Al Karama

This area has veranda-covered shops on both sides enticing you to “buy, buy, buy”. A wide range of goods is offered at below average prices. There are selections from T-shirts and sports apparel to the usual souvenirs – stuffed camels, shisha pipes and Arabic clothing. Bargaining is expected.

Al Nasr Leisureland

Located in Bur Dubai, off Zabeel Road, is this modern leisure park offering a variety of sports facilities including an ice rink, a bowling alley and swimming pools, as well as a children's amusement park. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Al Shindagha / Heritage & Diving Village

Near the Creek mouth is the very traditional Al Shindagha area. Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum’s residence, which was one of the first in Dubai, is now open to the public as a museum. The Ruler of Dubai from 1912 – 1958, Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum’s, is the grandfather of the current Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed.

Also situated in the Al Shindagha area is the Heritage & Diving Village. It provides a glimpse of Dubai’s traditional culture and lifestyle focusing on the Emirates maritime past, pearl diving traditions and architecture. The centre offers displays of a tented Bedouin village, armor, and wooden chests ad handicrafts. Camel, donkey and pony rides are available some afternoons.

Bastakiya District

The Bastakiya district is made of traditional old wind-towers and mud walled houses. The wind tower is one of the oldest forms of air-conditioning. The towers rise 15 meters above the bedrooms or sitting rooms – the shaft is open at the top on all four sides and traps any breeze, directing it downwards.

Dubai Museum

The museum, housed in the old Al Fahidi Fort, was built in the early 1800s as a fort for sea defense and renovated in 1970 to house the museum. Inside the fort discover the ancient Arabic lifestyle. See the old shops, schools, carved swords, fishing boats, pearl diving and a functioning wind-tower. Displays include everyday artifacts and archaeological finds, some dating back 4,000 years.

• Open weekdays 8:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.; Friday 1:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
• Entrance fee: Dhs 3.

Dubai Zoo

Along Jumeira Beach Road, you’ll find the Zoo. Although small, it has a fine collection of mammals, birds and reptiles. The zoo is open Wednesday to Monday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. and closed on Tuesdays.

There is a small entrance fee of Dhs 3.

Gold Souk

Dubai’s Gold Souk ranks as one of the largest retail gold markets in the world! There is an amazing display of gold and silver jewelry that is 18K or 22K gold. The prices are primarily determined by their weight and a little added for the workmanship.

Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Saturdays to Thursday and  4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Fridays.

Jumeira Beach Park

Jumeira Beach Park is one of the greenest places in Dubai with lush green grasses, palm trees, and a long stretch of beach with lots of space for games and picnics. Barbecue pits are available for public use, as well as a volleyball area. Lifeguards are on duty along the beach between 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and swimming is not permitted after sunset.

Opening hours: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Mondays to Fridays.
Cost: Dhs 5 per person.

Jumeira Mosque

The mosque, located on Jumeira Beach Road, reflects Egyptian FATIMID design with many arches and is faced with richly carved golden sandstone. It is especially striking at night when it is floodlit.

You are not permitted to enter the mosque unless with an organised tour. Photos are permitted outside only, provided you do not photograph the worshippers. Tours are offered every Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m. only. The tour meets outside of mosque.

Nad Al Sheba

Nad Al Shiba is one of the world’s leading racing facilities, with top jockeys from Australia, Europe and the United States regularly taking part in races throughout the season (November – April). General admission is free with access to most areas. There is no gambling allowed.

Spice Souk

Souk in Arabic means market or bazaar. The winding alleys are full of exotic spices, incense, rose petals, perfume oils and traditional medicines.

The Creek

The Dubai Creek is a natural deep-water inlet cutting through the centre of the city. The ancient dhows line the creek with cargo stacked along the wharf, which is bound for India, Pakistan, East Africa and the Gulf region. The Dubai Wildlife and Water Bird Sanctuary is home for some 27,000 birds and it is the only nature reserve within the city. The most famous residents are the pink flamingos that are slowly loosing their color due to an environmentally friendly change in their diet!