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Provided by: Dubai Economy and Tourism

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Asia United Arab Emirates Dubai Top Attractions Dubai Historical District

Overview

Dubai Historical District

The guide was updated: 2024-04-01

Discover old Dubai in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, where winding stone alleys and charismatic windtower architecture reflect life before skyscrapers. Follow the alleyways to hidden tea houses, art galleries and cultural installations that uncover Dubai's past. Afterwards, head toward the bustling abra station and take a ride across the creek. There you will find gold, spice, perfume and textile souks where you can bargain over excellent handicrafts and goods.

Useful Information

Website: www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/al-fahidi-historical-neighbourhood
Public Transport: Al Fahidi Metro Station

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa

Soaring 828 metres above Dubai and currently the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa represents a union of art, engineering and heritage. It's home to ample office space, private residences, the 160-room Armani Hotel and "At the Top" observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors. There are also more than 1,000 specially commissioned works of art throughout the building.

The View at The Palm

The View at The Palm

Enjoy incomparable views of one of Dubai’s most talked about landmarks at The View at The Palm. Located 240 metres high, the observation deck presents the stunning 360-degree panorama of Palm Jumeirah alongside the sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline in the distance. The View at The Palm is located on level 52 of The Palm Tower, which also houses a café, a creative exhibition, interactive aquarium-themed tunnels and a gift shop. To further elevate your sky-high sightseeing experience, step up to The Next Level — at 250 metres above ground, the private, barrier-free space is the island's highest vantage point.

Sky Views Dubai

Sky Views Dubai

If you're a fan of heights, then head 219.5 metres above ground with Sky Views Dubai. Visitors will be swept off their feet as they take in endless vistas of the city skyline and a bird's eye view of Downtown Dubai. Perched atop the Address Sky View hotel, this architectural marvel has three distinct offerings, providing unforgettable sightseeing escapades: the Observatory, the Glass Slide and the thrill-inducing Edge Walk.

Dubai Harbour

Dubai Harbour

Admire the city’s sparkling coastline from Dubai Harbour, a seafront district in Dubai Marina that boasts the most advanced cruise terminal and the largest marina in the region. With the ability to berth up to 700 luxury yachts and boats, the Dubai Harbour also features a 120,000-square-metre cruise facility with two terminals on a 910-metre long quay. The world-class maritime destination is already open for the public to explore, though new hotels, cafes, retail outlets and restaurants in the area will be opening in phases.

Museum of the Future

Museum of the Future

One of the city’s most famous landmarks, this "living museum" explores how society could evolve in the coming decades, combining elements of traditional exhibition, immersive theatre and themed attractions. Look beyond the present and towards the future's limitless possibilities across space travel, climate change, ecology, health, wellness and spirituality. Discover the world's greatest ideas, prototypes and inventions, and attend special workshops and talks that explore high-tech solutions.

Deep Dive Dubai

Deep Dive Dubai

The latest addition to the city's thriving sports and adventure activities scene, Deep Dive Dubai is the place to be for all aqua enthusiasts. The recreational centre's 60.02-metre-deep pool is certified by Guinness World Records as the world's deepest swimming pool for diving. Aside from its remarkable depth, the pool features other unrivalled underwater additions, such as a 'sunken city', alongside year-round freediving and scuba diving courses and guided experiences.

Mohammed Bin Rashid Library

Mohammed Bin Rashid Library

Built along the historic Dubai Creek, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library is an inspiring landmark. The library, which is designed in the shape of a traditional Islamic lectern, is the largest in the region and representative of its collective cultural and academic wisdom. Explore nine themed libraries inside that house over a million print and digital titles.

Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall

Discover one of the world's most visited destinations, The Dubai Mall. Located at the foot of Burj Khalifa, this shopping metropolis features more than 1,200 retail outlets, restaurants (some with views of the Dubai Fountain), an indoor aquarium, spas and even an ice rink. Fashionistas won't want to miss the fashion extension or the iconic Level Shoes, while kids will flock straight to Reel Cinemas, or Kidzania.

