Exploring the city

If you’ve got a longer stopover in Dubai and have time to see some of the city’s more iconic sights, then these are the ones you shouldn't miss.

Dubai Museum
www.dubaitourism.ae, +971 4 353 1862 (20-90 minutes from the airport depending on traffic)

Housed in the 18th century Al Fahidi Fort, a small tower originally built as a sea defence, the museum runs the visitor through Dubai's development from a coastal village that relied mainly on fishing to the thriving commercial hub of today. The extensively renovated tower, now in the middle of traffic, displays old fishing dhows and model recreations of the life and wildlife of yesteryear. Not bad for Dhs 3 ($0.80).

Ski Dubai/Mall of the Emirates
www.malloftheemirates.com, www.skidxb.com (30-90 minutes from the airport depending on traffic) 

No stay in Dubai would arguably be complete without a trip to Ski Dubai, the city’s indoor ski slope which offers sub-zero temperatures even when it’s more than 50°C outside. The complex is part of the huge Mall of the Emirates, which includes a cinema, restaurants, bars and an array of shops. Using the costs Dhs 150 ($41) for two hours, with all equipment and clothing provided except gloves. There’s also a mini toboggan run for kids and lessons can be booked for first-time skiers or snowboarders.  

Burj al-Arab
www.burj-al-arab.com, +971 4 301 7777 (30-90 minutes from the airport depending on traffic)

One of the world’s most expensive hotels, and reportedly also the world’s tallest, the Burj al-Arab is a must-see for anyone visiting Dubai – however short your stay. Its sail-like structure stands out spectacularly from the Dubai coastline, with the hotel itself sitting on a small, man-made island. Unless you’ve got a booking you can’t get inside the hotel, so it’s worth reserving afternoon tea in advance if you want to take a look at the hotel's interior. If you've made it to this end of town, it may be worth continuing an extra 10 minutes down the road for a drive on the Palm Jumeirah, one of three man-made peninsulas in the shape of a palm frond. Work was ongoing at the time of writing in April 2008 and it was only possible to explore a limited area of the development whose buildings and cranes are also visible from nearby beaches and buildings. 

Burj Dubai/Sheikh Zayed Road
www.burjdubai.com (30-90 minutes from the airport depending on traffic) 

Now officially the tallest building in the world, the Burj Dubai was still growing at the time of writing. It’s located along Sheikh Zayed Road, and resembles a giant unfinished pinnacle which towers above the array of other skyscrapers being constructed in its shadow. Once complete, the Burj will house offices, luxury apartments and even an Armani-branded hotel - but labour disputes and strikes have conspired to put the expected finish date further behind schedule. The best way to see it in perspective is to take a taxi down the Sheikh Zayed Road, where you can stop at the Emirates Towers, twin glass and steel skycrapers, for a spot of shopping and a bite to eat. Or sample the great views from the Vu Bar at the top. 

Deira Gold Souk
(20-60 minutes from the airport depending on traffic)

The Gold Souk in Deira may not be particularly ancient, but it's one of the most vibrant and busy parts of Dubai. There is a covered area filled with jewellers, from well-known brands to local vendors displaying intricate works. Haggling is the order of the day here, so make sure you know what you're buying. At the far end of the jewellery area is the Spice Souk, where you can pick up exotic bits and pieces from around the region, including saffron and frankincense.

Bastakiya
(20-90 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic)

This is one of the oldest districts of the city, along the Dubai Creek. Although much of the original architecture has been restored and renovated, it’s still a good place to see the traditional windtower houses -  which actually hail from nearby Iran - and have a wander around the area's art galleries and cafes, which are beginning to attract greater numbers of visitors every year and are even being converted into hotels. Stop for refreshments in the shady courtyard of the Basta Art Cafe or drop by the XVA art gallery to check out the latest exhibition. Combine this with a vist to the nearby Dubai Museum before taking the abra waterbus across the creek to the Gold Souk, for a day's sightseeing in old Dubai.

Last updated: 4 April 2008