ATTRACTIONS

Dubai Attractions

Dubai Creek

The natural seawater inlet that cuts through the centre of the city is the historical part of Dubai where visitors can take an abra (small water taxi) and view the old trading port and the dhows from the water. A cruise to Al-Maktoum Bridge will pass many of the city's historic, as well as modern, landmarks. A stroll around the wharf offers a picturesque glimpse of Dubai's trading heritage, where dhows bound for distant places dock to unload their goods.

Dubai Attractions

Bastakiya

The old Bastakiya district is a step back in time to the days before electricity and air-conditioning, where traditional courtyard houses were cooled by wind towers. Old Dubai was famous for its wind towers that lined the Creek on both sides, and today the narrow lanes festooned with the distinctively Arabian architecture is a popular historical attraction that has been marked for tourist development.

Address: Bur Dubai

Dubai Attractions

Souks

The souks, or traditional markets, are popular with bargain hunters as well as sightseers and photographers. The most famous is the Gold Souk, where the narrow streets are lined with shops selling everything golden, from 24-carat bars to rings and elaborate necklaces, and all at low prices. The tiny lanes of the traditional spice souk are scented with sacks of cinnamon, incense, spices, and dried fruit, while the modern fish souk bustles with activity and is redolent with smells of a more unpleasant nature. At the heart of the Bur Dubai souk lies Al Fahidi Street, selling the latest electronics, photographic equipment and home appliances at competitive prices. Other streets sell everything from materials and carpets to traditional coffee pots, loaves of unleavened bread and hubble-bubble pipes.

Address: Both sides of the Creek, in Deira and Bur Dubai; Opening time: Daily 7am to 12pm and 5pm to 7pm; Fridays 5pm to 7pm; Admission: Free

Dubai Attractions

Grand Mosque

Boasting the city's tallest minaret at 230 feet (70m), the Grand Mosque is a notable landmark with its multi-domed style and impressive size. It is an important place of worship and can accommodate up to 1,200 worshippers inside. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the Mosque.

Address: Al Mussalla Road

Dubai Attractions

Wild Wadi

One of the most advanced water theme parks ever designed, the five-hectare (12-acre) water park at Wild Wadi offers families and thrill seekers hours of fun, relaxation and adrenalin-pumping action. Designed like an Arabian wadi (oasis), the park has an Arabian folklore theme and features some of the highest and fastest water rides outside of North America with 24 state of the art, high-adrenaline rides and slides. Rides for thrill seekers include Jumeirah Sceirah, a 108ft (33m) free-fall at 50 miles per hour (80km/hr), Master Blaster slides that are water roller coasters propelled uphill by high-powered jets, the white-knuckle ride at Rushdown Ravine or the high waves at Breakers Bay.

Address: Jumeirah Beach Road, between the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the Burj Al Arab Hotel; E-mail: info@wildwadi.com; Website: www.wildwadi.com; Telephone: (0)4 348 4444; Opening time: Daily from 11am. In January and February it closes at 6pm; from March to May at 7pm; from June to August at 9pm; and from September to December at 5pm; Admission: Dhs 150 (age 13+); Dhs 125 (children 4-12). For individuals staying either at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel or Burj Al Arab, access to the Wild Wadi Water Park is free

Dubai Attractions

Jumeirah Mosque

The Jumeirah Mosque is one of the most photographed sights in Dubai. A fine example of modern Islamic architecture, this beautiful mosque is also one of the city's largest, with a majestic dome and twin minarets, and is one of the few mosques open to non-Muslims for tours.

Address: Al Jumeirah Road; Telephone: (0)4 344 7755; Opening time: Tours are on Thursday at 10am; tours are also available on Sundays at 10am in summer; Admission: Tour fee: Dhs10

Dubai Attractions

Dubai Museum

The imposing 19th century Al Faheidi Fort houses the Dubai Museum, which has an impressive collection of military and cultural artefacts, as well as working models and life-size displays depicting various aspects of Dubai life such as the markets, an Islamic school, the desert, Arab houses and Gulf marine life. One of the most interesting exhibits shows the underwater world of pearl-diving. The fort was built in 1799 to guard Dubai from landward approaches, and was once the residence of the city's rulers as well as the seat of government until 1971.

Address: Al Faheidi Fort; Telephone: (0)4 353 1862; Opening time: Saturday to Thursday 8.30am to 8.30pm, Friday 2.30pm to 8.30pm; Admission: Dhs7

Dubai Attractions

Ski Dubai

One of the city's newest and most interesting attractions is the region's first indoor ski resort, with real snow and five runs catering to both beginner and expert skiers and snowboarders. The monumental indoor snowdome can host up to 1,500 people. The longest run is 1,312 feet (400m), dropping 197 feet (60m), while a freestyle zone and quarter pipe cater specifically for snowboarders. Ski lifts, snow patrols and professional instructors help to create an authentic environment. A Snow Park at the bottom is ideal for children to play in the snow. Slope passes include ski clothing and equipment.

