20 Must-See Dubai Landmarks

Vividly colourful as a kaleidoscope, Dubai unfurls myriad experiences which are both excitingly diverse as well as intriguing. Indeed, the city embraces a wide variety of landscapes from the soft, undulating dunes of its deserts and rising gradually to the towering peak of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Over the last two decades in particular, Dubai has emerged to assert itself as one of the world’s most popular  tourist destinations hosting the world’s largest artificial archipelago – the Palm Island along with a fast developing skyline featuring world-class shopping malls, luxurious hotel chains and unique entertainment venues that defy imagination. We present 20 most impressive and must-see landmarks during your visit to the emirate.             

Al Fahidi District (Bastakiya)  

One of the oldest residential areas in Dubai, Al Fahidi District (Bastakiya) is located along the Dubai Creek, and includes narrow lanes featuring traditional courtyard houses separated by narrow lanes, called 'sikkas' and unique ancient structures called wind towers, which offered an environmentally safe, air-conditioning method. These towers have openings near the top to ensure that the warm, lighter in weight air rises up and exits the building, leaving the heavier, cold air below, to keep the inhabitants cool and refreshed.

Located in this district is the Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest architectural masterpiece of the emirate, dating from 1799. It was built to defend the city from attacks by sea and is featured on the AED 100 currency note. It also the last wind tower on the Arab side of the Gulf which in various periods of its history served as the Ruler’s palace, as a garrison and as a prison. It was renovated in 1970 and opened to the public by HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the late visionary Ruler of Dubai.

Originally build from coral and shell rubble from the sea and cemented with lime, the square-shaped structure has impressive brickwork and wind towers in three corners while its main solid teak entrance door studded with large iron nails and brass plates recalls a hoary period in history. The historic attraction features a tall dhow, a replica of a traditional souq with narrow alleys and also displays ancient weapons like cannons, swords, pistols and khanjars (daggers) from different periods as also a model of the city in 1820 AD.

The famous Dubai Museum is located in the Al Fahidi Fort and displays the traditional life of Bedouins. It houses ancient local, African and Ancient antiquities, some of which date to 3,000 B.C. as also a fine collection of artifacts going back to 5,000 years ago spanning every aspect of Dubai’s history such as its desert life, traditional homes, mosques, weaponry and musical instruments. Location: Al Fahidi Street Bur Dubai. Timings: Saturday to Thursday 8:30pm to 7pm; Friday 2:30pm to 7:30pm

Hatta Heritage Village: Also called Hatta Old Village, it is located one hour’s drive from Dubai in the picturesque Hajjar Mountains. It dates to the 16^th century and features breathtaking architecture with mosques and houses that were originally constructed with materials readily available at that time such as mud, palm tree trunks, reeds and stone. Timings: 8:00a.m to 8:00 p.m. Saturday-Thursday: 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm on Fridays. 

Deira Clock Tower

One of Dubai’s oldest and major landmarks, the Deira Clock Tower has been listed by The Telegraph among the 17 most beautiful clock towers in the world. Located at the gateway of Maktoum Bridge, which provides a link between Bur Dubai and Deira, the imposing structure’s arms gracefully arc upwards, converging on a box-like structure featuring four clock faces and a lush fountain playing below. Lit up attractively in the evenings it is also a silent witness to the emirate’s historic moments.   

During the 19th and early 20th centuries Dubai relied on fishing and pearling as its major economic trades. However, the First World War and the invention of cultured pearls dealt a major blow. But destiny had other plans. The early 1930’s saw teams of oil experts arrive in the area to carry out preliminary surveys. This led to the first agreements to undertake oil exploration being signed by the Rulers of Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. By 1962, the first oil was exported from Abu Dhabi and with new trade growth the face of the UAE would be changed forever.

Also referred to as Clock Roundabout, the Deira Clock Tower was built in 1963 at that particular spot to mark the new monumental discovery, as that was where major routes into Dubai converged prior to the building of the Dubai – Abu Dhabi Road.

In 1989 the Deira Clock Tower was reconstructed to strengthen it. Unbelievably, its clock faces have only been replaced once in its history in November 2008. The four faces were replaced with Omega models, incorporating GPS devices for accuracy, to eliminate the need to manually change the hands of the clock.  

