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Sightseeing Overview
Dubai is not a destination that it 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 center 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. One new attraction that visitors can see clearly taking shape off Jumeirah Beach are the Palm Islands, the three islands that are set to become the new focus of the city when they are completed.

Dubai is changing at a rapid rate - Ski Dubai, the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort, opened in December 2005. Future visitor attractions include the Burj Dubai, set to be the world’s tallest tower when it opens in 2008.

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 neighboring emirates and Oman.

Tourist Information
Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) Welcome Bureau
Beni Yas Square, Deira
Tel: (04) 228 5000. Fax: (04) 228 0011.
E-mail: info@dubaitourism.co.ae
Website: www.dubaitourism.co.ae
Opening hours: Sat-Thurs 0900-2100, Fri 1500-2100.

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


Passes
There are no tourist passes currently available in Dubai.

Key Attractions:

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'.

East of Dubai Souk on Al-Fahidi Street
Transport: Bus 19 or abra to Bur Dubai.

Palm Islands
These three islands, said to be visible from the moon, form the largest manmade islands in the world. The Palm Jumeirah will feature a number of hotels as well as private residences when it opens in 2006. The Palm Jebel Ali is slated to have more leisure facilities, including an aquatic theme park, when it opens in 2008. 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. 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 2008. Watching these outlandish projects take shape has become one of Dubai’s main attractions, with the view perhaps best from the Burj al Arab hotel.

Tel: (04) 390 3333. Fax: (04) 390 3314.
Website: www.thepalm.co.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.
Transport: Bus 8, 16, 19 or 20.
Opening hours: Sat-Thurs 0800-2030 and Fri 1530-2130.
Admission: Dh2.

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 organized tour. Visitors should call the tourist office to check if these are available.

Al-Jumeirah Road
Transport: Bus 8 or 20.
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours; access to non-Muslims through organized tours only.
Admission: Free.

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.

Ali ibin Ali Talib Street
Transport: Bus 19.
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours; entrance to non-Muslims is forbidden.
Admission: Free.

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 colorful 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
Transport: Bus 5, 16, 19 or 20 all drop off at souks in both Bur Dubai and Deira.
Opening hours: Daily 0700-1200 and 1700-1900; Fri 1700-1900.
Admission: Free.

Children’s City
Opened in 2002, at Dubai Creekside Park, Children’s City is proving 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
Transport: Bus 19.
Opening hours: Sat-Thurs 0900-2200, Fri 1600-2200.
Admission: Dh15; Dh10 (children under 16); family concessions available.

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 artifacts. Some of the most fascinating exhibits are those recovered from the 3000 to 4000-year-old graves at Al-Ghusais.

Al-Fahidi Road
Tel: (04) 373 7151.
Transport: Bus 19.
Opening hours: Sat-Thurs 0800-2200, Fri 0800-1100 and 1600-2200.
Admission: Dh3.

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.
Transport: Bus 8.
Opening hours: Daily 0730-1430 and 1630-2100.
Admission: Dh1.

Heritage Village
The Heritage Village is an attempt to weave in some local color 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.
Transport: Bus 8, 16, 19 or 20.
Opening hours: Sat-Thurs 0800-2200, Fri 0800-1100 and 1600-2200.
Admission: Free.

Further Distractions:

Encounter Zone
Tucked away on the third floor of the Wafi City Mall, the state-of-the-art Encounter Zone entertainment center is a playground for people of all ages. The most popular attractions are the Crystal Maze, the horror chamber and the range of 3D films. The emphasis is on fun, fun and more fun, with both kids and big kids enjoying attractions, such as the virtual reality rollercoaster and the myriad arcade games.

Wafi City Mall
Tel: (04) 324 7747.
Transport: Bus 14, 16 or 44.
Opening hours: Sat-Tues 1000-2300, Wed-Thurs 1000-2400.
Admission: Free.

Jumeirah Beach
Much of the long expanse of Jumeirah Beach is dominated by luxury hotels and their facilities. However, there is a stretch of public beach available, with clean white sand, crystal clear seawater and bath-temperature surf. Some of the hotels allow non-guests to use their pools and stretches of beach if they buy lunch or pay a nominal fee.

Al-Jumeirah Road, next to Marine Beach Resort
Transport: Bus 8 or 20.
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours.
Admission: Free.

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