Old Dubai
- Al Ahmadiya School, Deira. Built in 1912, this was
Dubai's first school and has now been nicely restored. It would be a
stretch to call the exhibits of old reed pens and diplomas fascinating,
but they've tried pretty hard, and if nothing else, the air-con and
clean toilets may come in handy. Free entry.
- Bastakiya District. One of the last remaining pockets of Old Dubai,
home to many reconstructed buildings in the traditional style. While
information on the structures is slim here (see the museum in
preference), the atmosphere is very evocative and there are plenty of
delightful art galleries and cafes to explore.
- Dubai Museum, Al Ibn Abi Talib Road, ph: +971 (4)
353-1862. A must-see for anyone interested in the social history of the
Emirate (and indeed the country). A visit starts at the al-Fahidi fort,
which has a few examples of the traditional reed houses and other
artifacts, but isn't much to look at. The more interesting part is the
modern extension built underneath the fort, showcasing Dubai's
history using the latest technology and culminating in a reconstructed
souq from the pearling days, complete with authentic sights and sounds.
It is quite fascinating to see the speed at which the transition from
poor pearling village to modern metropolis occurred. Admission 3AED.
- Jumeirah Mosque, Jumeirah Road, Jumeirah 1 (opposite Palm Strip Mall).
Is the largest in the city, and a wonderful example of Islamic
architecture. Built in the medieval Fatimid tradition with the interior
decorated with elaborate Arabic calligraphy. It is one of few mosques in
the city open for visits by non-Muslims, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for
Cultural Understanding
conducts special tours for non-Muslims to help promote understanding of
Islam. Guided tours are available on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday
beginning at 10AM, followed by a question-and-answer session. Located on
Jumeirah Road, the mosque is an especially great place to visit in the
evening when it's dramatically illuminated by floodlights.
- Shindagha District — Home to the open museums of the Heritage Village, and has the home of former Sheikh Rashid Al-Maktoum.
- Souks — There are a number of nice souks, or markets, on
both sides of the creek that are worth exploring. They sell everything
from spices to crafts to very inexpensive tourist t-shirts.
Don't miss Dubai's overwhelming shopping malls, listed under Buy.
- Burj Khalifa. Until recently called Burj Dubai,
at 828 metres and 160 floors this is the world's tallest structure by a
long shot, over 300m taller than the previous contender in Taipei.
The observation deck at the 124th floor is the 2nd highest in the world
after the Shanghai World Financial center. Already dominating the Dubai
skyline, the newly opened tower houses nine hotels and a Las
Vegas-inspired fountain system. The visitors' entrance is located at the
lower ground floor of Dubai Mall. Although the tour is called At the Top
be aware that it isn't! Although the observation deck is the highest
open deck in the world, at 452m it's just over halfway up the tower
itself. Console yourself with the knowledge that most of the rest of
the tower consists of service areas and the view below looks suitably
ant-like. Tickets cost Dhs 100 for a timed entry ticket, usually later
the same day, or Dhs 400 if you do not want to wait. Tickets can sell
out several days in advance, and it is advisable to book them online
ahead of your visit.
- The Dubai Fountain,
At 270m (900ft) in length and sporting a jet that shoots water up to
150m (500 ft), the Dubai Fountain is indeed the world's largest dancing
fountain and one with a very enticing display - a definite must see. The
show starts every evening at the Burj Dubai Lake. Easy way to approach
it is via the Dubai Mall.
Shows are every 30 minutes from 6pm to 10pm on weekdays and from 6pm
to 11pm on weekends. It's the world’s largest dancing fountain with
classical, Arabic and world music. About 1.5 million lumens of projected
light and the spray heights of up to 150m/500 ft (22,000 gallons of
airborne water).
- Burj al-Arab hotel.
For a real glimpse into "how the other half lives", (self-proclaimed as
the only 7 star hotel in the world), afternoon tea, or cocktails, may
be an interesting experience. Entry to the hotel requires a reservation
which will be confirmed at the entry gate, although residents of
adjacent Jumeirah hotels may be able to visit by arrangement. Other
tourists may occasionally be able to book tours of the hotel itself,
however these will not run when the hotel is full. A "very smart casual"
dress code applies. Reservations are usually required about a month in
advance for a room, but a few days will generally suffice for a meal.
- Dubai Marina. One of the newer and more popular areas of
Modern Dubai, both with residents and tourists. It offers numerous
features such as a phenomenal skyline, world class hotels, a fabulous
beach, a mall, and 2 different walkways (The Walk and Marina Walk) with
coffee shops, restaurants, and shops. Marina Walk is right on the
"Marina water", and there are many yachts there. You can rent a yacht
for a cruise around the area. The Walk has a nice open market run from
October till May, every Fridays and Saturdays at daylight.
- Palm Islands. The three largest artificial islands in
the world are located just off the coast of Dubai; a major urban
development to add a significant amount of upscale beachfront property
to the area. Each of the islands is shaped like a palm leaf, with a
trunk connected to the mainland, fronds extending from the trunk, and a
crescent (a breakwater encircling the trunk and fronds). Of the three
planned, the Palm Jumeirah, at 5km square and near Dubai Marina, is the
only one yet open, connected to the mainland by a freeway bridge and a
monorail and sporting marinas, luxury resorts, and upscale shopping
areas
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