DubaiGuide V3182

Contents
Sight Seeing
1. Aerial Tour of Dubai
2. Al Boom Tourist Village
3. Archaeological Sites
4. Bait Al Wakeel
5. Bastakiya
6. Bedouin Village
7. Burj Nahar
8. Deira Covered Souk
9. Dubai Creek
10. Dubai Museum
11. Dubai World Trade Centre
12. Gold Souk
13. Grand Mosque
14. Hatta
15. Heritage and Diving Village
16. Jumeira Mosque
17. Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House (Museum)
18. Shindagha
19. Spice Souk
20. Parks and Gardens
Things to do in Dubai
1. Art Galleries
2. Desert Safaris
3. Dune Driving
4. Camel riding
5. Sand-skiing
6. Desert feasts
7. Dubai by Sea
8. Dubai Zoo
9. Encounter Zone
10. Fishing
11. Golf Courses
12. Go-Karting
13. Al Nasr Leisureland Complex
14. Horse Riding
15. Magic Planet
16. The Souks
17. Wild Wadi
18. WonderLand
19. Hot Air Balloon Flights
DubaiCityGuide, P.O.Box 53735, 101Khaled Al Attar Tower, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai, UAE 2
Tel:3312627; Fax:3318812; Email: [email protected];
Internet: www.dubaicityguide.com
<a Cyber Gear E-Venture>
Aerial Tour of Dubai
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Sightseeing and Scenic aerial tours of Dubai using amphibious aircraft's are being provided
by Emarat Link Aviation. Dedicated arrival and departure floating terminal facilities are
located in Dubai near Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.
Contact Emarat Link - Tel: 2941050
Web: http://www.emaratlink.com
Al Boom Tourist Village

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Adjacent to Creekside Park, the village
consists of a 2,000 seat banquet hall, a
coffee shop, restaurant, amusement park,
ornamental lake and a marina with five
cruise boats. Its traditional architecture
forms a stately city landmark. Located next
to Wonderland Family Fun Park. It is open 7
days. Timings: 9am-1am. Entertainment
includes evening boat cruises with dinner
served. Tel: 3243000
Archaeological Sites
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You can visit the excavation sites at Al Ghusais, Al Sufooh and Jumeirah where you will find
arte facts from the seventh to 15th centuries.
Bait Al Wakeel
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Built in 1934 by the late Sheikh Rashid, Bait Al Wakeel was Dubai's first office building. At
the edge of the Creek near the abra landing, the building has been completely restored and
now houses a museum devoted to Dubai's fishing and maritime traditions.
Bastakiya
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The old Bastakiya district with its narrow lanes and tall wind-
towers gives a tantalizing glimpse of old Dubai. Immediately to the
east of Al Fahidi Fort is the largest concentration of traditional
courtyard houses with windtowers.
In the past, the city was famous for a mass of windtowers which
lined the Creek on either side. These were not merely decorative;
they were the only means of cooling houses in the days before
electricity.
Bedouin Village
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Some local tour operators offer the opportunity to visit Bedouin village outside Dubai. This
provides an experience of the traditional desert way of life and may include camel-riding
lessons. Those who want a desert safari experience with a difference may choose to stay at
Al Maha, a unique luxury resort set in 3,300 acres of dunes off the highway between
blankets, rugs, beads and a variety of other rural wares spread on the ground. Owners urge
jockeys on to the finish line while trainers speedily follow the races in fourwheel drives
which plough through the dust of the inside track. The atmosphere is contagious!
Burj Nahar
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One of three watchtowers guarding the old city, the restored Burj Nahar in its picturesque
gardens in Deira is popular with photographers.
Deira Covered Souk (District)

