Bastakiya
The Bastakiya District in Dubai is known for its fascinating century old architecture and
the urban planning. An old residential area along the famous Dubai Creek in Bur Dubai,
Bastakia District dates back to the early 20th century. Measuring approx. 300 meters in
length and 200 meters in width, the old Bastakiya area with its narrow lanes and tall wind
towers has always fascinated visitors. Its amazing wind-towers, gypsum decorations and
woodwork never fail to impress visitors.
Address: Bur Dubai
Grand Mosque
The Grand Mosque was only rebuilt in 1998 and boasts the city’s tallest minaret, at 70m
(231ft). Located 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.
Address: Al Mussalla Road
Dubai Museum
A visit to the Dubai museum is a must on every Dubai itinerary. Housed within the
beautifully restored Al Fahidi Fort, which was erected around 1787 to defend the city
against invasion, the museum's diverse collection of exhibits offers a fascinating insight
into the rich history and cultural heritage. Renovated in 1971 for use as museum, its
colourful life size dioramas vividly depict everyday life in the days before the discovery
of oil. Galleries recreate scenes from the Creek, traditional Arab houses, mosques, the
souk, date farms and desert and marine life. One of the more spectacular exhibits portrays
pearl diving, including sets of pearl merchants’ weights, scales and shieves. Also on
display are artifacts from several excavations in the emirate, recovered from graves that
date back to the third millennium B.C.
Address: Al Faheidi Fort
Telephone: (0)4 353 1862
Opening time: Saturday to Thursday 8.30am to 8.30pm, Friday 2.30pm to 8.30pm
Admission: Dhs7
Camel Racing
Camel-racing, a traditional sport, is extremely popular in the Emirates. It was originally
staged in an informal setting, at weddings or special festivals, but now customized tracks
have been built throughout the country where race meetings are held in the winter months
from October to April, culminating in the annual camel race festival at Al Wathba which
attracts entrants from all over the world.
Address: Nad Al Sheba Race Course, Dubai
Opening time: Thursday and Friday mornings. Call Nad Al Sheba for exact times.
Admission: Free
Dubai Mall
Opened in November 2008, Dubai Mall is the world’s largest shopping centre and is home to
around twelve hundred retailers. It is the size of more than fifty football pitches and
features an ice rink, a hotel, and is the gateway to the Burj Dubai; the tallest building in
the world. The mall is home to a number of the world’s best known stores including
Bloomingdales, Marks and Spencer and Montblanc. Designers such as Stella McCartney also have
outlets in the complex and world famous jewellers Tiffany & Co. have a branch located there.
No trip to Dubai would be complete without an outing to Dubai’s latest shopping spectacular.
Address: Financial Centre Road (Interchange 1), Dubai
E-mail: enquiry@thedubaimall.com
Website: www.thedubaimall.com
Telephone: (4) 437 3200
Transport: The Dubai Mall Shuttle Bus:The mall has 12 shuttle buses operating routes to the
mall from a number hotels in and around Dubai.
Opening time: Saturday - Friday 10am to Midnight