Madame Tussauds Dubai

Madame Tussauds Dubai

Want to pose with the stars on the red carpet? Madame Tussauds lets you do just that. Visit the famous waxwork museum, known for crafting lifelike replicas of high-profile figures and celebrities. Located at Bluewaters Dubai, it is the only Madame Tussauds in the region, allowing fans of all ages to explore seven themed rooms as they look for their favourite famous faces. You'll get to mingle with international stars and meet regional heavy-hitters too, including singer Balqees Fathi and Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan.

Dubai Historical District

Dubai Historical District

Discover old Dubai in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, where winding stone alleys and charismatic windtower architecture reflect life before skyscrapers. Follow the alleyways to hidden tea houses, art galleries and cultural installations that uncover Dubai's past. Afterwards, head toward the bustling abra station and take a ride across the creek. There you will find gold, spice, perfume and textile souks where you can bargain over excellent handicrafts and goods.

Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah

Gracing the city's postcards, the iconic Palm Jumeirah is an astounding feat of mankind in the form of a series of artificial archipelagos in the emerald waters of the Arabian Gulf. From above, it takes the form of a stylised palm tree. At ground level, it has some of the city's most popular beach clubs, celebrity chef restaurants and luxury hotels such as Atlantis, The Palm. The newest attractions here include The Pointe, a waterfront hub for dining and shopping experiences, and Palm West Beach. Head to The View at Palm Jumeirah, where a 240-metre-high observation deck presents the most impressive views.

Dubai Parks & Resorts

Dubai Parks & Resorts

With three theme parks, a waterpark and two hotels, Dubai Parks & Resorts offers a thrilling experience like no other. Over 100 incredible indoor and outdoor attractions form Motiongate Dubai, Legoland Dubai and Legoland Water Park — this wonderland will keep young hearts enthralled. At the heart of it all is Riverland Dubai, which presents fun dining and retail options, and nearby is Polynesian-themed Lapital resort and the first Legoland hotel in the region.

Madinat Jumeirah

Madinat Jumeirah

For an experience that marries tradition and luxury, head to Madinat Jumeirah. Literally translated as 'City of Jumeirah', this complex is inspired by an ancient citadel complete with wind towers and water canals. It encloses luxury hotels, private enclaves built in the traditional style, the world-class Talise Spa, Souk Madinat, Madinat Theatre, and more than 40 restaurants and lounges. For a memorable meal, dine at Folly by Nick & Scott which overlooks the sea from wind towers. You can also explore the meandering waterways on a traditional wooden abra to better appreciate the serene setting and inspired architecture.

The Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain

Witness water dance at the iconic Dubai Fountain, located at the base of the Burj Khalifa. One of the largest fountains in the world, the sound and light show shoots 83,000 litres of water as high as 150 metres in the air. Each brightly illuminated jet sways in time to music, producing what has become one of Dubai's most popular shows. Situated outside The Dubai Mall, make time to shop between evening water shows, which begin every 30 minutes. The show is free. However, to get the best view you can get on one of the boats cruising the fountain water, or book a spot on the footbridge.

Bluewaters Island

Bluewaters Island

Enjoy the sunshine at Bluewaters, an island destination that's making waves for its blend of shopping, dining and entertainment attractions. Highlights include the lifestyle district of The Wharf, pristine Cove Beach club with luxe cabanas and Ain Dubai — the tallest and largest observation wheel. It's also home to the Banyan Tree hotel, that boasts a sparkling outdoor swimming pool, signature hospitality and incredible restaurants, including the Chinese and Pan-Asian Demon Duck, as well as the Japanese TakaHisa and Tocha.

Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai

For pure wow factor, visit the indoor ski slopes of Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates. The perfect antidote to a warm day, you can mix a spot of shopping with a skiing break. There are five runs of varying difficulty, along with a freestyle area for snowboarders and tobogganers. Families will love the snow caves and tube rides, while Avalanche Café is ideal for sipping hot chocolate in minus four degrees or watching the daily march of the penguins.