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Naif Road, Dubai
The main market in Dubai; well worth a wander
and a barter.
Dubai Creek
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Lined by dhows, the Creek offers a picturesque
glimpse of Dubai's trading heritage. It can
crossed by 'abra' (water taxi) and tour operators
offer day or night cruises.
Dubai Museum
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Al Fahidi Fort, which houses the Dubai Museum,
is another imposing building. It once guarded the
city's landlord approaches. Built around 1799, it
has served variously as palace, garrison and
prison.
It was renovated in 1970 for use as a museum;

further restoration and the addition of galleries
was completed in 1995. Colorful and evocative
dioramas, complete with life-size figures and
sound and lighting effects, vividly depict
everyday life in pre-oil days. Galleries rescenes from the Creek, traditional Arab houses,
mosques, the souk, date gardens, desert and marine life. One of the most spectacular
exhibits portrays the underwater world of pearl-diving, and is accompanied by sets of pearl
merchants' weights, scales and sieves.
Also on display are artifacts such as fine copper, alabaster and pottery objects found in
3,000-4,000 year-old graves at Al Ghusais. The main fort is a fascinating military museum.
The Dubai Museum is open daily from 8.30am - 8.30pm, except Fridays: 3pm-8.30pm. Tel:
3531862
Dubai World Trade Centre

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The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) was established to
stimulate trade and commerce in the United Arab Emirates in
1979. Over the past two decades, the DWTC has become a
symbol of economic growth and prosperity in the Middle East. It
undertakes three core activities: organizing exhibitions, providing
hospitality services and property leasing.
From humble beginning in 1979 to being a state-of-the-art complex today, the DWTC has
recorded remarkable growth in all areas of its core activities. The Complex includes a 39-
storey office tower, 492 serviced residential apartments with a sports club, seven
international standard interconnected and purpose built exhibition halls, a 200-seat theatre,
a congress center and a private member's business club.
Gold Souk
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Dubai boasts one of the largest retail gold
markets in the world, selling everything from
ingots to intricately worked jewellery at bargain
prices. The street-front stores hide alleys of
smaller shops with glittering show windows.
Grand Mosque
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Situated on the Bur Dubai side of the Creek near
the Ruler's Court, Grand Mosque was re-built in
1998 and now has, at 70 metres, the city's tallest
minaret. It has 45 small domes in addition to
nine large ones boasting stained glass panels,
making it a distinguished landmark and
important place of worship.
Hatta
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In the foothills of the majestic Hajjar mountains, Hatta is a
comfortable resort, ideal for a weekend getaway. The historic
Hatta fort overlooks the town. The area is a much frequented
picnic spot, and is about one hours drive from Dubai.
Hatta Mountains
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From Jurassic Park to Hatta in one swoop. Larger than life: The 30 metre long Dinosaur
dwarfed by the Hatta Mountains. Stairs under its tail will lead to a room built in its stomach
where replics of the stone Age will be kept.
A white prancing horse adorns a hill on top at the farm.
Visitors to the farm are greeted by a cannon. The driveway, internal roads and walkways
are made of stone with pictures created from different coloured stones.
Heritage and Diving Village

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A traditional heritage village, located in the
Shindagah area has been created where potters
and weavers display their crafts. The Diving
village forms part of an ambitious plan to turn
the entire area into a cultural microcosm,
recreating life in Dubai as it was in days gone by.
Located near the mouth of the creek, this area is
also popular in the evenings as a venue for its
open-air cafeterias and live entertainment.
Several shops also sell handicrafts. No entrance
fees. Tel: 3937151
Jumeira Mosque
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Located on Al Jumeira Road this mosque, one of
the most beautiful of all, and 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 visited and
photographed sights. Tours are at 10am every
Sunday and Thursday mornings. For Tour
information, contact the Sheikh Mohammed
Centre for Cultural Understanding, which is open
8am - 3pm, Sat-Wed. Tel: 3447755
Sheikh SaeedAl Maktoum House (Museum)
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Port Rashid, Dubai
Shaikh Saeed was the grandfather of the present
ruler and his house has been restored as a
museum. Dating from the late 1800s, Sheikh
Saeed's House was built in a commanding
position near the sea so the Ruler could observe
shipping activity from its balconies. With its
windtowers and layers of rooms built around a
central courtyard, it is a fine example of regional
architecture. Tel: 3937139
Shindagha
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At the mouth of the Creek, Shindagha is the
original site from which Dubai grew. Sheikh
Saeed's house, the former home the ruling
Maktoum family, has been carefully restored
here. Open daily from 8:30am - 8:30pm, except
Fridays: 3pm - 8:30pm.
Spice Souk
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The narrow lanes of the spice souk are redolent
with cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, incense, dried
fruit and nuts. Imported from all over the Middle
East, they are sold straight out of open sacks that
surround the shop keepers.
Parks and Gardens
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Situated 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.
Dubai is both a dynamic international business centre and a well laid-back tourist escape; a
city where the sophistication of the 21st century walks hand in hand with the simplicity of a
bygone era.
Modern day Dubai is a happening place. There are a host of things that you can do while in
Dubai.
Art Galleries
Dubai International Art Centre

