The
city of Dubai frames its namesake creek, dividing sightseeing into two halves.
Gleaming skyscrapers dot the skyline offering stunning views from many points
along the creek, but there is also the traditional bustle of the old trading
dhows that plow their way up and down the water as they did a century ago.
Another good way to get an idea of the layout of Dubai is from the observation
deck of the World Trade Centre; rising 39 floors, it provides an excellent
perspective of the city. The towers viewing deck is a favourite of
photographers, but can only be visited as part of a guided tour. The striking
51-storey Emirates Towers situated on the Sheikh Zayed Road is a staggering
piece of architecture and design that should be included in every visitor’s
itinerary. It offers an incomparable vista, not only on a clear day or at night,
but even on a foggy morning when the tops of the surrounding skyscrapers loom
out of the clouds.The Deira side of Dubai Creek is currently in the midst of a major redevelopment, which includes a waterfront promenade. Already on the Bur Dubai side, between the Maktoum and Garhoud bridges, the Creekside Park provides a number of gentle walks that meander through landscaped gardens. At the inland end of the creek is a large, shallow lagoon, which has been spared from developers and preserved as a wildlife sanctuary. It is a haven for migrating shore birds with around 27,000 birds spotted during autumn migration, including Greater Flamingos, which have now started to make the creek their home.
Away from the city centre is Jumeirah Beach with its string of luxury hotels crowned by the world’s tallest hotel, the Burj Al Arab. The shape of this distinctive icon of Dubai mimics the full spinnaker of a sailing dhow and the white surface of the ‘sail’ is lit with coloured lights in the evening. Jumeirah beach is the location of the new Emirates Hills complex and the Dubai Marina, a network of hotels, offices, villas and apartments amongst picturesque water gardens and canals. Also underway is the Palm Island project off the Jebel Ali coastline, which will create a haven of holiday villas and hotels along palm-shaped promontories fringed with the characteristic fine, yellow sand of the region.
A Taste of the City
Bastakiya
In the days before electricity and air conditioning, Dubai Creek was lined by a mass of wind towers that kept the local houses cool through an ingenious employment of air currents. The Bastakiya district is a step back in time, laden as it is with traditional courtyard houses, bedecked with these uniquely Arabian wind towers. Bastakiya has been earmarked for tourist development, with the construction of a museum, cultural centre, restaurant and an art gallery that showcases local talent. It is located east of Dubai souk on Al Fahidi Street.
Dubai Museum
The building that houses the Dubai Museum, Al Fahidi Fort, on Al Fahidi Street, is an attraction in itself. A historic fort that dates back as far as 1799 was converted into the museum in 1970. The exhibits range from military relics to pearl diving outfits. Some of the most fascinating exhibits are those recovered from the 3,000-4,000-year-old graves at Al Ghusais.
Grand Mosque
The Grand Mosque was rebuilt in 1998 and boasts the citys tallest minaret at 70 metres (231feet). Tucked on the Bur Dubai side of the creek near the Rulers Court, the Grand Mosque consists of nine large domes and 45 smaller ones. This huge religious edifice can house up to 1,200 worshippers.
Heritage Village
The recently opened Heritage Village, near Shindagha Tunnel on Al Shindagha Road, is a project that weaves in some local colour among Dubai's rapidly developing twenty-first century skyline. The emphasis is on recreating the Bedouin way of life, with locals dressed in traditional garb enacting age-old songs and dances. Local handicrafts are also available to buy.
Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Burj Al Arab (Arab Tower)
There are not many cities in the world where a hotel can be a major tourist attraction, but then no other city has the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Burj Al Arab. The Jumeirah Beach Hotel only opened in the 1990s, but has quickly been distinguished as one of the worlds best hotels. It was joined in December 1999 by the Burj Al Arab, touted by its’ builders as the worlds first 7-star hotel. Built on a man-made island, the spectacular building looks like it has just emerged from the set of a sci-fi film, stretching high into the heavens. Its foundations are 45m (150ft) deep, it towers 321m (1060ft) above the Arabian Gulf and boasts 202 superb suites.
Jumeirah Mosque
The Jumeirah Mosque is an impressive example of Islamic architecture. Built along medieval Fatimid lines, entirely of stone, the mosque and its two minarets are an unmistakable landmark on the Jumeirah Road. During the day, birds gather on the dome of the mosque and shelter in its surrounding tree-lined lawn. It is particularly attractive at night when subtle lighting increases its dramatic effect. It is the only Mosque in Dubai that accepts non-Muslims, but only on organised tours.
Majlis Ghorfat Um-Al-Sheef
At the Majlis Ghorfat Um-Al-Sheef, found on 17 Street, off Jumeirah Road, it is possible to delve inside the opulent world of the moneyed men of Dubai. The late ruler of Dubai, Ghorfat Um-Al-Sheef, used this residence as his home-from-home, but it is now open to the public. The building dates back to 1955 and its’ most impressive feature is the Majlis Garden, which contains a reproduction of a traditional Arab irrigation system.
Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum's House
Situated near Al Shindagha Tunnel on Al Shindagha Road, 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 in 1896 from sandstone, the house offers a sweeping view of the sea, although it has been slightly obscured by recent development. The one-time ruler of Dubai used the house to monitor trade in and out of the country. The house was re-opened as a museum in 1986 and also contains an exhibition illuminating Dubai's development from the 1940s to the late 1960s.
Souks
The souks, or traditional markets, are counted among Dubai's greatest attractions. They are located either side of the creek, with the most impressive on the Deira side. The highlight is the colourful Spice Market, which abounds with exotic aromas and colours.
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
The Desert and Beyond
Big Red
The drive to Hatta offers picturesque views of the desert and the notorious Big Red sand dune, where adventure-seekers go to conquer the dune, sand-ski, and dune bash in sand buggies and 4-wheel drives.
Fossil Rock
Otherwise known as Jebel Maleihah or Camel Rock, this outcrop gains its more popular name from the profusion of fossils, mostly of simple marine organisms, that can be found on its slopes. The rock can be climbed easily and gives a fantastic view of the surrounding dunescape. It is located about an hour out of Dubai off the Hatta road.
Hatta
About 1½ hours from Dubai, the peaceful town of Hatta nestled in the foothills of the Hajar Mountains, is famous for the fresh water pools found within the surrounding wadis and rock formations. The Hatta Heritage Village gives visitors a chance to envisage traditional life, including the narrow alleyways and mud barasti houses of a simple mountain village.
For further details on excursions that can be arranged to places of interest, please look in the Tours section of this guide.