Dubai

Dubai is considered by many to be the pearl of the Middle East. Originally a small fishing village which was known for being a source of pearls, it was not until the late 19th century under the rule of Sheikh Maktoum that the city really began to emerge as the commercial heart of the east.

The discovery of oil and continued trade saw Dubai developing into the business and tourism giant that it is today.

Today, Dubai is both liberal and tolerant and provided that tourists are respectful of local traditions, Emirate citizens will be willing to overlook and forgive any indiscretion occurring as a result of ignorance. General guidelines include dressing modestly in public, only consuming alcohol in designated areas and being considerate of local religious practices. It is worth remembering that Non-Muslims are typically not allowed into mosques under any circumstances, however, if you are interested in Islamic religious practices you can take a guided tour of the Jumeriah Mosque, which is explicitly the only exception to the former rule.

Key Facts

Location – Southern shore of the Arabian Gulf, northeastern United Arab Emirates.
Population – 1,400,000.
Time zone – GMT + 4.
Average January temperatures – 24°C
Average July temperatures – 41°C
Annual rainfall – 11.8 inches
Currency – Dirahms (AED or Dhs)

Just a few of the many places to visit

Bastakiya

Bastakiya
Dubai Creek used to be lined by a mass of wind towers that kept the local houses cool. Visiting the Bastakiya district is like stepping back in time, with traditional courtyard houses and many wind towers. The Bastakiya area is being transformed into a ‘tourist village’. It now has a museum, cafes and some small art galleries, making its shady street ideal for wandering around and exploring.

Palm Islands and the World
The three Palm islands, said to be visible from space, form the largest manmade islands in the world. The Palm Jumeirah has a number of hotels as well as private residences. The Palm Jebel Ali is expected to have many leisure facilities, including an aquatic theme park, when it opens in 2012. The third of the islands, Palm Deira, will be more geared towards residential use with over 7,000 villas, and will be the largest of the trio when it opens in 2011/12. New bridges will connect the islands to the mainland in one of the largest construction projects ever undertaken by man.

The three islands are going to be accompanied by ‘The World’, all very Dubai, an ambitious attempt to recreate the shape of the world on 300 offshore islands.

Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum’s House
Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum’s House is one of the oldest houses in Dubai and is one of the best examples of traditional architecture. This house was built from sandstone (1896) and offers amazing views out towards the sea. The one-time ruler of Dubai used the house to monitor trade in and out of the country. The house was reopened as a museum in 1986, and now contains an exhibition illuminating Dubai’s development from the 1940s to the late 1960s.

Jumeirah Mosque

Jumeirah Mosque
The Jumeirah Mosque was built entirely of stone along medieval Fatimid lines and is an impressive example of modern Islamic architecture. It is particularly attractive at night, when subtle lighting increases its dramatic effect. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter mosques in Dubai, although they can enter this one if on an organised tour.

Grand Mosque
The Grand Mosque was rebuilt in 1998 and has the city’s tallest minaret at 231ft. Located on the Bur Dubai side of the creek, near the Ruler’s Court, the Grand Mosque consists of nine large domes and 45 smaller ones. This mosque can house up to 1,200 worshippers. Non-Muslims cannot enter this mosque.

Dubai souk

Souks (markets)
The souks (traditional markets) are one of Dubai’s greatest attractions. They are located on both sides of the creek, with the most impressive on the Deira side. Whilst wandering around the souks visitors get an insight into how life was in Dubai before oil was discovered.

Children’s City
Housed in Dubai Creekside Park, this 82,882 sq ft development takes young minds on a journey through the human body, science and space, with the help of different ‘zones’. With plenty of hands-on action to keep even the most demanding children occupied. All exhibits are in English as well as Arabic.

Al-Fahidi Fort

Dubai Museum
The Dubai Museum is housed in Al-Fahidi Fort. This historic fort dates back to 1799 and was converted into a museum in 1970. The exhibits range from old weapons and pearl-diving outfits to an impressive range of military artefacts. Some of the most fascinating exhibits are those recovered from the 3,000 to 4,000 year old graves at Al-Ghusais, while perhaps the most striking is the huge wooden sailing craft that is beached outside.

Majlis Ghorfat Um-Al-Sheef
The late ruler of Dubai, Ghorfat Um-Al-Sheef, used this building as his ‘home from home’ but it is now open to the public. The building dates back to 1955 and its most impressive feature are the majlis gardens, which include a reproduction of a traditional Arab irrigation system.

Heritage Village
Here the Bedouin way of life is recreated, with locals dressed in traditional garb, displays of traditional handicrafts, song and dance. Local handicrafts are also available for purchase.