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Open hrs: 8.30am-7pm, Sun-Wed and 8.30am-4pm on Thurs & Sat. Closed on Fridays
Located off the beach road in Jumeirah, opp. McDonald's on the Beach Road.Tel: 3444398
Green Art Gallery

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Open hrs: 9am-1.30pm and 4.30pm-8.30pm. Closed Fridays.
It is located in a villa behind the Dubai Zoo. Features contemporary artists work. Tel:
3449888, http://:www.gagallery.com
Hunar Gallery
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Open hrs: 9.30am-1pm and 4.30pm-7.30pm. Closed Fridays
Located in a villa in Rashidiya. Features original oil paintings, reproductions, water colours
by resident Dubai artists, mixed media bronze, bronze sculptures, clay wall tiles and a
beautiful collection of belgium glassware. Tel: 2862224
Majlis Gallery
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Open hrs: 9.30am-1.30pm and 4pm-7.30 pm. Closed Fridays
Located in the old Bastikiya area, near the Dubai Museum. Features paintings in oil and
water colours and pottery and jewellery.Tel: 3536233
The Courtyard
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Open hrs: 10am-8pm. Closed Fridays.
Located in the Al Quoz area, just after interchange No. 3 on the Sheikh Zayed Road.
Features paintings of several artists ranging from traditional miniatures to nature, still life
and contemporary work. Tel: 3475050, 2282888, http://www.courtyard-uae.com
Camel Racing
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On Thursdays and Fridays, from 8am to 2pm,
during the months of October - April, Camel
Racing is a major sport in Dubai. The track is
located on the outskirts of the city at Nad Al
Sheba (behind the Metropolitan Hotel).
Desert Safaris
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No visit to Dubai would be complete without a trip into the
desert. Such excursions, which are best organized as part of a
group tour, offer a taste of the true heartland of Arabia.
The majesty and tranquility of the desert can be experienced in a