Dubai Gold Souk

Dubai Gold Souk or Gold Souk as it is popularly known as is located in the heart of Dubai’s commercial district in Deira in the locality of Al Dhagayya. It is famed world over since the 1940’s when trade in gold grew due to Dubai’s free trade policies encouraging entrepreneurs from India and Iran to set up stores in the souk. It boasts an enormous number of retailers that includes well established names like Damas, Joy Alukkas, Kalyan Jewellers as well as smaller stores that operate only in the souk.

Here you will witness window upon shop window dazzling with gold designs that defy the imagination. The Dubai Gold Souk is a magnet for jewellery lovers seeking to buy actual ingots or finely designed necklaces, chains, bangles, earrings, rings, pendants, hair adornments crafted in the finest variety of gold or studded with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds and semi-precious stones, as well as silver, precious stones and pearls. What makes it additionally unique is that here you can barter on the craftsmanship charges as gold is sold according to weight (check in the newspapers for the daily international gold prices). Security is taken very seriously and all operations are strictly monitored. By some estimate, there is approximately 10 tonnes of gold present at any given time in the souk which glitters with additional lustre during the Dubai Summer Surprises and the Dubai Shopping Festival when unbelievable promotions and competitions promise to turn buyers into instant millionaires or at times into even billionaires!

Burj Khalifa

Crowned the world's tallest building and a living wonder, in concept and execution, Burj Khalifa has no peer. More than just the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa is also tangible proof of Dubai's growing role as an assertive presence in a changing world. It symbolizes the triumph of its vision in attaining the seemingly impossible and setting new benchmarks. It is also part of the Dubai Government’s efforts to diversify from an oil based economy to one that is service and tourism based.

The Burj Khalifa is a world class destination and the magnificent centerpiece of a large-scale, mixed-use development that includes homes, luxury hotels, parkland, residential towers, the world’s largest shopping mall, The Dubai Mall, and the 12-hectare man-made Burj Khalifa Lake where the amazing Dubai Fountain dances. It is one of the most inspiring structures ever executed and can be viewed from almost anywhere in Dubai. Opened on 4 Jan 2010, it has fired the world’s imagination and draws millions from across the globe. Burj Khalifa’s interior is as beautiful as its exterior, offering visitors the experience of a lifetime where they can zoom up to dizzying heights and view unmatched vistas of Dubai.        

The Dubai Mall

Boasting 1,200 retail outlets, two anchor department stores, and over 160 food and beverage outlets, and a 250-room luxury hotel, The Dubai Mall is the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination. It is part of the gigantic Burj Khalifa complex and attracts more than 750,000 visitors every week.

The Dubai Mall’s amazing range of attractions are aimed at all age groups and visitors can easily spend an entire day in its vast, elegantly appointed interiors shopping for top fashion and luxury brands, indulging in a variety of delicious fare at its host of restaurants, viewing the famous Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo with the world's largest viewing panel, catch up on the latest block blusters at 22 cinema screens, ice skate at the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink with its climate-controlled environment, bring on those smiles by taking the little ones to KidZania® a safe and interactive, award-winning edutainment centre created especially for them where they can enact 80 different roles such as models, actors, doctors, engineers, firefighters etc. Call 04 4485222 or log on to www.kidzania.ae for more details.

Your children will also adore you if you head to SEGA Republic indoors theme park in the region where they can explore five zones of entertainment, thrill at nine exciting attractions and 250 amusement games over two levels. Call 04 4488484 or log on to www.segarepublic.com for more details. 

Burj Al Arab

Discover the Dream says Burj Al Arab! Intrinsically associated world over with Dubai, the Burj Al Arab hotel is one of its closely associated symbols unveiled in 1999 to an astonished world. It celebrated its 15^th anniversary in 2014. The iconic hotel proudly stands ‘fluttering’ it’s beautiful white sails on Dubai’s famous Jumeirah Beach and asserting the emirate’s uniqueness as a symbol of modern luxury. It is also the world’s fourth tallest hotel.    

It beckons guests to have an exceptional experience at its 202 luxurious duplex suites, nine world class restaurants and bars, four swimming pools (two indoor and two outdoor), a private beach, the award-winning Talise Spa and Talise Fitness at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah and the Sindbad Kids Club. 

