The old district of Bastakia is an area noted for
its narrow lanes and its wind-towered, traditional mud walled
houses, some of which have been restored as private residences. In
sharp contrast to the old houses is the Diwan Amiri (Ruler's
Office) nearby. In the earlier days the wind towers served as air
conditioners funnelling sea breeze and protecting the people from
the mid-summer heat.
BAYT AL WAKEEL
Located near the abra landing on Deira side of the creek is
this 1934 office building, the first of its kind in Dubai. Today
it has been restored as a maritime museum throwing light on the
fishing and sailing traditions of the emirate.
DUBAI CAMEL RACECOURSE
The racecourse at the fringe of the city plays a winter host
to the popular local sport of camel racing held on Thursdays and
Fridays. Races held on the National Day and the Eid are
particularly popular events.
DUBAI CREEK
Winding its way through the heart of Dubai and dividing the
city into Deira on the east and Bur Dubai (Dubai side) to the
west, this natural deep- water inlet is still plied by the
traditional wooden dhows offering colourful vistas of Dubai's
trading heritage. Both day and night cruises on small water taxis,
known locally as abras are available. The Khor Dubai wildlife
sanctuary, a large shallow lagoon at the creek's head, has become
a haven for migratory birds including the graceful greater
flamingos.
DUBAI MUSEUM
This 39 storey building, the tallest in the Gulf,
located on Sheikh Zayed Road, plays host to conferences and major
exhibitions and houses the regional offices of several large
corporations and multinational companies. Guided tours to the
observation deck are arranged twice a day offering visitors a
panoramic view of the city.
DUBAI ZOO
Located in Jumeira is this small zoo featuring a variety
of birds, reptiles, and mammals including endemic Arabian species
and exotic ones like the endangered royal Bengal tiger, and the
beautiful axis deer. The zoo is open from 1000 hrs to 1900 hrs,
and Tuesdays from 1500 hrs to 1900 hrs .Phone: +97143440462
GOLD SOUK
One of the largest retail gold markets in the world, the gold
souk located in Deira sells everything from ingots to
intricately-worked jewellery, as well as precious stones and
pearls, at bargain prices. Larger streets and small alleys are
chock-a-block with stores and shops whose windows display a
dazzling range of gold jewellery from all over the world.
JUMEIRA MOSQUE
Dubai has numerous well-maintained public
parks and gardens which are extremely popular hangouts for
families with some of them having certain days reserved only for
ladies and children. Providing a respite from the urban life, the
parks feature a host of recreational facilities including
children's playgrounds and swimming pools, camel and pony rides,
colourful gardens and manicured lawns, restaurants and cafetarias.
Some of the favourite haunts include Al Mamzar Beach Park
situated on Al Mamzar Creek at the Dubai-Sharjah border; the Dubai
Creekside Park between Al Maktoum and Al Garhoud bridges
overlooking the creek; the shoreside Jumeira Beach Park featuring
full beach facilities with round- the-clock lifeguard service and
a helipad; the large Mushrif National Park on Al Awir Road, past
the Dubai International Airport, noted for its miniature
International Village featuring different styles of architecture
from around the world; and the Safa Park on Al Wasl Road; and Umm
Suqueim Park, one of the largest youngster-oriented parks in Umm
Suqueim. Besides these, there are several small family parks well
equipped with children's play areas including Al Hamriya Park, Al
Khazzan Park, Al Wasl Park, Rashidiya Park, and Al Towar Park.
SHEIKH SAEED AL MAKTOUM HOUSE
