What to see in Dubai

Popular tourist attractions in Dubai

Al Almadiya School

Built in 1912 by Sheikh Ahmed bin Dalmouk, the Al-Almadiya School in Deira was Dubai's first school.

Al Boom Tourist Village

The traditional architecture of the AI Boom Tourist Village forms a stately city landmark and is situated adjacent to Creek Park.

Archaeological sites

Dubai’s three main excavation sites include Al Ghusais, Al Sufooh and Jumeirah.

Bait Al Wakeel

Dubai's first office building, dates back to 1934 and was built by the late Sheikh Rashid at the edge of the Creek in Bur Dubai and now houses a Maritime Museum.

Bastakiya and Shindagha

Providing a tantalising glimpse of old Dubai is the old Bastakiya district of Bur Dubai, with its narrow lanes and houses with tall chimney-like structures called wind-towers.

Benjamaan House

Deira’s Benjaman’s House has been converted into a museum of traditional architecture. Benjamaan House offers an insight into Gulf architecture.

Burj Al Nahar

Located in the picturesque gardens in Deira, the Burj Al Nahar is one of three watch-towers that guard the old city,

Children's City

Housed in Dubai Creekside Park, Children’s City is a big hit with both local and international youngsters between two and fifteen years old.

Deira Creek

An impressive sight along the Creek near the dhow wharf is a group of distinctive modern buildings which include the Etisalat Tower, the Department of Economic Development, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the National Bank of Dubai headquarters, Dubai Creek Tower and Twin Towers.

Deira Gold Souk

Wear your shades as you enter this territory, as the glare of all the gold and stones will amaze you. The district of Old Deira is always abuzz with locals and tourists.

Deira Tower

Dominating Bani Yas Square in the heart of Deira is Deira Tower with its distinctive circular 'cap'.

Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek is a natural sea-water inlet which traverses through the centre of the city. Both historically and today the Creek is a focal point for life in Dubai.

Dubai Festival City

The unique waterfront development, iconic resort-style city is a must see. The Dubai Festival City is a place designed for the people of Dubai and its increasing number of visitors.

Dubai International Film Festival

Dubai International Film Festival is rapidly becoming a choice venue for cineastes looking to promote and finance feature and documentary films.

Dubai Museum

Housed inside the Al Fahidi Fort, Dubai Museum is an imposing building which is also a fascinating military museum. Built around 1787, it once guarded the city's landward approaches and has served variously as a palace, garrison and prison.

Dubai World Trade Centre

Built in 1979, as the tallest building at the time in the Middle East, with 39 floors above the city, the Dubai World Trade Centre's office tower houses the regional head-quarters of many of the world's largest corporations.

Dubai Zoo

Located in Jumeirah, the Dubai Zoo is a popular attraction, especially for families. Its modern facilities, though small, houses many indigenous Arabian species, including the Arabian Wolf, which is no longer found in the wild, Gordon's Wildcat and the world's only captive-breeding colony of Socotra Cormorants.

Formula One Dubai

If you have a need for speed, come to Formula One, Dubai's go-karting track - it is the only indoor track in the whole of the Middle East.

Global Village

The Global Village located in Dubailand, is a unique international destination for tourism, entertainment, leisure and culture.

Godolphin Gallery

Gold and Diamond Museum

The visitor centre at the Gold and Diamond Park in Al Quoz showcases the history of Arabian jewellery and also includes a guided tour of the adjacent manufacturing plant.

H.H. Sheikh Saeed House

On the Shindagha edge of Dubai Creek stands the former residence of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai from 1912-1958.

Hatta Village

Located in the rocky Hatta Mountains, 115 kilometres South-east of Dubai, you can get a glimpse of a historical village that goes back thousands of years.

Heritage and Diving Village

Located near the mouth of the Creek, this heritage site presents both a comprehensive insight into the emirate's maritime past and a fine example of traditional Gulf architecture.

Heritage House

Located in Deira and built in 1890, this house was once owned by Dubai's most famous pearl merchant, Sheikh Ahmed bin Dalmouk.

Jumeirah Beach

Some of Dubai's prettiest beaches are located along the Jumeirah strip.

Jumeirah Grand Mosque

If you have ever wanted to learn more about Islam and see inside a mosque,

Majlis Gallery

In white-washed rooms and central courtyard, an old wind-tower house in Bastakiya is home to a delightful art gallery.

Narish Khyma

This is a unique museum, which is located in a typical Arabian summer house near Dubai Museum, Bur Dubai.

Palm Islands And The World

The three Palm islands, said to be visible from space, form the largest manmade islands in the world.

Sheikh Mohammed Centre For Cultural Understanding

The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) is based in the Bastakia Quarter of Dubai

Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East situated at the Mall of the Emirates.

The Dubai Fountain

Set on the 30-acre Burj Khalifa Lake, the fountain shoots water jets as high as 500 ft (150 metres), equivalent to that of a 50-storey building.