Places to Go
AL NASR LEISURELAND
Located in Bur Dubai, off Zabeel Road, is this modern leisure park offering a variety of sports facilities including an ice rink, a bowling alley and swimming pools, as well as a children's amusement park. Open daily from 0900 hrs to 2200 hrs.
BASTAKIA
The old district of Bastakia is an area noted for its narrow lanes and its wind-towered, traditional mud walled houses, some of which have been restored as private residences. In sharp contrast to the old houses is the Diwan Amiri (Ruler's Office) nearby. In the earlier days the wind towers served as air conditioners funnelling sea breeze and protecting the people from the mid-summer heat.
BAYT AL WAKEEL
Located near the abra landing on Deira side of the creek is this 1934 office building, the first of its kind in Dubai. Today it has been restored as a maritime museum throwing light on the fishing and sailing traditions of the emirate.
DUBAI CAMEL RACECOURSE
The racecourse at the fringe of the city plays a winter host to the popular local sport of camel racing held on Thursdays and Fridays. Races held on the National Day and the Eid are particularly popular events.
DUBAI CREEK
Winding its way through the heart of Dubai and dividing the city into Deira on the east and Bur Dubai (Dubai side) to the west, this natural deep- water inlet is still plied by the traditional wooden dhows offering colourful vistas of Dubai's trading heritage. Both day and night cruises on small water taxis, known locally as abras are available. The Khor Dubai wildlife sanctuary, a large shallow lagoon at the creek's head, has become a haven for migratory birds including the graceful greater flamingos.
DUBAI MUSEUM
Established in 1970, the museum is housed in the imposing 19th century Al Fahidi fort, which once guarded the landward approach to the town. The museum displays a fine collection both from ancient history including copper, alabaster and pottery artefacts found in graves up to 4,000 years old at Al Qusais, and from the years before the discovery of oil including a window to the pearl industry. The museum is open from 0830 hrs to 1930 hrs (Sat-Thu), Fridays from 1400 hrs to 1930 hrs. Phone: +9714353862
DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE
This 39 storey building, the tallest in the Gulf, located on Sheikh Zayed Road, plays host to conferences and major exhibitions and houses the regional offices of several large corporations and multinational companies. Guided tours to the observation deck are arranged twice a day offering visitors a panoramic view of the city.
DUBAI ZOO
Located in Jumeira is this small zoo featuring a variety of birds, reptiles, and mammals including endemic Arabian species and exotic ones like the endangered royal Bengal tiger, and the beautiful axis deer. The zoo is open from 1000 hrs to 1900 hrs, and Tuesdays from 1500 hrs to 1900 hrs .Phone: +97143440462
GOLD SOUK
One of the largest retail gold markets in the world, the gold souk located in Deira sells everything from ingots to intricately-worked jewellery, as well as precious stones and pearls, at bargain prices. Larger streets and small alleys are chock-a-block with stores and shops whose windows display a dazzling range of gold jewellery from all over the world.
JUMEIRA MOSQUE
Located on Al Jumeira Road is this mosque, a fine example of modern Islamic architecture. The beauty of the mosque, the city's largest, is seen at its very best particularly when floodlit after sundown, when the subtle lighting throws its artistry into relief. The mosque is one of the most photographed sights of Dubai.
PARKS and GARDENS
Dubai has numerous well-maintained public parks and gardens which are extremely popular hangouts for families with some of them having certain days reserved only for ladies and children. Providing a respite from the urban life, the parks feature a host of recreational facilities including children's playgrounds and swimming pools, camel and pony rides, colourful gardens and manicured lawns, restaurants and cafetarias.
Some of the favourite haunts include Al Mamzar Beach Park situated on Al Mamzar Creek at the Dubai-Sharjah border; the Dubai Creekside Park between Al Maktoum and Al Garhoud bridges overlooking the creek; the shoreside Jumeira Beach Park featuring full beach facilities with round- the-clock lifeguard service and a helipad; the large Mushrif National Park on Al Awir Road, past the Dubai International Airport, noted for its miniature International Village featuring different styles of architecture from around the world; and the Safa Park on Al Wasl Road; and Umm Suqueim Park, one of the largest youngster-oriented parks in Umm Suqueim. Besides these, there are several small family parks well equipped with children's play areas including Al Hamriya Park, Al Khazzan Park, Al Wasl Park, Rashidiya Park, and Al Towar Park.
SHEIKH SAEED AL MAKTOUM HOUSE
Located at Shindagha near the mouth of the creek, it was the residence of late Sheikh Saeed, former ruler and grandfather of the present ruler Sheikh Maktoum. The house, which dates from the late 1800s, is now restored to its original splendour and has been opened to the public as a museum. The house is typical of the region, consisting of windtowers and layers of rooms built around a central courtyard. Open daily from 0830 hrs to 1930 hrs (Sat - Thu). Fridays from 1400 hrs to 1930 hrs.
WONDERLAND
The Wonderland family fun park, divided into three sections, features a wide range of exhilarating water attractions extending over 18 hectares. The Main Street offers such unique attractions as the Water Mist show, the Theme Park includes a challenging roller coaster and cart race, while Splashland is a realm of wonderful aqueous activities. Wonderland is located near Al Garhoud bridge close to the Dubai Creekside Park.