While each of Burj Al Arab’s restaurants is unique, each shares the ability to create flavour combinations that linger in your mind long after the meal is over. From authentic Arabic cuisine to Far East Asian and Modern European dishes, sourcing ingredients from around the globe to create a dining experience fit for the world's most luxurious hotel. One of its most popular is Al Mahara, (‘The Oyster Shell’ in Arabic) which presents rich, sumptuous flavours, unparalleled taste and texture, in a remarkable setting featuring a floor to ceiling aquarium.

Repeatedly voted the world's most luxurious hotel, this magnificent destination offers you the finest service and facilities throughout – right down to an optional chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce. Burj Al Arab Jumeirah’s suite-only accommodation offers discreet check-in within your rooms, a private reception on every floor and a host of personal butlers, each a warm messenger of its unparalleled hospitality. Do experience it for yourself.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel: With its striking wave-like design, the five-star Jumeirah Beach Hotel is one of Dubai’s most instantly recognizable structures. It is equally famed for its amazing value and sheer wealth of options enabling you to enjoy your stay. All the hotel’s 617 rooms, suites and villas are luxuriously furnished and provide spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf. And once you’ve finished taking in the view, you can choose from the widest array of leisure facilities around one of the best family hotels in Dubai, including a scuba diving centre, five swimming pools, Sinbad’s Kids Club, The Hub for teens and complimentary, unlimited access to the Wild Wadi Water Park.

The first of Jumeirah’s properties, Jumeirah Beach Hotel officially opened in November 1997. The history of the hotel goes back to the Chicago Beach Hotel which was located at the same spot at the end of the Jumeirah Beach Road. Considered ‘out of town’ it was popular with tourists in the 1980s and 1990s offering resort style accommodation and guaranteed sunshine and is  credited with having paved the way for the tourist industry in Dubai. 

From the romantic beachside setting of Villa Beach, to a fun time with the family at  Latitude, to a legendary night at top nightclub 360°, and an exciting time at Mahiki the Polynesian restaurant offering tropical grilled food, there’s something for every taste, mood and budget at Jumeirah Beach Hotel’s restaurants in Dubai.

Let time stand still for a moment as you treat yourself to the most revitalising spa experience you could wish for at the Talise Spa at Jumeirah Beach Hotel. It has  everything you need to truly unwind; including two saunas, two massage rooms, three hot tubs, jacuzzi, steam room and plunge pool.

Atlantis, The Palm Dubai the majestic 5 star hotel opened in 2008 on The Palm Islands archipelago and is modeled on its namesake in the Bahamas with the same underwater theme. An aquatic wonderland by the sea, the Atlantis beach resort offers relaxation and thrills for couples and families alike, right from the hotel architecture accommodating more 1,500 rooms across 23 floors to the 21 restaurants including four award-winning restaurants Nobu, Ronda Locatelli, Seafire Steakhouse and Bar as well as Ossian and must-visit aquatic attractions. It’s Signature Underwater Suite – a 3-story suite features walls offering a fish-eye view into the aquarium.

Atlantis is also home to 65,000 marine animals, which you’ll find in unique marina habitats at The Lost Chambers Aquarium. You can also get up close and personal with the dolphins at Dolphin Bay, learn to scuba dive and swim with sharks at the Atlantis Dive Centre, or experience the number one water park in the Middle East and Europe, Aquaventure Waterpark spread over 42 acres.

If you prefer to relax in style Atlantis has three private pristine white beaches, Aquaventure Beach which runs for 700-metres, the Royal Beach which stretches over a 1.5 kilometres as well the Nasimi Beach Club, a hot spot for soaking in the sun, come sundown, it turns into one of the coolest clubs in Dubai hosting international music acts over the cooler months of the year. All year around though, Dubai’s social-set dance the night away at the hotel’s nightclub, N’Dulge.

Relax and rejuvenate at its indulgent spa, ShuiQi with 27 treatment rooms and a range of deluxe treatments on offer. What’s more is there is a range of cosmopolitan boutiques to shop until your heart is content.

Palm Trilogy: The Palm Trilogy in Dubai is yet another amazing mad-made residential adventure, promising luxurious living near the beach, amidst opulent amenities. Offering luxury hotels, exclusive beachside homes, water theme parks, marinas, and entertainment and sports amenities, The Palms are also considered to be the eighth wonder of the world.

