Dubai Attractions
From the majesty of the desert and its surrounding mountains to five-star hotels and beaches; from original old houses complete with wind towers to modern, high-tech buildings and shopping malls, Dubai attractions cater to every kind of visitor.
The world-class events held here, such as the Rugby 7s, the Desert Classic golf tournament, ATP and WTA Tennis Championships and the Dubai World Cup (the richest horse race in the world) all add to the increasing revenues from tourism. A comprehensive list of annual events is available in the International Events section.
Tourists can enjoy any number of activities, like a slow tour of the creek on an abra (water taxi), a visit to the wildlife sanctuary, or a creek-side cable car ride. For the more active, Dubai also provides a wide choice of sports activities.
Top Dubai Attractions
Bastakiya offers a glimpse of old Dubai, through narrow lanes and traditional courtyard houses with cooling wind towers and gives a fascinating insight into traditional life.
Excavation Sites can be found at Al Ghusais, Al Sufooh and Jumeirah. The first two are graveyards dating back more than 2000 years while the one in Jumeirah site reveals artifacts from the seventh to 15th centuries.
Sheikh Saeed's House was once an observation post for monitoring the shipping activity below. It is located in Dubai Creek and offers visitors a peek into the life and history of the ruling family of Dubai.
Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort, which once guarded the city's landward, approaches now houses typical scenes from traditional Arabian houses, schools and mosques as well as the spice souqs and people at work. The desert and the animals that inhabit it are presented in an interactive way that is fun for both adults and children. A huge room is dedicated to marine life and the activities of the pearl divers.
Dubai Mosques, the most majestic being Jumeirah Mosque. Built of stone in medieval Fatimid tradition with twin minarets and a majestic dome, the Jumeirah Mosque stands as a city landmark and is worth visiting, especially at night when it is fully illuminated.The Grand Mosque near the Ruler's Court in Bur Dubai boasts the city's tallest minaret at 70 metres, and 45 small domes in addition to nine large ones, making it a dominant landmark and place of worship.
Family fun
Heritage & Diving Villages located near the mouth of the creek has potters and weavers working on their crafts, along with dancers, Arabic restaurants and many other traditional pursuits.
Dubai Zoo houses a variety of imported animals alongside indigenous Arabian species, which are no longer found in the wild. Regional birds of prey can be found in the large aviary.
Wild Wadi is a 12-acre water park themed in the style of Sinbad and ancient Arabia and combines thrilling rides, a surf area, a wave pool and many more water activities for all ages.
Parks and Picnic Areas offer a peaceful respite from urban life. Popular with families, they offer attractive picnic spots and children's play areas with a variety of entertainment facilities. The largest of the city's parks are Jumeirah Beach Park, Dubai Creekside Park, Mushrif Park, Al Mamzar Park and Safa Park.
The Desert and Mountains offer great opportunities for outdoor activities, including four-wheel drive excursions in your own vehicle or with a tour company. Pack a picnic and explore what is over the other side of the dunes, but remember to take lots of water and a shovel in case you get stuck! You can book a dune dinner and experience a traditional Arabic meal in the desert under the stars and even stay overnight. Or , ride a camel in the desert in the style of the ancient Bedouin traveler.
Looking towards future attractions, DUBAILAND™, the world’s most ambitious Leisure, Tourism and Entertainment destination with over 3 billion square feet of world class theme parks, culture, well being, sports, shopping, hospitality and entertainment is set to launch its first phase at the end of 2010.
Don’t miss:
Burj Dubai, a skyscraper currently under construction, is currently the tallest man-made structure on Earth. Construction began on September 21, 2004, and it is expected to be completed and ready for occupation in September 2009.
The Burj Al Arab , the world’s only 7-star hotel , that, at 321 meters (1,053 ft), is the tallest building used exclusively as a hotel.
The Beaches
Dubai has endless stretches of clean sandy beaches. Many of the five-star hotels have private beach clubs for residents, but you can use their facilities by paying a fixed price. There are also plenty of public open beaches along the length of Dubai. Most popular among these are the Jumeirah and Mamzar Beach Parks - both public parks offering a café and changing facilities, as well as areas for barbeques and picnics.