Captivating Contrasts

From the timeless tranquillity of the desert to the lively bustle of the souk, Dubai offers a kaleidoscope of attractions for visitors.

The emirate embraces a wide variety of scenery in a very small area. In a single day, the tourist can experience everything from rugged mountains and awe-inspiring sand dunes to sandy beaches and lush green parks, from dusty villages to luxurious residential districts and from ancient houses with windtowers to ultra-modern shopping malls.

The emirate is both a dynamic international business centre and a laid-back tourist escape; a city where the sophistication of the 21st century walks hand in hand with the simplicity of a bygone era.

But these contrasts give Dubai its unique flavour and personality; a cosmopolitan society with an international lifestyle, yet with a culture deeply rooted in the Islamic traditions of Arabia.

Since earliest times, Dubai has been a meeting place, bringing together the Bedouin of the desert interior with the pearl-diver, the merchant of the city with the sea-going fisherman.


Dubai City

Having expanded along both banks of the Creek, Dubai’s central business district is divided into two parts — Deira on the northern side and Bur Dubai to the south — connected by a tunnel and two bridges. Each has its share of fine mosques and busy souks, of public buildings, shopping malls, hotels, office towers, banks, hospitals, schools, apartments and villas.

Outside this core, the city extends to the neighbouring emirate of Sharjah to the north, while extending south and west in a long ribbon of development alongside the Gulf, through the districts of Satwa, Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim.

At first glance, the city presents a predominantly modern face, an ever-changing skyline of new developments, from striking glass and concrete towers to gracious modern buildings incorporating traditional Arabian architectural motifs and features.


The Creek

The Creek, a natural sea-water inlet which cuts through the centre of the city, is the historic focal point of life in Dubai. A stroll along its banks evokes the city’s centuries-old trading traditions.

Visitors will be captivated by the colour and bustle of the loading and unloading of dhows which still ply ancient trade routes to places as distant as India and East Africa.

An attractive way to view the Creek and the dhows is from an abra, one of the small water taxis which criss-cross the Creek from the souks of Deira to those on the Bur Dubai side.

Boatmen will also take visitors on a fascinating hour-long trip from the abra embarkation points to the mouth of the Creek and inland to the Maktoum Bridge, passing on the way many of the city’s historic and modern landmarks.

Redevelopment work has transformed parts of the Creek’s banks. On the Deira side, a broad and well-lit, paved promenade extends from the Corniche, which faces on the Arabian Gulf, all the way to the attractive purpose-built dhow terminal constructed beside Maktoum Bridge.

On the Bur Dubai side between Maktoum and Garhoud bridges, Creekside Park provides pleasant paved walks and extensive landscaped public gardens.

At the inland end of the Creek is a large, shallow lagoon, now a wildlife sanctuary which has become a haven for migrating shore birds. Some 27,000 birds have been counted here at one time during the autumn migration. The most spectacular are the many Greater Flamingos which have made the Creek their permanent home.

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Archaeological Sites

There are three main excavation sites in Dubai, at Al Ghusais, Al Sufooh and Jumeirah.

The first two are graveyards dating back more than 2,000 years. The Jumeirah site reveals artefacts from the seventh to 15th centuries. Though not yet open to the public, tourists or tour operators may obtain a permit from Dubai Museum to visit the digs.


Bastakiya

The old Bastakiya district with its narrow lanes and tall wind-towers gives a tantalising 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 mains electricity.

Bastakiya is currently undergoing renovation and preservation and will eventually become a small ‘tourist village’ with a museum, a cultural centre, restaurants and an art gallery.


Sheikh Saeed's House

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.

Jumeirah Mosque

The city has many fine mosques. One of the largest and most beautiful — Jumeirah Mosque — is a spectacular example of modern Islamic architecture.

Built of stone in medieval Fatimid tradition, the mosque with its twin minarets and majestic dome is a city landmark. It is particularly attractive at night when subtle lighting throws its artistry into relief.

