e-travel-to Dubai - Tourist Attractions & Sights

Split into two by a long creek, the city is best seen from a water taxi, giving an opportunity to admire the modern, palatial architecture: the hallmark of a successful Arab state. Or indulge a little more on an aerial tour over this picturesque city and waterfront by helicopter, airplane, or hot air balloon.

Dubai is a treasure trove of historical attractions and there is perhaps no better place to delve into the land's past than at the Dubai Museum housed beneath the 180-year-old Al Fahidi Fort in Bur Dubai. The Bastakiya district is a step back in time, with traditional courtyard houses and wind towers. 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 Middle Eastern architecture. Built entirely of stone along medieval Fatimid lines, the Jumeirah Mosque and its two minarets are unmistakable. Other historical attractions in the city include the Grand Mosque, the Juma Al-Majid Cultural and Heritage Centre, the Dubai Heritage Village, the Tower of Arabs and Majil's Gallery.

Of course Dubai has a multitude of superb outdoor attractions, from championship quality golf courses and spas to water sports and desert adventures to be enjoyed. Spectators can enjoy a host of premier sporting events such as the world's richest horserace, the Dubai World Cup at Nad Al-Sheba; the Dubai Desert Classic Golf Tournament, the Dubai Tennis Championships, Rugby Sevens, the Emirates Grand Prix powerboating; the UAE Desert Challenge, and of course, camel racing.

Enjoy a fascinating Abra water taxi ride across the Dubai Creek to the myriad shops at Deira's Shindagha quarter famous for its textiles and electrical goods. Dubai has been globally recognised as 'The Shopping Capital of the Middle East,' with all manner of local, regional and imported goods available. At Wafi City one can buy everything from carpets to cars, haute couture, perfumes, jewellery to electronics, furnishings and sports gear. Vibrant shopping festivals are also a special feature of the retail scene in Dubai, and it offers one of the premier airport shopping facilities of any world airport.

Dubai is popularly referred to as the 'City of Gold' because of its famed Gold Market, and shopping in all its forms - from vast malls to bustling markets - has long been one of Dubai's principal attractions. One popular legend suggests that the name 'Dubai' may have derived from 'Daba,' meaning a prospering or flourishing market. Dubai's famed markets are located on both sides of the creek, with the colourful Spice Market enticing shoppers with its exotic aromas, and the enormous Gold Souk dazzling with every form and standard of precious metals and glittering jewels.

Families have much to enjoy in Dubai, from the 18-hectare Wonderland Park to Magic Planet at Deira City Centre shopping mall. The Wild Wadi Waterpark boasts 24 interconnected water rides, including the high-speed 'Jumeirah Sceirah'. Other children's attractions include the Dubai Zoo, the Encounter Zone, Jumeira Beach Park and Hatta Rock Pools.

The Golden City - Dubai City Tour Savor the sights and sounds of Dubai as this tour takes you through picturesque palaces and mesmerizing mosques. You'll be able to try the local transport as you cross the waterways by Abra, and then wander through the glorious spice souk, abundant in exotic flavors. And don't forget Dubai's famous landmark - the Gold Souk - a perfect place to shop! Click here for more information and Booking Details »

Dubai Museum

• Al-Fahidi Fort, Bur Dubai, Dubai
• Tel: +971 4 353 1862

Sheikh Saeed's House

• Port Rashid, Dubai
• Tel: +971 4 353 1862

The Grand Mosque

• Bar Dubai, Dubai

Juma Al-Majid Cultural and Heritage Centre

• Behind Dubai Cinema, Dubai
• Tel: +971 4 262-4999

Dubai Heritage & Diving Village

• The Mouth of the Creek, Shindagha Area, Dubai
• Tel: +971 4 3937151

Tower of Arabs

• Jumeriah Beach at Burj Al-Arab Hotel, Dubai
• Tel: + 971 4 301 7777

Majlis Gallery

• Al Fahidi Roundabout Bastakia, Bur Dubai, Dubai
• Tel: +971 4 3536233

Deira Covered Souk

• Al-Sabkha Road, Dubai

The Creek

• The Waterfront, Dubai

Wonderland Family Fun Park

• PO Box 28844, Dubai
• Tel: +971 4 324 1222

Magic Planet

• Deira City Centre

Al Garhoud Bridge Road at Dnat, Dubai

• Tel: +971 4 295 4333

Wild Wadi Waterpark

• Jumeirah Beach, Dubai
• Tel: +971 4 348 4444

Dubai Zoo

• Jumeirah, Dubai
• Tel: +971 4 344 0462

Encounter Zone

• Wafi Mall, Dubai
• Tel: +971 4 3247747

Jumeira Beach Park

• Jumeirah St, Dubai
• Tel: +971 4 3492555

Hatta Rock Pools

• Hajar Mountains, Dubai