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Key Attractions Bastakiya In the days before electricity and air conditioning, Dubai Creek used to be lined by a mass of wind towers that kept the local houses cool. The Bastakiya district is a step back in time, laden as it is with traditional courtyard houses, bedecked with these wind towers. Bastakiya has been earmarked for tourist development, with the construction of a museum, cultural centre, restaurant and an art gallery that showcases local talent. East of Dubai Souk on Al-Fahidi Street Transport: Bus 19. Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum's House Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum's House is one of the oldest houses in the city, as well as one of the best examples of traditional architecture. Built in 1896 from sandstone, the house offers sweeping views out towards the sea, although the view has been slightly obscured by recent development. The one-time ruler of Dubai used the house to monitor trade in and out of the country for himself. The house was reopened as a museum in 1986 and also contains an exhibition illuminating Dubai's development from the 1940s to the late 1960s. Near Al-Shindagha Tunnel, Al-Shindagha Road Tel: (04) 393 7139. Transport: Bus 8, 16, 19 or 20. Opening hours: Sat-Thurs 0830-2100 and Fri 1500-2200. Admission: Dh2. Jumeira Mosque The Jumeira Mosque is the most photographed building in the city and an impressive example of modern Islamic architecture. Built along medieval Fatimid lines, entirely of stone, the mosque and its two minarets are unmistakable. It is particularly attractive at night when subtle lighting increases its dramatic effect. Non-Muslims are generally not allowed to enter mosques in Dubai, but can enter this one on organised tours. Al-Jumeira Road Transport: Bus 8 or 20. Opening hours: Daily 24 hours. Admission: Free. Grand Mosque The Grand Mosque was only rebuilt in 1998 and boasts the city's tallest minaret at 70m (231ft). Tucked 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 huge religious edifice can house up to 1200 worshippers. Ali ibin Ali Talib Street Transport: Bus 19. Opening hours: Daily 24 hours; non-Muslims are not allowed to enter Mosques in Dubai. Admission: Free. Souks The souks, or traditional markets, are one of Dubai's greatest attractions. They are located either side of the creek, with the most impressive on the Deira side. The highlight is the colourful Spice Market, which abounds with exotic aromas and bustles with locals seeking bargains. Deira Covered Souk, Al-Sabkha Road Deira Old Souk or Spice Souk, 67 Street Deira Gold Souk, Sikkat al-Khali Street Perfume Souk, Sikkat al-Khali Street Electronics Souk, Al-Sabkha Road and Al-Maktoum Hospital Road Dubai Souk, Bur Dubai Transport: Bus 5, 16, 19 or 20 all drop off at souks in both Bur Dubai and Deira. Opening hours: Daily 0700-1200 and 1700-1900; closed Fri am. Admission: Free. Jumeirah Beach Hotel & Burj Al-Arab (Arab Tower) There are not many cities in the world where a hotel, or rather two hotels, are major tourist attractions, but no other city has the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Arab Tower. The Jumeirah Beach Hotel only opened in the 1990s, but has quickly become regarded as one of the world's best hotels. It was joined in December 1999 by the Burj Al-Arab (Arab Tower), touted by its builders as the world's first 'seven-star' hotel. Built on man-made island, the spectacular Arab Tower looks like it has just emerged from the set of a sci-fi film, stretching high into the heavens. Its foundations are 45m (150ft) deep, it towers 321m (1060ft) above the Arabian Gulf and boasts 202 superb suites. 6 Al-Jumeira Road Tel: (04) 348 0000. Fax: (04) 348 2273. E-mail: jbh@jumeirah-beach.com Web site: www.jumeirah-beach.com Dubai Museum The building that houses the Dubai Museum, Al-Fahidi Fort, is an attraction in itself. A historic fort that dates back as far as 1799, the fort 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 3000-4000-year-old graves at Al-Ghusais. Al-Fahidi Road Tel: (04) 353 1862. Transport: Bus 19. Opening hours: Daily 0830-2030. Admission: Dh7. Majlis Ghorfat Um-Al-Sheef At the Majlis Ghorfat Um-Al-Sheef, it is possible to delve inside the opulent world of the moneyed men of Dubai. 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. 17 Street, off Al-Jumeira Road Tel: (04) 394 6343. Transport: Bus 8. Opening hours: Daily 0730-1430 and 1630-2100. Admission: Dh1. Heritage Village The recently opened traditional Heritage Village is an attempt to weave in some local colour among Dubai's rapidly developing twenty-first century skyline. The emphasis is on recreating the Bedouin way of life, with locals dressed in traditional garb, displays of traditional handicrafts, song and dance. Local handicrafts are also available to buy. Near Shindagha Tunnel, Al-Shindagha Road Tel: (04) 393 7151. Transport: Bus 8, 16, 19 or 20. Opening hours: Sat-Thurs 0800-2200 and Fri 1600-2200. Admission: Free. |
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