choice of exciting half-day, full-day and overnight safaris. These
action-packed trips cover varied terrain ranging from desert to
mountain and take in remote camel and goat farms and isolated
villages. Highlights of a safari in Dubai may include the following:
Dune Driving
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Driving in sand is an adventure in itself, combining the excitement of a roller coaster ride
with the challenge of remaining mobile on the shifting surface, courses in sand driving
vehicles provided along with expert instruction.
Camel riding
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The Camel, a symbol of Arabia, is also a major
tourist attraction. Camel rides from part of some
tours and desert safaris. Tour operators and hotels
can also arrange camel rides separately.
Exploring the wadis
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A popular pastime with both residents and visitors is known as wadi-bashing exploring the
wadis or dry beds of streams that flow after the winter rains from the Hajr mountains. Many
wadis offer scenes of unexpected beauty: attractive rock pools, some with water year-
round, surrounded by greenery. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are required and are available for
hire with or without drivers. As with desert driving, it is recommended that novices do not
try their hands at wadi-bashing without expert supervision.
Sand-skiing
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Those with a taste for speed and enthusiasm for
an unusual sport will enjoy sand-skiing down the
dunes of Dubai deserts. Special skis are used and
high dunes in the interior of the desert are
chosen as slopes. Sand-skiing can be arranged on
request or as a part of a full-day or half-day
safari.
Desert feasts
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Particularly popular are safaris that culminate in spectacular desert sunset views followed by
a traditional Arabian barbecue under the stars. These can be tailored to meet every taste
from a romantic and peaceful experience to elaborate fun-pack evenings complete with
music, belly-dancing, the smoking of hubble-bubble pipes and often a display of falconry.
Dubai by Air
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Visitors with a head for heights and a weakness for the dramatic, can enjoy the excitement
of a helicopter tour over the city. Alternatively, visitors can enjoy city or desert tours in a
fixed-wing aircraft.
You may contact : Desert Air, Tel: 2994411, who provide City Tours By Air, starting at Dhs
250 per prson, per 45 min trip.
Dubai by Sea
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A fascinating way to see Dubai is by sea. You sail along the Arabian Gulf and admire the
coastline and palaces, hotels and beaches.
You may contact : Danat Dubai Cruises, Tel: 3511117, who provide Dubai Tours By Sea.
Dubai Zoo
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Located in Jumeirah, the Dubai Zoo is a popular
attraction, especially for families. The zoo's
modern facilities though small, house many
indigenous Arabian species, including the Arabian
Wolf, which is no longer found in the wild,
Gordon's Wildcat and the world's only captive
breeding colony of Socotra Cormorants.
Featured in its large aviary are regional birds of

prey. Nine species of large cats and seven
species of primates are on show, along with
many Arabian mammals. The zoo is shortly to undergo relocation and redevelopment
allowing animals to live in areas designed to be as similar to their natural environment as
possible. It is open from 10am - 6pm daily. Entrance Fees: Dhs 2. Tel: 3440462
Encounter Zone
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Situated in the Wafi Shopping Mall, this is an
entertainment centre with a difference, with areas for
both children and results. The popular Crystal Maze is
featured along with a horror chamber and fascinating 3
D films.Tel: 3247747
Fishing
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The Gulf is rich in marine life, and fishing was once a mainstay of the local economy.
Kingfish, jackfish, red snapper, rock cod(the popular hamour on most Dubai menus),
barracuda and other species are caught commercially and not for sport. Sailfish and bottom-
feeding sharks are regularly landed by visiting fishermen who can hire fully-equipped boats,
with crew, for deep-sea fishing trips.
Galleria Ice Rink

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Located at the Galleria shopping complex at the Hyatt Regency. Rates are Dhs 25, per
person, per session and includes skate hire. Timings are 10am - 1.30pm, 2pm - 5.30pm and
6pm - 9,30pm. Tel: 2096551
Golf Courses
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Dubai is a golfers paradise. The Dubai Creek Golf
& Yacht Club and the famous Emirates Golf Club
are the venues of the European PGA tour. The
Nad al Sheeba Golf and Racing Club even offers
night golf for the enthusiasts who want to beat
the summer heat of Dubai! For bookings or
courses, Tel: Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club -
2956000, Nad Al Sheba - 3363666, Emirates Golf
Club - 3473222
Go-Karting
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Dubai has the Middle East's first fully-equipped 40,000 sq. ft of air-conditioned indoor go-
kart facility at Formula One. Open 7 days a week, from 10am - 10pm for 8 years upwards.
Tel: 3388828
Outdoors, an active go-karting fraternity races regularly at the track beside the Jebel Ali
Hotel. Visitors can enjoy this sport during the months of Oct-May.
Al Nasr Leisureland Complex

