Major Tourist Attractions
Visitors to the Emirates can experience a huge variety of scenery in this small area. From rugged mountains to the awe-inspiring sand dunes, the sandy beaches to the green parks, ancient houses to the modern shopping malls.
The contrasts all give Dubai a unique personality, a cosmopolitan country with international lifestyle and yet with deeply rooted Islamic traditions.
Dubai City – The Central Business District of Dubai is divided into two parts Deira and Bur Dubai which is connected by a tunnel and two bridges. Each has its share of shopping malls, banks, office towers, schools, hospitals and parks. Besides this, the Creek a natural sea-water inlet cuts through the center of the city. One can view the beauty of the place by going across the Creek by the abra, an old traditional dhow, which taxis across Deira to Bur Dubai and vice versa.
Bastakiya – This old district with its narrow lanes and tall wind towers gives one a glimpse of old Dubai. To the east of Al Fahidi Fort, is the largest concentration of traditional courtyard houses with wind towers.
Sheikh Saeed’s House – The house was built in a prominent position near the sea so that the Ruler could observe the shipping activities. The wind towers and the layers of the rooms built around the courtyard exhibit traditional architecture.
Jumeirah Mosque – Known to be one of the most beautiful, it is an example of modern Islamic architecture. The mosque with its twin minarets and majestic dome is a well known city landmark.
Bait Al Wakeel – This is one of Dubai’s first office building and built by late Sheikh Rashid in 1934. This building has been completely renovated and now houses a museum devoted to fishing and maritime traditions.
Souks – On both sides of the creek are well known for their bargains and a place for photographers. In the tiny lanes of the spice souks, the atmosphere and scents of the past can be savored. In the gold souk, one finds a variety of jewelry ranging from traditional to modern, displayed in each window. Besides this in tiny lanes, one finds traditional bakeries, textile shops and tea stalls. The fish souk in Deira is an attraction on its own. Early morning or late night, one finds fishermen unload huge quantities of fish which they sell in frenzied bargaining sessions.
Dubai Museum – Al Fahidi Fort which houses the Dubai museum is an imposing building. It once guarded the city’s landward approaches. Built in 1799, it served as a palace, garrison and prison. In 1970, it was renovated for use of a museum. It is colorful, with full size figures and sound and lighting effects. Galleries recreate scenes from the creek, traditional houses, mosques, date gardens, and marine life. The spectacular exhibit of the underwater world of pearl diving is not to be missed.
Heritage and Diving Village – A traditional village located at the mouth of the creek, has been created where potters and weavers display their wares. The sights in the village takes one back in time to experience some of Dubai's heritage.
Wonderland – The 18 hectare family fun park features a huge variety of water attractions. It has the capacity to accommodate up to 8500 people and includes speed slides, surf hills, wave runners, twisters and a cruise.
Magic Planet – Housed in the Deira City Center, this children's indoor entertainment site, is unique with ten-pin bowling alley, a bungle jungle, electronic games and a mini putt.
Dubai World Trade Center – 39 floors above the city it houses the regional headquarters of many international corporations. Along with the modern conference center, the seven exhibition halls host international trade fairs that attracts exhibitors from all over the world. One can enjoy the panoramic view of the city from its viewing gallery by paying a minimal fee.
Al Boom Tourist Village – Adjacent to the Creek park, the village consist of a banquet hall, a coffee shop, amusement park, ornamental lake and a marina with five cruise boats.
Parks and Gardens – One will find numerous parks and gardens all over Dubai. Very popular with families, are the spots that offer attractive barbecue spots, play areas for children and a variety of entertainment centers. Some of the largest parks are the Jumeirah Beach Park, Dubai Creekside Park, Mushrif Park, Al Mamzar Park, and Safa Park.
Golf Courses – The Golf Courses all over Dubai, are worth a visit. The architecture of the golf club houses, the green and landscaping of the area makes it all an impressive sight. Today, Dubai is host to the Golf Championships.
Traditional Sports – Falconry is still practiced today as was in days gone by. The ancient sport of camel racing attracts a sizeable audience too. The Arab has maintained a great love for horses and this lives on even today. This is evident is the rapid development and growth of horse racing in Dubai in the recent years including the establishment of the World Cup – the world’s richest horse race.
Diving – The waters of the Emirate, attracts scuba divers, both novice and professionals. The diving clubs and centers are well equipped to cater to visitors. Here they rent equipment out, offer courses with internationally qualified instructors and supervised shores and boat dives.
Fishing – The Gulf is rich in marine life and fishing was once a mainstay of the economy. Hammour, Barracuda, Kingfish are some of the fish caught for sport and commercially. Sailfish and bottom feeding sharks are regularly landed by visiting fishermen who can hire fully equipped boats with crew for deep sea fishing.
Sand Skiing – A novel sport experience, visitors must have a try at sand skiing. For this one must make a trip to the desert dunes.
Horse Riding – Horses and riding are part of the local tradition. This has been upheld by the Dubai Equestrian Center, Jebel Ali Hotel Riding Stables and Jebel Ali Equestrian Center.
Go-Karting – Dubai is home to the Middle East’s first fully equipped indoor go-kart facility, Formula One. An active go-karting fraternity races regularly at the Jebel Ali Hotel. This sport can be tried October through to May.
Ice Skating – Dubai has two ice rinks, open year round at Hyatt Regency Galleria and Al Nasr Leisureland. Skates are available for hire and instruction is available.
Shooting and Archery – The Jebel Ali Shooting Club offers pistol, skeet and trap shooting as well as laser shooting simulator.
Dubai Shopping Festival – Held every year, in march, this has become an internationally well known event with bargains, promotions and some of the lowest prices. Majority of the hotels reduce their rates.
Dubai Summer Surprises – A government initiative begun in 1998, it has attracted thousands of tourists during summer months. Competitive airfares, special hotel rates and a lot of activities, have made this a popular event.
Original document on http://www.turnertraveldubai.com/Dubai-att/tourist-att.asp
), dune bashing, go to the pictures, go for a dinner cruise on a dhow, take an abra along the creek, go to Wild Wadi, walk around the souks -the gold souq is dazzling, have threading on your eyebrows (ouch!! ), do the spa bit, have a manicure and pedicure get henna done on your hands, walk around the Madinat Jumeirah and eat alfresco, try shisha, walk around Satwa, go to Karama for bargains, go to Dragonmart for more bargains, go ice skating (Al Nasir leisureland or I heard the Hyatt is good plus you can do a decadent chocolate buffet after!!), hot airballooning, take the Big Bus tour or the Wonder Bus- duck that does the land and creek tour leaving from the Burjuman, creekside park has a cable car, do a Mosque tour, go to the Dubai Zoo-walking distance from the Mercato shopping mall-some people criticise this place but the animals are well cared for and the gorilla and its mate are awesome, visit heritage sites like the Bastakiya, Heritage and Diving Village etc(www.dubaitourism.ae), stuff your own bear at the bear factory and dress him/her in traditional dress and take a camel ride on the beach. 