City Walk

City Walk

Stroll through City Walk — Dubai's trendy open-air shopping district. This chic urban space features an excellent range of boutiques, entertainment centres and restaurants, with some shopfronts inspired by the streets of London. Enjoy entertainment zones like The Green Planet and Roxy Cinemas, or kick back in the La Ville Hotel's garden terrace. With a striking skyline view that includes the Burj Khalifa, City Walk is a perfect location for a day or night out.

Etihad Museum

Etihad Museum

Discover the contemporary history of the United Arab Emirates at the Etihad Museum located in Jumeirah 1. The Etihad Museum offers a series of interactive pavilions that explore the country’s past through photos, films and more. Visitors can discover what life was like before the UAE's founding fathers signed the treaty that unified the seven emirates, and learn more about the extraordinary economic development since.

Jumeirah Mosque

Jumeirah Mosque

One of the most beautiful landmarks in Dubai, Jumeirah Mosque was built entirely from white stone in the mediaeval Fatimid tradition, with towering twin minarets framing a large central dome. Combine a visit to the mosque with the nearby Etihad Museum for a cultural experience of Dubai. Note that non-Muslim guests can visit on all days except Friday and women will be asked to wear a scarf when visiting.

The Lost Chambers Aquarium

The Lost Chambers Aquarium

Consistent with its sunken Atlantis theme, the underwater world of Palm Jumeirah island's luxury hotel is an endless maze of things to discover, corners inhabited by fascinating marine creatures such as sharks, octopi, piranhas, and even a couple of albino alligators. It's a rather small aquarium, but definitely worth a visit.

Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab

Often voted the world's most luxurious hotel, the Burj Al Arab is one of the region's most famous tourist landmarks. Built on a triangular man-made island, the billowing sail-like structure rises 321m above the sea. The hotel sets a new standard for hospitality superlatives, including the famous helipad that has hosted numerous celebrity stunts. For the first time since its launch, the Burj Al Arab has opened its doors to visitors for an immersive 90-minute tour. The exclusive experience lets you explore the landmark’s gilded suites and ultra-luxurious interiors while uncovering its history and wealth of untold stories. Available daily from 9:30am, the tour is curated for a butler-guided group of 12 visitors and commences every 15 minutes.

Dubai Water Canal

Dubai Water Canal

One of the world’s greatest urban transformations, the Dubai Water Canal is a 3.2-kilometre-long waterway which extends from the Creek in Old Dubai through Business Bay, before finding its way to the Arabian Gulf. It effectively turns a significant part of the emirate into an island. Board a water taxi to Marasi Drive, home to a sparkling marina, water homes and cool dining venues such as Bella at Grand Millennium Hotel and BASTA! at The St. Regis Downtown.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

The 10 million-litre tank at the Dubai Aquarium is one of the largest in the world, containing more than 33,000 aquatic animals and the largest collection of sand tiger sharks anywhere. Rising to the third floor of The Dubai Mall, the aquarium is home to 140 species of sea life and has several ways to experience underwater life, starting with a stroll through a 48m walk-through tunnel. Enjoy a spectacular panoramic view while watching sand tiger sharks and stingrays glide above you. You can also take a glass-bottom boat tour, get wet in a snorkelling cage and even go swimming with the sharks.

Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek

Dubai may be famous for the glitz and glamour of its sky-high towers, but the real heart of the city is, and always will be, the creek. The saltwater estuary is the original site where the Bani Yas tribe settled, and its waters were vital for what used to be Dubai's main forms of economy: pearl diving and fishing. The area is home to the Dubai Museum and Shindagha Museum, the waterside heritage retail area Al Seef, as well as the labyrinthine alleyways of the gold, spice and textile souks. While at the Creek, a ride across the water on a traditional abra is a must.

Dubai Frame

Dubai Frame

Dubai Frame is one of the most exciting additions to the city’s skyline and represents a remarkable feat of engineering. Situated in Zabeel Park, directly between old and new Dubai, the towering structure offers sweeping panoramic views of the city from the height of 150 metres. One of its most amazing features is the state-of-the-art clear glass bridge that connects the parallel vertical towers to create the shape of a picture frame — a top pick for selfies.

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