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This facility provides bowling, squash, go-karting, ice skating, swimming and fun rides.
Rates star at Dhs 10 for 2 hours of fuin. Tel: 3371234
Horse Riding
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The sport of kings has rapidly become Dubai's most popular spectator event, attracting
crowds of more than 15,000. Race meetings are held weekly during the cooler months at
one of the UAE's four racecourses. Dubai Racing Club, at Naad Al Sheba, the country's
largest and most spectacular track and home to the Dubai World Cup the sport's richest
race also holds meetings at right under floodlights. These evening meets also prove popular
with corporate clients, who may choose to take a hospitality box to entertain clients and
other guests. The winter months (Nov - Apr) are more favoured for Horse Racing.
Horse riding is part of the local tradition and is upheld today by several active centres
including the Dubai Equestrian Centre and Jebel Ali Hotel Riding Stables. Rides through the
desert are organized regularly. Dubai has a riding association for the disabled.
Magic Planet
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Housed in the giant Deira City Centre shopping mall, this children's entertainment centre is
a unique indoor site with 10 pin bowling, a crawling bungie jungle, variety of electronic
games and a mini pitch and putt.
The Souks
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The souks on both sides of the Creek are attractive not just for their shopping bargains but
also as places for the sightseer and photographer. A huddle of narrow alleyways has
survived on the Deira side despite intensive building in recent years. In the tiny lanes of the
spice souk, the atmosphere and the scents of the past can be savoured. Bags of spices,
incense, rose petals and traditional medicinal products are stacked outside each stall.
Along the slightly larger lanes of the gold souk, each shop window is crammed with gold
necklaces, rings, bangles, earrings and brooches. In the evening the area is a hive of
activity. Gold prices are among the lowest in the world. In other small streets, the visitor
can find shops selling nargilehs (hookah or hubble-bubble pipes) and coffee pots, and
nearby tea stalls where both of these items are in daily use.
There are traditional bakeries where large flat loaves of delicious unleavened bread are
baked to order inside a domed oven called tandoor. Small textile shops sell veils with
decorated edges, pantaloons with embroidered anklets, and dress lengths with similarly
embroidered necklines reminiscent of The Arabian Nights. Meena Baazaar, on the Bur Dubai
side of the Creek are lanes full of textile shops, where a blaze of colourful raw silks and
cottons hang in profusion in shop windows. Also, in this area, you will find the Al Fahidi
Street souq - which is famous for Electronics.
Wild Wadi
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An exciting state-of-the-art water park located
adjacent to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel offers
exciting water rides for the whole family. It is
open from 11am to 7pm. Entry fees vary - Dhs
95 (Adults) for all day and Dhs 75 (children) for
all day. Kids under 9 must be with adults.Tel:
3484444 or visit http://www.wildwadi.com
WonderLand
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The 18 hectare Wonderland family fun park
features a wide range of water attractions
including speed slides, surf hills, wave runners
and a Caribbean cruise. It is closed on Sundays
and Wednesdays are for Ladies Only. Thursdays
are for Families Only. It is open from 10am-
11pm. Entrance fees varies. Tel: 3241222.
Hot Air Balloon Flights
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See the countryside in a Hot Air Balloon as you have
never seen it before. A flight in a Hot Air Balloon gives
you the power of the winds. You can fly high above the
haze or skim the sand dunes, float on a gentle breeze
or ride with a cloud.
The cost is Dhs. 780 per person and includes a pre-

flight safety briefing, approximately a 1 hour flight,
post flight sparkling grape juice celebration, breakfast,
full passenger insurance and a return transport to the
launch site.
You can book by calling 2826966, sending an email at: [email protected] or by post.
Mails can be sent at: GB&AC (Dubai), P.O.Box 35121, Dubai, UAE.
Bookings can be made by Visa, MasterCard or Switch.

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Contents

Al Boom Tourist Village

Deira Covered Souk (District)

It was renovated in 1970 for use as a museum;

Dubai World Trade Centre

A white prancing horse adorns a hill on top at the farm.

Heritage and Diving Village

Dubai International Art Centre

Green Art Gallery

The majesty and tranquility of the desert can be experienced in a

Featured in its large aviary are regional birds of

Galleria Ice Rink

Al Nasr Leisureland Complex

The cost is Dhs. 780 per person and includes a pre-

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