Address: Sheikh Zayed Rd, Mall of the Emirates; Website: www.skidxb.com; Telephone: (0)4 409 4000; Opening time: Sunday to Wednesday 10am to 11pm, until 12pm from Thursday to Saturday; Admission: Snow Park: Dhs70. Ski slope: Dhs150 (adults), Dhs130 (children) for two hours (extensions possible), Ski slope day pass: Dhs270 (adults), Dhs220 (children)

Dubai Attractions

Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum Museum

Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum's house dates back to the 19th century, and was built for Dubai's ruler with commanding views over the sea. It is one of the oldest residences in the city and has been restored as a museum exhibiting historical photographs and artefacts showcasing Dubai's history and development. Its architecture is also a fine example of the regional style with its wind towers and central courtyard, teak wood doors and windows and wooden lattice screens.

Address: Al-Shindagha Rd; Telephone: (0)4 393 7139; Opening time: Saturday to Thursday 8am to 8.30pm, Friday 3.30pm to 8.30pm; Admission: Dhs2

Dubai Attractions

Camel Racing

No visit to Dubai would be complete without a trip to the races�the camel races. This is a traditional sport in the UAE and hugely popular among local Emiratis who head to the race tracks early in the morning to watch these magnificent animals. The racing season runs from September to March and race tracks can be found in various locations around the Emirate and on the way to Abu Dhabi. In 2007 a brand new venue was built close to Nad Al Sheba racecourse and races are held early on Thursday and Friday mornings.

Address: Nad Al Sheba Race Course, Dubai; Opening time: Thursday and Friday mornings. Call Nad Al Sheba for exact times. ; Admission: Free

Dubai Attractions

Jumeirah Beach Park

One of the main reasons holidaymakers flock to Dubai is to take advantage of the stunning beaches. If visitors aren't staying somewhere with access to the sand and sea, and don't want to pay 100AED plus to use a hotel�s facilities, then Jumeirah Beach Park is a brilliant alternative.

It cost just 2AED per person to enter the park, or 20AED per car. The beaches are clean and safe and, unlike some of the other public areas in Dubai, are not populated with 'gawkers'. There are even designated 'women only' sessions.

The park section of the beach is equipped with BBQ facilities and seating areas. There are also showers and toilets on the beach, and lifeguards on duty at all times.

Address: Opposite Chilli's Restaurant on the Beach Road, Jumeirah; Telephone: +971 4 3492555; Opening time: 8am - 10.30pm daily. Thursday and Friday till 11pm. Saturday for children and ladies only ; Admission: 2 AED per person or 20 AED per vehicle

Dubai Attractions

Bateaux Dubai Dinner Cruise

The Bateaux Dubai Dinner Cruise provides visitors to the Emirate with a unique and memorable way in which to view the older part of Dubai. The two and a half hour cruise departs from just beyond the Al Maktoum Bridge and makes its way along the Creek past many of the city�s most famous landmarks. Guests can take advantage of unobstructed views thanks to the non-reflective glass surround and extensive outside deck area.

A four course a-la-carte meal is served during the cruise (diners with specific dietary requirements are requested to arrange at the time of booking) and alcohol is available to purchase on board.  Musical entertainment is provided care of the Bateaux Dubai musicians and DJ. Booking is required in advance through the reservation line.

Address: Dubai Creek (opposite the British Embassy) Bur Dubai; E-mail: mail@bateauxdubai.com; Website: www.jebelali-international.com/properties/bateaux_dubai; Telephone: +971 4 399 4994; Opening time: Boarding begins at 7:45pm. Departure from dock 8:30pm; Admission: From 325 AED per person for 4-course meal, welcome beverage and cruise.

Dubai Attractions

Dubai Mall

Opened in November 2008, Dubai Mall is the world�s largest shopping centre and is home to around twelve hundred retailers. It is the size of more than fifty football pitches and features an ice rink, a hotel, and is the gateway to the Burj Dubai; the tallest building in the world. The mall is home to a number of the world�s best known stores including Bloomingdales, Marks and Spencer and Montblanc. Designers such as Stella McCartney also have outlets in the complex and world famous jewellers Tiffany & Co. have a branch located there. No trip to Dubai would be complete without an outing to Dubai�s latest shopping spectacular.

Address: Financial Centre Road (Interchange 1), Dubai; E-mail: enquiry@thedubaimall.com; Website: www.thedubaimall.com; Telephone: (4) 437 3200; Transport: The Dubai Mall Shuttle Bus:The mall has 12 shuttle buses operating routes to the mall from a number hotels in and around Dubai. Check website for details. www.thedubaimall.com; Opening time: Saturday - Friday 10am to Midnight

Dubai Attractions

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

The recently opened Dubai Aquarium is fast becoming one of the Emirates most popular attractions. Featuring the largest viewing panel and one of the biggest tanks in the world, visitors have the opportunity to experience the incredible underwater domain of thousands of creatures of the deep. Highlights include feeding time for the enormous Sand Tiger Sharks and the majestic Stingrays. The aquarium and zoo is home to over thirty-thousand types of sea life and provides an exciting, educational day out for adults and children alike.

Address: Dubai Mall, Financial Centre Road (Interchange 1), Dubai; Website: www.thedubaiaquarium.com; Admission: Aquarium Tunnel: Child AED20 Adult AED25 Aquarium Tunnel & Underwater Zoo AED50