The cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer the best of East and West – Arab culture, Bedouin heritage and Islamic architecture, plus sophisticated shopping, dining and hotels. Dubai is set around its creek and skirted with white-sand beaches, while Abu Dhabi is located on a fine corniche.
- Burj Khalifa and Around
- Dubai Museum
- Dubai Creek
- Al Fahidi
- Jumeirah Mosque
- Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
- Dubai Souks
- Sheikh Zayed Mosque
- Emirates Palace
- Desert Escapes
1. Burj Khalifa and Around
Opened in 2010, the Burj Khalifa is by far the tallest building on the planet (828 m/2,716 ft). Its needle-thin outline soars high above Dubai and is visible from almost 100 km (62 miles) away. The Burj was planned as the centre piece of the multibillion- dollar Downtown Dubai development, but only when prompted by Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed did architects consider making it the tallest building in the world and a true symbol of Dubai’s towering ambitions.
2. Dubai Museum
This well-curated museum is an excellent starting point for exploring Dubai. It provides insight into traditions past and present, and vividly depicts how in five years Dubai has accomplished what most cities take centuries to achieve. The museum is located in the historic Creekside district of Al Fahidi in one of the oldest buildings in the city, Al Fahidi Fort. World of Commerce, Finance and Tourism.
3. Dubai Creek
The Dubai Creek Giant Buugh building, fed by the waters of the Arabian Gulf, is mesmerizing. The creek is flanked by Deira (north) and Bur Dubai (south), and a stroll along it is an ideal way to explore this diverse city. Getting across the creek is easy: the nearest bridge for cars is Maktoum Bridge but the cheapest and most authentic crossing has to be by abra.
4. Al Fahidi
The beautifully restored old neighborhood of Al Fahidi (also known by its old name Bastakiya) offers a glimpse into the city's past, in contrast to the futuristic buildings elsewhere. As you wander through the maze of shady streets and alleys, you'll see traditional wind tower houses and elegant courtyards made of sand, stone, coral and plaster. The buildings have been restored to their original state, with arabesque windows, decorative plasterboard and clapboards. The area is home to art galleries, museums and cafés.
5. Jumeirah Mosque
Dubai's culture is rooted in Islam, a fact that touches every aspect of everyday life. Almost every community has its own mosque, but the crown jewel is undoubtedly the Jumeirah Mosque. This example of modern Islamic architecture was built in 1998. A dramatic sight against the blue sky, it's especially stunning at night when it's lit up and showing its artistry. Built of smooth white stone, the mosque, with its elaborately decorated twin minarets and majestic dome, is a city landmark and an important place of worship.
6. Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
Completed in 1999, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah (meaning "The Burj Al Arab") is a unique all-suite hotel so well known that it has become an instant international icon of modern Dubai. With its helipad on the 28th floor and its restaurant seemingly suspended in mid-air, it's a place of pure decadence. At a height of 321 m (1,053 ft), it also holds the trophy for the tallest all-suite hotel in the world. Set on its own man-made island, it is set against the backdrop of the bay's turquoise waters, dazzling white by day and iridescent by night, while its façade is a canvas for a spectacular light display.
7. Dubai Souks
Shopping in Dubai is a shopaholic's dream, where you can hardly find anything, but far from the air-conditioned, marble-floored malls, there is another experience: the souks. Many of these, like the gold, textiles and spice souks clustered by the creek, date back to Dubai's origins as a palm-fringed trading port. Exploring their warren-like alleyways is a delight. Generally, each type of stall, be it spices, crafts, perfumes or clothing, are located close together, making it easy to spot a good deal. Bring cash and keep in mind that bargaining is expected.
8. Sheikh Zayed Mosque
Towering over the city, the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates. It accommodates 40,000 worshippers and draws large crowds during festivals such as Eid al-Fitr. Built between 1996 and 2007, the mosque was the brainchild of the late President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Large amounts of marble, gold, semi-precious stones and crystals are used in the architecture, while the pan-Islamic design incorporates styles such as Persian, Mughal and Moorish.
9. Emirates Palace
The impressive Emirates Palace Hotel is located on the southwest side of downtown Abu Dhabi. Opened in 2005, the hotel rivals Dubai's Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. Reportedly costing $3 billion, the hotel is the largest to be built and stretches more than a kilometer along its own exclusive beach. The hotel's majestic red sandstone façade, crowned by a corrugated dome and surrounded by bubbling fountains, is sure to impress. Even more spectacular, however, is the lavish interior, a dazzling, shimmering vision of marble, gold leaf and opulent decorative features.
10. Desert Escapes
The desert part of the UAE is sublime, and no trip here is complete without experiencing its myriad textures and colors. Not far from the city, camels graze on desert meadows. If you don't have 4WD and off-road driving skills, the best way to experience the desert is at the magical Al Maha or Bab Al Shams desert resorts. Or join a desert tour, where you can experience a range of experiences you wouldn't otherwise do. If you have time, stay and sleep under the stars and enjoy the peace.
