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The city of Dubai embraces its namesake creek, dividing it into two halves. The main sightseeing circuit in Dubai is split between Bur Dubai and Deira which lie on opposite sides of the water, and the gently curving Dubai Creek is an attraction in itself. You will have plenty of opportunities for some brilliant views of the city from the water: gleaming skyscrapers on one side, and old trading dhows on the other.
Deira’s many attractions include the historic quarter of Bastakia, as well as old Souks and covered marketplaces. Wandering along the alleys, you can explore the Spice Souk and the Gold Souk. The Dubai Museum is housed within the beautifully restored Al Fahidi Fort, and is a must-see for first time visitors to Dubai. Built in 1799 to defend the city against invasion, it has served as both palace and prison and the museum’s collection includes life-size figures and galleries depicting Arab houses, mosques, date gardens, desert and marine life.
On the Bur Dubai side, Heritage Village, located in the Shindagah area, is a family destination where you can watch potters, weavers and artisans at their crafts. The adjoining Diving Village offers a cultural microcosm of pearl diving and fishing. Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, a museum restored from the house of Dubai’s former ruler and dating back to the late 1800s, is within the same complex. With its unusual layered rooms and authentic wind towers, Sheikh Saeed’s House showcases regional architecture at its best.
If you drive west from the city centre, you will reach the popular suburb of Jumeirah, home to some of Dubai’s finest luxury hotels and resorts, unspoilt stretches of sunny beaches and water sports complexes. In Jumeirah is the Grand Mosque, re-built in 1998, with the city’s tallest minaret, nine large domes and 45 small domes - a distinguished landmark and an important place of worship.
About 115 km south east of Dubai, in the heart of the rocky Hatta Mountains, is the 3000 year old Hatta Village, an important historical site for the region. The two towers overlooking the village used to be defence fortresses against hostile invaders, and during a relaxed day at the Village, you can visit the Houses of Traditional Handicrafts and Palm Products, The Castle Centre, and the 200 year old Sharia Mosque.
In contrast to the traditional attractions of Dubai and the surrounding areas, the city boasts world-class business and leisure facilities.
Dubai is home to Ski Dubai - the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East. This unique resort spans 22,500 square meters, which is temperature controlled at -1° to -2°, and covered with real snow throughout the year. The theme of Ski Dubai is that of a mountain resort - with qualified instructors to guide you through the intricacies of learning to ski or snowboard. Inside the resort, a retail shop, themed restaurants and the world’s largest Snow Park, offer something for everyone.
Seasonal highlights Dubai has a very eventful social calendar. With international sporting events, shopping and entertainment festivals, music and cultural
programs held at various indoor and outdoor venues all year - round.
Varying from the world’s richest horse race - The Dubai World Cup, and international jazz festivals, to the home grown Dubai Shopping
Festival, Dubai also hosts regionally significant exhibitions and trade shows on a regular basis.
While the actual dates of many important events are timed to match the season, the Lunar calendar and the holy month of Ramadan
change from year to year. The chart below provides a guideline to the city’s many events:
January - The Dubai Marathon, Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai International Jazz Festival, Emirates Cup Traditional Dhow Sailing Race,
Dubai International Sailing Week Regatta
February : The Dubai Terry Fox Run, Dubai Tennis Championships
March : Dubai Desert Golf Classic, Dubai World Cup, Dubai International Kite Surfing Challenge
April : International Jewellery exhibition
May : Local and international events
June : Dubai Summer Surprises, UAE National Sailing Championship
July : Dubai Summer Surprises
August : Dubai Summer Surprises
September : Local and international events (Dubai, the City that Cares festival)
October : Gulf IT Exhibition (GITEX), UAE Desert Challenge
November : Horse racing season, Dubai Traditional Dhow Sailing Race
December : Rugby 7s, Dubai Air Show, Dubai Grand Prix, National Day celebrations
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