Dubai is a cosmopolitan city and the second largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is one of the important tourist destinations in the Middle East. Fondly referred to as the 'Shopping Capital of Middle East' and a 'City of Gold', Dubai encompasses a number of tourist attractions ranging from museums, zoo, theme parks, heritage sites, shopping malls to artificial islands. Every year, the city welcomes thousands of tourists from across the world. If you are planning to make a trip to the beautiful city this year, then check out the following lines. We have short-listed the most popular tourist attractions of Dubai.
Tourist Attractions in Dubai
Dubai Shopping Festival
Dubai Shopping Festival is one of the most popular events in the world today, looked forward to by shoppers across the globe. The one-month shopping extravaganza, which usually commences in mid-January and continues until mid-February, unfolds a spectacular display of fireworks, music, dance and theatre performances. Shopping in the international fun fair is largely tax-free. The best part is that you can get almost anything and everything here, which makes it all the more exciting.
Jumeirah Mosque
Jumeirah Mosque is the most beautiful landmark of Dubai. The religious place is a magnificent example of artistic excellence of the modern Islamic architecture. Built in the medieval Fatimid tradition, the huge stone structure of the mosque is simply mesmerizing to look at. It gives every traveler the privilege of having an insight of the Islamic religion, as it is the only mosque that opens doors to non-Muslims as well.
Dubai Museum
Situated in Al-Fahidi Fort, Bur Dubai Museum was constructed in 1787. The very structure of the museum is a treat to the eyes - its walls are built from coral and shell taken from the sea, which are held together with lime. In the museum, you can check out a wonderful collection of old maps of the Gulf and the Emirates, traditional weapons, musical instruments, aerial photographs showing Dubai's development and much more.
Wonderland Theme Park
Wonderland Theme Park is a favorite destination in Dubai. The indoor and outdoor rides of the theme park are suited for people of all ages. The air-conditioned park with over 100 thrilling rides is a perfect vacation spot for the entire family.
Desert Safari
Dubai is the hotspot for enjoying enthralling desert safari, all through the day, in the entire UAE. Hundreds of people throng into the eternal deserted land of Dubai, to indulge in interesting activities such as desert ski, camel ride, Quad biking, dune bashing etc.
Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai is famous in Dubai, for being the first indoor Ski resort in the entire Middle-East. There, you can enjoy snowboarding and tobogganing, skiing or pass the time by simply playing with the snow. The ski resort is spread over 22500 sq. meters of land, which is covered with snow all the year round.
Jumeirah Beach
Tourists are attracted by the wonderful Jumeirah Beach, which offers thrilling activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing and fishing. The beach is the best bet to stay away from the city's hot and humid climate and to spend a tranquilizing holiday.
Dubai Dhow Cruise
To enjoy a luxurious vacation in Dubai, sailing along the Dubai Creek, on the world-famous Dubai Dhow Cruise would be the best bet. Cruising would provide you panoramic views of the glowing city lights of Dubai. You can have two hours of wonderful sight seeing experience, on Dubai Dhow Cruise.
Souks (Traditional Markets)
Dubai's famous souks (literally meaning traditional markets) are exact contrasts to the modern shopping malls. The souks of Dubai are most of the time crowded with merchants doing business in the traditional style. Gold jewelry, traditional spices, perfumes and wide variety of fishes are sold at the souks of Dubai.
Other Attractions
Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa
Al Maha Desert Resort is the first ever Eco-tourism resort in the entire United Arab Emirates (UAE). It consists of 40 tent-roofed suites with private pools and luxuries such as massage parlor, hydrotherapy, Jacuzzi and sauna. Located around an oasis, the resort provides you panoramic views and traditional desert activities such as horse riding, safaris and camel riding too.
Majlis Ghorfat Um-Al-Sheef
Majlis Ghorfat Um-Al-Sheef is an ancient building that dates back to 1955. Long back, it served as the summer residence of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed al-Maktoum. The building is now open to public. It has a beautiful garden that displays the traditional Arab irrigation system. The two-storey building is built of gypsum and coral rock.
Palm Jumeirah
Located on the Jumeirah coastal area of the emirate of Dubai, Palm Jumeirah is one of the many artificial islands of the city. The island is extended into the Persian Gulf. It is designed in the shape of a palm tree.