The elaborate Jumeirah Mosque is Dubai's most admired mosque from the outside and one of Dubai’s most photographed sights.


Grand Mosque

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.


Burj Nahar

Built around 1870 the Nahar tower was one in line of defences to the east and north of the city.

One of three watchtowers guarding the old city, the restored Burj Nahar in its picturesque gardens in Deira is popular with photographers.

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Bait Al Wakeel

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.


The Souks

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. 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.

The fish souk in Deira is an attraction in itself. Early in the morning and late at night, local fishermen unload mountains of fresh fish which they sell in a frenzied bargaining session. Kingfish, red snapper, rock cod (the popular hammour), barracuda, tuna, lobster, crab, king prawn, sea bream, squid, pomfret, shark, mackerel, sardine and other species are available in abundance for most of the year.


Dubai Museum

Al Fahidi Fort, which houses the Dubai Museum, is another imposing building. It once guarded the city’s landward 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. Colourful 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 artefacts 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.

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Umm Al Sheif Majlis

The summer resort of the late Ruler of Dubai has been restored and is open to the public.

Built in the early 1950s in the coastal Umm Suqeim area, the majlis gardens feature a reproduction of the traditional falaj irrigation system. The majlis provides an intriguing insight into Dubai’s rapid development.


Heritage and Diving Villages

A traditional heritage village, located near the mouth of the Creek, has been created where potters and weavers display their crafts. Here the visitor can look back in time and experience some of Dubai’s heritage.

The Diving Village forms part of an ambitious plan to turn the entire Shindagha area into a cultural microcosm, recreating life in Dubai as it was in days gone by.


Magic Planet

Housed in the giant Deira City Centre shopping mall, this children’s entertainment centre is a unique indoor site with ten-pin bowling, a crawling bungle-jungle, variety of electronic games and a mini pitch and putt.

WonderLand

The 18-hectare WonderLand family fun park features a wide range of water attractions.

Capable of accommodating up to 8,000 visitors at a time, WonderLand’s water rides include speed slides, surf hills, twister, wave runners and a Caribbean cruise.

It also has a water mist show and water cinema, with videos projected on a thin film of water, plus a full complement of on-land attractions.


Encounter Zone

Situated in the Wafi shopping mall, this is an entertainment centre with a difference, with areas for both children and adults.

The popular Crystal Maze is featured along with a horror chamber and fascinating 3-D films. The rollercoaster simulator feels like the real thing and children can enjoy a host of rides including the Komet which shoots around the top of the building.


Dubai World Trade Centre

Rising 39 floors above the city, the Dubai World Trade Centre’s office tower houses the regional headquarters of many of the world’s largest corporations.

Alongside, a modern conference centre and seven exhibition halls host an active programme of international trade fairs that attract exhibitors and visitors from all over the world.

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Sheikh Zayed Road

The Trade Centre is the focal point of a modern business district emerging along Sheikh Zayed Road.

Ultra-modern towers of glass and steel that reflect Dubai’s international and cosmopolitan outlook line both sides of the main highway to Abu Dhabi.


Bani Yas Square

Dominating Bani Yas Square in the heart of Deira is Deira Tower with its distinctive circular ‘cap’.

An early example of the effort to blend modern architecture with the older surroundings, Deira Tower incorporates features designed to soften the impact of the harsh summer climate on the occupants of shops, offices and apartments within.

Nearby on the Creekside, strong vertical lines ending in arches on the skyline identify Al Owais Tower.


Al Boom Tourist Village

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. Further development will include self-catering and fully-serviced chalets and a five-star hotel built in the shape of a Gulf sailing dhow.

Deira Creekside

A group of distinctive and remarkable modern buildings are ranged near the purpose-built dhow wharfage beside the Maktoum Bridge, including the Etisalat Tower, the Department of Economic Development, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, The National Bank of Dubai headquarters and Dubai Creek Tower.

