Dubai City Guide - 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.
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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.
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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.
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Opening times: Daily 7am to 12pm and 5pm to 7pm; Fridays 5pm to 7pm

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.
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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.
Telephone: (0)4 348 4444
Website: www.wildwadi.com
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Opening times: 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

. 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.
Telephone: (0)4 344 7755
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Opening times: Tours are on Thursday at 10am; tours are also available on Sundays at 10am in summer

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.
Telephone: (0)4 353 1862
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Opening times: Saturday to Thursday 8.30am to 8.30pm, Friday 2.30pm to 8.30pm

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.
Telephone: (0)4 409 4000
Website: www.skidxb.com
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Opening times: Sunday to Wednesday 10am to 11pm, until 12pm from Thursday to Saturday

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.
Telephone: (0)4 393 7139
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Opening times: Saturday to Thursday 8am to 8.30pm, Friday 3.30pm to 8.30pm

Camel Racing
No visit to Dubai would be complete without a trip to the racesÂ…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.
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Opening times: Thursday and Friday mornings. Call Nad Al Sheba for exact times.

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.
Telephone: +971 4 3492555
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Opening times: 8am - 10.30pm daily. Thursday and Friday till 11pm. Saturday for children and ladies only

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.
Telephone: +971 4 399 4994
Website: www.jebelali-international.com/properties/bateaux_dubai
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Opening times: Boarding begins at 7:45pm. Departure from dock 8:30pm

. 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.
Telephone: (4) 437 3200
Website: www.thedubaimall.com
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 times: Saturday - Friday 10am to Midnight

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.
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Website: www.thedubaiaquarium.com
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Al Nasr Leisureland
With a variety of sports to choose from, Al Nasr Leisureland offers facilities to cater to just about every sport under the sun. From an ice ring to swimming pools, tennis courts and a bowling alley, children will have a great time trying their hand at everything. There is even an amusement park with bumper cars, rollercoasters, go-karting and much more.
Telephone: 04 337 1234
Website: www.alnasrll.com
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Opening times: Open daily from 9am – 10pm

Children's City
This 82,890 square-foot (7,700 sq-metre) education park is located in Dubai Creek Park and offers a wide range of activities geared towards kids, making the educational process fun. Children can learn all about the human body, science and space and the park also features a café, souvenir shop and wonderful views of the creek.
Telephone: 04 334 0808
Website: www.childrencity.ae
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Opening times: Open Monday to Friday from 9am - 8.30pm. Closes 3pm Fridays

Wonderland
Wonderland Theme and Water Park in Dubai Creek Park is a must for children struggling with the heat in this scorching city. The Caribbean themed park offers thrilling rides and slides such as the Red Baron, the spinning-coaster, the Action Arm, Lazy River and Surf Hill. Wonderland is a great way to spend the day with the family and a must for children of all ages.
Telephone: 04 324 1222
Website: www.wonderlanduae.com
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Opening times: Open daily from 10am - 7pm; Theme Park from 4pm – 10pm. Closed Sundays

Dubai Dolphinarium
The Dubai Dolphinarium offers guests the chance to interact with these gentle aquatic mammals and watch them perform tricks with their trainers. The Dolphinarium is home to four Black Sea Bottlenose dolphins as well as four Northern Fur Seals. The dolphinarium allows gusts to swim with the dolphins in a pre-arranged session, and also features a restaurant and gift shop.
Telephone: 04 336 9773
Website: www.dubaidolphinarium.ae
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Opening times: Dolphin and seal shows run from Monday to Saturday from 11am – 8pm. Swimming with dolphins can be arranged daily from 1pm – 7pm

Creekside Park
With what seems like an endless lawn, Creekside Park is a great place for families and kids to enjoy while on holiday in Dubai. Boasting botanical gardens, an 18-hole mini golf course, an amphitheatre, picnic locations with barbecue equipment and a mini train and children's play areas, kids will be beside themselves with the endless amount of activities to enjoy here.
Telephone: 04 369 082
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Opening times: Open daily from 8am – 10pm