Many know Palm Jumeirah as an international icon, but few realize that it was created to help solve Dubai's beach shortage that was viewed as an obstacle to the ambitious Emirate's plans for dynamic economic and real estate growth. The Ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum drew a sketch of a palm tree, realizing its fronds would provide more beach frontage than a traditional circular island. From this insight, the idea of Palm Jumeirah was born and the trilogy of islands envisioned including the Palm Deira and the Palm Jebel Ali. Construction was begun on Palm Jumeirah in 2001. The trilogy is set to increase Dubai’s shoreline by a total of 520km.  

Following a number of years of feasibility studies, the Palm Jumeirah was launched in 2001, with reclamation starting in the same year. It is the world’s largest man-made island and is comprised of a two kilometre long trunk, a crown made up of 17 fronds and a surrounding crescent. The first of three such islands that comprise 'The Palm Trilogy', it will be followed by The Palm Jebel Ali and The Palm Deira.

It is yet another amazing mad-made residential adventure, promising luxurious of living near the beach, amidst opulent amenities. Offering luxury hotels, exclusive beachside homes, water theme parks, marinas, and entertainment and sports amenities, The Palms are also considered to be the eighth wonder of the world.

Conceived and created by Al Nakheel Properties, each Palm Island grows out of the coast of Dubai in the Arabian Gulf and is built from an immense quantity of sand imported from the surrounding deserts and the sea floor. Each is home to its own unique blend of vacation resorts, upscale hotels, luxury homes, and the businesses that support all these new Palm Island Dubai residents and visitors. The aerial view of these artificial islands is magnificent unlike anything found in the world.

Deira Islands is a unique waterfront entertainment, tourist and residential destination, developed in alignment with Dubai Vision 2020. Comprising four man-made islands situated adjacent to Dubai’s Deira district, this spectacular development will offer residents the opportunity to embrace relaxed island living, as well as make a contribution to Dubai’s tourism industry and feature a variety of mixed-use plots for development of beachfront resorts, hotels and residential communities. 

The World: Located 21 kilometres East by Northeast off Palm Jumeirah just off the coast of Dubai The World is another spectacular Nakheel project. It is comprised of 300 man-made islands, shaped to form countries and continents. The private artificial islands are divided into four categories, such as private homes, dream resorts, estate homes and community islands. This incredible development adds over 232 kilometres of new beachfront to Dubai's coastline, offering astute investors unprecedented opportunities in the form of leisure, residential and tourist developments.

Since The World Dubai project began, several celebrities have been linked with its islands such as Michael Scumacher, Rod Stewart and David Beckham. An inconceivable amount of sand has been reclaimed from the ocean to form The World. Each individual island ranges in size from about 14,000 square meters to 42,000 square meters with an average of about 100 meters of water between them.

This Dubai real estate project is designed for the investor looking for a truly exclusive and opulent island experience. The islands are sold as plots containing both land and water areas. The developer can use all of their imagination to reshape the islands and create unique landscape features such as private beaches, coves, harbors, and marinas, by merely moving the sand within the designated zoning regulations. This "Terraforming" allows each developer to sculpt their own unique environment within The World Dubai.

Boats are the major transportation within the Dubai World Islands with sea plane or helicopter as the only other means of access. Individual island marinas have been developed specifically to serve the residents' boating needs. Public and commercial marinas offer boat charters and leases and larger marina areas service The World Dubai resorts.
Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR): Jumeirah Beach Residence or JBR) is a 1.7 kilometres long, 2 square kilometres gross floor area waterfront community located against the Persian Gulf in Dubai Marina. It is the largest single phase residential development in the world and contains 40 towers (35 are residential and 5 are hotels). JBR can accommodate about 15,000 people, living in its apartments and hotel rooms. This 6 billion dirham project was completed in 2007. It is also one of the most iconic and panoramic areas in Dubai to reside in. You will also find many world renowned brands at its retail stores and fashion boutiques, apart from department stores, cafes and gyms, and recreational areas for children here.

The Beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence is a retail complex being constructed on the actual beach in front of JBR by Meraas Holding. The development, comprising four distinct plazas, will occupy the bulk of the beach between the Hilton and Sheraton hotels. It houses a number of levels of parking as well as seventy retail and food and beverage outlets, together with entertainment facilities. Construction of the project began in the second half of 2012 and was completed by the end of 2013.