The Etisalat Tower is topped by a telecommunications dome resembling a giant golf ball — particularly striking when illuminated at night.

The Department of Economic Development is a five-storey building which features delicately designed window screens and massive decorated main doors.

By contrast, the neighbouring Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry tower is a dramatic blue glass-faced structure, a symbol of the emirate’s prosperity and forward vision.

Nearby is the municipality building, which manages to convey an impression of cool shade through the use of water and screens.

The new headquarters of the National Bank of Dubai produces a shimmering reflection of the Creek through its striking use of polished steel and glass. This is also the DTCM’shead office in Dubai.


Dubai Zoo

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.

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Parks and Gardens

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.

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Golf Courses

Even for the non-golfer, Dubai’s golf clubs are worth a visit, both for the spectacular architecture of their clubhouses and as examples of the successful greening and landscaping of the desert. Full details of the courses are given in the Sporting sections.

A nine-hole ‘country’ course is also available at the Hatta Fort Hotel where golfers have a unique fun experience of playing in craggy mountain scenery.


Outside the City

From seashore to mountain peaks, Dubai is a land of great natural beauty and variety. The desert, that accounts for much of the emirate’s almost 4,000 sq km area, encompasses rocky plains, high dunes and, between these two extremes, countless combinations of sand, stone and sparse vegetation.

This seemingly barren expanse supports a surprising diversity of wildlife, both plant and animal, though much of the former is seasonal and the latter nocturnal. Once isolated and forbidding, the desert now offers a fascinating and accessible experience for visitors, with an array of recreational opportunities from safaris by four-wheel-drive vehicle to sand-skiing.

A number of roads now cross the wilderness, joining settlements and oases where, thanks to irrigation, ever-larger areas are turning green under the cultivation of vegetables and fodder crops.

Along the flanks of the Hajar Mountains, naturally watered date gardens flourish, their foliage a magnet for birds. In the mountain enclave of Hatta, restoration work has preserved the old falaj or irrigation canals. Nearby, water can be found year round in wadis, steep-sided valleys gouged from the mountains by torrents unleashed by winter rains. The wadis are popular with naturalists and explorers, tranquil in contrast to the clamour of the city.

The starkly beautiful exposed rock formations of the mountainsides provide a fascinating insight into the geological origins of the area and the forces which sculpted the rugged landscape.


Dubai Shopping Festival

The annual Dubai Shopping Festival extravaganza has rapidly become an internationally-known event, with thousands of bargains, draws, shows, promotions and some of the world’s lowest prices.

In addition, the hotels and furnished appartments complexes offer reduce accommodation rates, while Emirates offers great deals on tickets.

Dubai Summer Surprises

Dubai Summer Surprises is a government initiative begun in 1998 that attracted thousands of tourists during the summer months.

Extremely competitive hotel rates, combined with lots of activities, especially for children, meant the first event was a big success.

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Cruise Terminal

Dubai brings together the highest standards of comfort and convenience with the timeless adventure of Arabia - from bustling souks to the majestic desert.

Cruise ship operators will find a government that is committed and eager to welcome vessels from around the world.

Discerning passengers will find that Dubai offers the perfect blend of luxury and leisure, shopping and culture, in an environment that is hospitable, safe and virtually crime free.


Geographical Location

Dubai is located on the southern shore of the Gulf, between 55° 16 East and 25°16 North.

Dubai's strategic location midway between Europe and Asia, makes for easy accessability. London is seven hours away by air, Frankfurt six, Cairo four and Hong Kong eight.






Port of Call

Dubai, The Pride of the United Arab Emirates. A place of fascinating contrasts. Where the East and the West meet. The ancient and modern merge. The desert and the sea blend.

Dubai has always had a strong marine association thanks to its excellent location on the southern Arabian Gulf Its shores has for generations attracted seafarers and traders for commerce.

