 Attractions around Dubai
Bastakiya
Get a glimpse of old Dubai, by wandering around the old Bastakiya district.
Built in narrow lanes, the traditional courtyard houses with wind-towers give a
good insight into how people lived. The wind-towers as well as looking
attractive were functional as they provided a form of 'air conditioning' by
filtering the air down into the house.
Excavation Sites
Sites in Dubai of historical interest, are at Al Ghusais, Al Sufooh and Jumeirah.
The first two are graveyards dating back more than 2,000 years. The Jumeirah
site reveals artefacts from the seventh to 15th centuries.
Sheikh Saeed's House
Dates from the late 1800s, was built near the sea, as an observation post of all
the shipping activity below. It was built around a central courtyard with the
traditional wind-towers.
Dubai Museum
The museum is housed in Al Fahidi Fort, which was an important landmark 150
years ago, as it once guarded the city's landward approaches. Built around 1799,
it has served as a palace, garrison and prison. In 1970 it was converted for use
as a museum. The museum is very innovative and imaginatively designed, in the
fact that it depicts Dubai in the past, by showing how people lived during
pre-oil days. There are purpose built areas showing typical scenes from
traditional Arab houses and schools, mosques, the spice souks and people at
work. The desert and the animals that inhabit it are depicted in an interactive
way which is fun for both adults and children. A huge room is dedicated to
marine life and the activities of the pearl divers.
 Dubai Mosques
One of the largest and most beautiful of Dubai's numerous mosques is Jumeirah
Mosque which is a spectacular example of modern Islamic architecture. It is
built of stone in medieval Fatimid tradition with twin minarets and a majestic
dome. It stands as a city landmark and is worth visiting at night when it is
fully illuminated.
Boasting the city's tallest minaret at 70 metres, the Grand Mosque near the
Ruler's Court in Bur Dubai, has 45 small domes in addition to nine large ones,
making it a dominant landmark and place of worship.
Heritage & Diving Villages
Go back in time and experience some of Dubai's heritage. This is a traditional
heritage village located near the mouth of the Creek where potters and weavers
display their crafts.
To keep all the family entertained, the following activities offer fun and
interesting pastimes.
Dubai Zoo
The zoo in Jumeirah houses many indigenous Arabian species, including the
Arabian Wolf, which is no longer found in the wild. Regional birds of prey can
be found in the large aviary. Several Arabian mammals and many species of cats
are also in the zoo.
 The Desert & Mountains
The desert provides numerous opportunities with 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! Book a dune dinner with Arabian Adventures and experience a
traditional Arabic meal in the desert under the stars. Or for a slightly slower
mode of transport, ride a camel in the desert and imagine how the bedouins got
about many years ago.
Winter is a good time to explore the beautiful scenery around the Hajar
Mountains and its rock pools or drive through the wadis - dry beds of streams
filled with water. Camping is also very popular in the winter months, when the
weather is cooler.
Wonderland
This is a unique amusement and water attraction fun park for all the family. Set
in 18-hectares, the theme park includes water rides, speed slides, a roller
coaster and a power cart track. It also has a water mist show and water cinema,
with videos projected onto a thin film of water.
Magic Planet
This children's entertainment centre in the Deira City Centre shopping mall, is
a unique indoor site with ten-pin bowling and a variety of electronic games and
even a mini pitch and putt.
Encounter Zone
This is in the Wafi shopping mall. If you fancy something different, both
children and adults will be entertained. The Crystal Maze has a horror chamber
and exciting 3-D films. There's even a roller coaster simulator, which is so
close to the real thing. There are other rides to enjoy and the best being the
Komet which shoots around the top of the building.
Wild Wadi
Situated next to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and 20 minutes from the centre of
Dubai, this 12-acre water park combines thrilling rides, a surf area, a wave
pool and many more water activities for all ages.16 out of the 24 water rides
are inter-connected, which means you never have to leave the water. The park is
themed in the style of Sinbad and ancient Arabia and set in an authentic wadi
setting.
Parks and Picnic Areas
Around Dubai are numerous public parks and gardens offering a peaceful respite
from urban life. Particularly 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, while many smaller
ones throughout the city provide pleasant green oases.
Golf Courses
Even for the non-golfer, Dubai's golf clubs are worth a visit, both for the
spectacular architecture of their clubhouses and as examples of the successful
greening and landscaping of the desert. More detail of the courses is given in
the Sporting section.
A nine-hole 'country' course is available at the Hatta Fort Hotel where golfers
have a unique fun experience of playing in craggy mountain scenery.
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