Bluewaters Island is a man-made island being constructed opposite Jumeirah Beach Residence. It will comprise hotels, apartments, villas, dining and entertainment facilities, and the Dubai Eye, a 210 m (689 ft) tall Ferris wheel, which would be the tallest in the world when completed. It will be linked by a highway to Sheikh Zayed Road, and a pedestrian bridge and cable car to Jumeirah Beach Residence. A monorail system will link the island to the Dubai Metro.

Two elite golf clubs

Dubai Golf manages the two leading golf clubs in the region, Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.

Emirates Golf Club, host of the European Tour sanctioned Omega Dubai Desert Classic and Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, was the first all grass championship golf course in the Middle East when it opened in 1988. Taking pride in its 36 holes of world-class golf, the club sports two of the city's finest must-play courses, the award-winning Majlis Course and the Faldo Course, which is also the only 18 hole course in the region to offer night golf. Both courses combine the natural rolling desert terrain for a serious golfing test, while the signature clubhouse remains the most eye-catching in the region. The Majlis Course has been presented with numerous accolades, the most recent of which were its 2012 ranking by Golf World magazine as one of the 'Top 100 Golf Courses in the World' and  its award for 'Best Course Middle East'  in the Asian Golf Monthly Awards 2010 .

From the testing 18 hole Majlis and Faldo courses, to the equally challenging par 3, the Emirates Golf Club draws accomplished and casual golfers. Its appeal is equally wide-ranging off course, with everything from fine dining to bar bites available alongside top-notch pool and gym facilities, tennis courts and a brand new spa. 

Dominating Dubai's enchanting waterfront, the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club overlooks the Creek and Marina. It opened in January 1993 to world acclaim and since then it has been host to numerous tournaments and events, including the Dubai Desert Classic on two occasions. The course record of 63 is jointly held by Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke. Well-groomed fairways lined with date palms and coconut trees, attractive water hazards and shrubbery lends a tropical air to the Club's 18-hole, par-71 championship course that rolls into thousands of undulating yards.

Its majestic design mirrors the sails of the traditional Arab dhow and is one of Dubai’s most photographed landmarks capturing the essence of the emirate’s seafaring traditions in a perfect fusion of heritage with modernity and style.

Dubai Fountains and Burj Park: One of Dubai’s most captivating tourist attractions is The Dubai Fountain which delights thousands of visitors every day. Located in the new urban masterpiece Downtown Dubai, it is the world’s tallest performing fountain. At over 900 ft in length – equivalent to over two football pitches – it is situated on the 30-acre manmade Burj Lake and performs to a selection of different melodies. It has a unique design comprising five circles of varying sizes and two arcs, and features powerful water nozzles that shoot water up to impressive heights. It is designed by California-based WET, the creators of the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas.  

Over 6,600 WET Superlights – the most advanced incandescent large fountain lights available today - and 25 colour projectors create a visual spectrum of over 1,000 different water expressions while 50 colour projectors provide a full spectrum of colour with a total output of 1.5 million lumens. The Dubai Fountain performs to a range of different songs from classical to contemporary Arabic and world music. When operational, the fountain has over 22,000 gallons of water in the air at any given moment.

Afternoon Shows: Daily except Friday: 1:00pm & 1:30pm; Friday: 1:30pm & 2:00pm. Evening Shows: Daily: 6:00pm to 11:00pm (Every 30 Minutes). *Please note that Fountain show timings can change by a couple of minutes depending on the specific day's prayer times. All shows can be viewed for free. For more info call the Dubai Mall: 800-DUBAI-MALL (800 38224 6255).

The Burj Park is a private manicured island offering panoramic views of the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountains. Spanning 29,000 sqm it is located at the base of Burj Khalifa Tower, along the Burj Lake or the Dubai Fountain Lake. It is also known by the names 'Burj Dubai Park', 'Dubai Tower Park', 'Burj island Park', etc., and is a great spot to catch  a glimpse of The Dubai Fountains, particularly at night, when the park is beautifully lit by specially designed light cubes.

It has well landscaped greenery, has ample seating areas and is easily accessible to the rest of Downtown Dubai through two footbridges and is the perfect place for a relaxing stroll amidst amazing scenery.