In fact, Dubai was a principal Gulf Coast port and an important Trading Centre. It was called the City of Merchants and was famous throughout the region for its courtesy and hospitality.



A tradition that lives on to this date. Dubai's growing popularity amongst world travellers has resulted in the evolution of a mature tourism sector.

With over 282 hotels, more than 91 airlines connecting to over 132 destinations, experienced ground operators, modern seaports and most importantly a government dedicated to creating a sound social and economic infrastructure for the tourism industry.

Underlining the importance of the Tourism industry is The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) which under the able leadership of H. H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence as the Chairman and Khalid bin Sulayem as the Director General, is making Dubai the favourite tourist sport of the millennium.



An increasing number of cruise ships are already choosing Dubai as an ideal and unique destination.

The Dubai Cruise Terminal opened in 2001 at Port Rashid and able to handle up to two ships simultaneously. It has an unique 'mobile' design to enable customisation of passenger and baggage flows.

Other thoughtful features include special facilities for the physically challenged like electric golf carts for transportation, duty-free shops, internet access, money exchanges, information centre, beautiful palm gardens, Arabian heritage and cultural exhibits, a Cafe and much more.

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Cruises

Step into a world of luxury. Step into the Dubai Cruise Terminal. The sprawling 3,300 sq. mtr. dedicated cruise hub right on the southern coast of the Arabian Gulf.

Located midway between Europe and the Far East, Dubai has year round sunshine and is fast becoming an attractive option for winter sun travellers.



Dubai Cruise Terminal, straddling two berths in Port Rashid, has facilities to handle two ships simultaneously. Its deep basin gives Cruise lines the option of bringing in larger ships.

The extra depth also means that they can look at a destination other than Europe or the Mediterranean that is perfect year round. Especially during winters.

The quite waters of Port Rashid provide a perfect alternative to the normally congested Caribbean islands.



An in-depth research into the needs of Cruise lines the world over, has made the procedures at the Dubai Cruise Terminal extremely friendly and convenient.

With minimum bureaucracy, easy immigration, clearing of passengers by manifests, professional ground handling with excellent tourist support infrastructure, world-class ship stores and more.


Cruise Facilities & Services:

State-Of-The-Art Interastructure To Serve You Better

Extensive docking facilities

• Spacious 3,300 sq.m. ultra-modern cruise terminal.
• 335m of Quay with a Quay apron of 35m.
• 11.m Draft for ships of all sizes.
• Entire site surrounded by a perimeter fencing with security system.

Well-equipped in-terminal services

• Highly efficient reception check-in.
• Competent information center with concierge service.
• Luxurious VIP lounge (Majilis).
• Pleasant relaxation zone and a delightful cafe.
• Rest rooms with handicap access toilets.
• Special conviences for the physically challenged (wheel chairs, electric carts & ramps).
• Big screen entertainment center.
• A world-class Duty Free and retail shops.
• Heritage and culture exhibits.
• A beautiful Arabian palm garden.

Excellent communication and buisness assistance

• Authorised money exchange.
• Convenient computer terminals and an Internet center.
• Post office and other communication facilities.
• Conferences facilities and business center.

Well-developed trasportation network

• Personal & baggage security screening.
• Covered baggage handling area.
• Ample parking for tour buses as well as a taxi stand.

Efficient Support Facilities For Total Convenience



The new Dubai Cruise Terminal is the only cruise terminal in the world operated by a government department of tourism. Which means, extra attention to every visitor who stops by at Dubai.

Some of the support facilities include:

• No passenger handling fees for maiden calls.
• Passenger clearance via manifest system with swift immigration procedures and no visa problems for visitors.
• Professional and cerified tour guides to help you explore this excisting city.
• Capable shipping agent and ship handelers to make your job easier.
• Excellent ship repair facilities and marine supplies and services are always at your disposal.

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The world famous Dubai landmark..Burj al Arab hotel...

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Dubai Creek

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