 40km (25 miles) out of town, on the Sheik Zayed Road to Abu Dhabi.

There are no tourist passes currently available in Dubai.