Downtown Dubai and Shaikh Mohammed Boulevard: The most prestigious square kilometre on the earth, the 500-acre Downtown Dubai, is an integrated lifestyle community that offers a refreshing ‘live, work and play’ environment. With a development value of $20 billion, it was launched in 2004, and is today a full-fledged and thriving community marked by the opening of The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination, in 2008, and the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, in 2010 and The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest performing fountain. With an estimated 60 million visitors, it is fast becoming the world’s most famous tourism and lifestyle destination living up to its title as ‘The Centre of Now’.

Other unprecedented attractions here include At The Top; the Burj Khalifa, the world’s highest observatory deck with an outdoor terrace; Atmosphere, the world’s highest restaurant; and a total of six world-class hotels, including the Armani Hotel Dubai.

Besides the much-awaited New Year’s Eve celebration, Downtown Dubai plays host to several popular events, including the Emirates Classic Car Festival and the Downtown Dubai National Day Parade.

The world’s most-visited boulevard that serves as the heart of lifestyle and entertainment activities in Downtown Dubai, the 3.5km high street Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard is a tribute to the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in establishing Dubai as a global city that serves as a hub for tourism, retail and hospitality.

It is already home to several acclaimed works of art, such as Xavier Corbero’s Gathering, and Horse 2007 by the Colombian figurative artist Fernando Botero. Downtown Dubai also hosts one of the city’s most popular galleries, The Pavilion, in addition to 1,000 artworks on display within the Burj Khalifa. It is an iconic attraction that is today the world’s most vibrant lifestyle destination, on par with other boulevards in the world.

Jumeirah Mosque: Hailed as the most photographed mosque in Dubai, the stunningly beautiful Jumeirah Mosque is the only mosque in Dubai which is open to the public 6 days a week (closed on Fridays) for scheduled tours and is dedicated to receiving non-Muslim visitors. It showcases the medieval Fatimid tradition in its charming stone construction. Learn about Muslim religious practices and Emirati culture by visiting the Jumeirah Mosque. Tours are offered every day accept Fridays. Tours begin at 10am sharp. No pre-registration required, plan to arrive at 9:45 am for pre-entry instructions. Doors will close at 10:05am and will reopen at 11:15am. Modest dressing is suggested however traditional attire can be borrowed from the Mosque.

Dubai Marina: Being one of the world’s largest manmade marinas in the world, the Dubai Marina is located close to the heart of ‘New Dubai’ and is connected to the Jebel Ali Port, Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City.

Offering Riviera-style living in a modern aesthetic setting the canal city on completion has the capacity to accommodate a population of 120,000 in its residential towers and villas. It is home to the Princess Tower opened in 2012 which is the world’s tallest residential building and has 101 floors to accommodate both locals and expats. Located in the popular Marina District, it has a six-floor car park and eight retail outlets. With a total development area of 50 million sq ft, the path-breaking waterfront project has a large canal spanning 3.5 km offering access to the sea from both ends.

Dubai Marina features several high-rises with luxury apartments as well as villas set against the backdrop of the Marina. With yachts moored along the Marina and some of the city’s best dining, entertainment and leisure facilities, Dubai Marina is the first choice for the stylish and sophisticated. It comprises ten districts each developed as a distinct community. The Dubai Marina Walk, which lines the waterfront, has a selection of cosmopolitan restaurants.

A key component of Dubai Marina is the 150,000 sq m Dubai Marina Mall complex which comprises the Dubai Marina Mall, a shopping and entertainment destination; The Address Dubai Marina, a 5-star premium hotel with serviced residences; and Marina Plaza – an exclusive commercial tower; and the adjacent Pier 7 Dubai Marina, a multi-storey tower dedicated to diverse cuisines. Dubai Marina Yacht Club is the authority for all operations and berthing in the Dubai Marina canal.

Dubai Creek: Known as ‘Khor Dubai’ in Arabic the Dubai Creek divides the city historically into two main sections – Deira and Bur Dubai and is attributed as the reason for the city’s development as a successful trading port with Iran and India. The boat trip of one or two hours down the Creek is the best way to view the attractions on the both sides of the Creek – dhows that line the creek, remarkable buildings and four bridges that cross the Creek.

One of Dubai’s most historic attractions, the Dubai Creek area enables you to take a step into the past featuring quaint abras or water taxis and traditional wooden dhows sailing unhurriedly up and down its 14 km length. Take a leisurely stroll in this area as you catch glimpses of the emirate’s trading heritage with dhows from distant lands docking to unload their goods. Throughout most of the 20^th century, Dubai Creek was a minor port for dhows and other maritime vessels from India, Iran and East Africa. Fishing and pearl diving were major sources of income carried out in and around its waters until the latter part of the 19^th century when the Japanese discovered the cultured pearl.

The waterway divides Deira and Bur Dubai with thousands of people crossing over from one part to the other every day. Its skyline is one Dubai’s most well known and includes familiar landmarks like the Deira Twin Towers, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and the Emirates NBD.

Madinat Jumeirah: Such is its splendor you will always recall the very first time you saw the Madinat Jumeirah. Set across its own private beach, the Madinat Jumeirah resort is an authentic recreation of ancient Arabia that captures the natural beauty of the region.  It features two grand boutique hotels, Al Qasr and Mina A’ Salam, 29 traditional summer houses in Dar Al Masyaf, 7 Malakiya Villas, over 40 restaurants and bars, conference and banqueting facilities including two grand ballrooms, a 1000-seat amphitheatre and the region’s only dedicated entertainment centre and multi-purpose venue, Madinat Arena. The facilities are interconnected by three kilometres of waterways and landscaped gardens.

There’s only one thing more remarkable than the quality of the eating and drinking at Madinat Jumeirah – and that’s the sheer variety of it. With over 40 world-class restaurants, bars and lounges to choose from, you’ll enjoy a dizzying choice of dining options – each with a distinct theme, location and style. Whether you feel like an evening of terrific Thai or a night on the tiles with the finest cocktails, you’ll find your tastes fully satisfied at Madinat Jumeirah.

The resort also provides extensive leisure and health facilities including Talise Spa and Talise Fitness, as well as Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a traditional retail and dining experience showcasing the best of Arabia.

Dubai Marina Yacht Club: Set in the heart of ‘new Dubai’ in one of its most vibrant residential areas, Dubai Marina is spread over a 3.5Km canal. Comprising of 500 sheltered berthing spaces it is the largest Marina in the Middle East. A prestigious 5 Gold Anchor Award winning marina recognised for the quality of services and facilities, it is also winner of Boat Owner Middle East Awards Leading Marina, 2013. The Dubai Marina Yacht Club has become both a Waterfront Destination for residents and tourists alike and a Boaters Haven.

It has a purpose built clubhouse forming the centre-piece of four distinctive marinas. DMYC was also founded to satisfy the finer things in life, with the clubhouse and state-of-the-art marina facilities ensuring a five-star experience. With a choice of casual or fine dining restaurants, a lively Sports Lounge, or the tranquility of the club lounges it is a place of refuge throughout the week and not just simply a weekend get-away. For the keen yachting enthusiast, the club organises the increasingly renowned ‘Cruising Club’, which offers exclusively to DMYC members the opportunity to explore regional yachting destinations, and to join the regular series of workshops and seminars with fellow yachtsmen.

Emirates Towers: A sleek, architectural masterpiece, Emirates Towers is one of the most stunning highlights on Dubai’s skyline offering spectacular views complemented by the stellar accommodation and business services you’ll find within. It redefines the business hotel experience; seamlessly combining high technology, efficiency and unparalleled luxury. And with its unique and prestigious shopping destination, the Boulevard, you’ll find shopping, dining and nightlife opportunities to rival any luxury destination in the world.

The 400 spacious, newly furnished rooms and suites, paired with state-of-the-art meeting and business facilities, make Jumeirah Emirates Towers one of the most popular choices for the corporate traveller and one of the finest business hotels in Dubai.

From snacks to fine dining, from Lebanese to Japanese, from tea in the lobby to cocktails on the 51st floor; whatever kind of dining experience you seek, Jumeirah Emirates Towers’ restaurants deliver it with panache and passion. Enter a haven of sophistication at its award-winning independent restaurant Hakkasan Dubai which offers a modern take on Chinese cuisine, one that celebrates freshness and purity of flavour and where signature Hakkasan dishes are offered alongside those specially created for Dubai. You can also enjoy a little taste of London in the heart of Dubai’s business district at the luxurious and iconic The Ivy at Jumeirah Emirates Towers offering an international brasserie-style menu.