What to see and do

Last updated at 17:37 08 January 2002


Dubai Creek



The seawater creek bisects the city, and trading continues today as it has done for generations. Boat trips available.

Inland is a wildlife sanctuary which is home to flamingos and a haven for migrating birds.

The Souks

A good place to soak up the local atmosphere and hunt for a bargain.

Pick up spices, incense or dried rose petals in the spice souk, or a glittering souvenir from the gold souk.

Other local specialities: nargilehs (hubble-bubble pipes), coffee pots, carpets and silks.

Friendly bargaining is definitely a part of the Dubai shopping experience.

Dubai Museum

Built in 1787, Fort Al Fahidi, as the museum used to be known, is thought to be Dubai's oldest building.

Displays include life before the oil boom, traditional Arab houses, pearl-diving and a military museum. Entry fee is 50 fils (about 10p).

Dubai World Trade Centre

As well as the offices, conference and exhibition rooms, this houses a viewing deck with an excellent view of the whole city.

The Desert

Outside the city, the beach resorts and the hotels, Dubai is mostly an expanse of sparsely inhabited barren desert punctuated by the Hajar Mountains.

Excursions into the desert are widely available - including expeditions at night. Ask at your hotel for details. (Also see Al Maha Desert Resort.)

Events</>

Dubai is proud of its annual month-long Shopping Festival, next happening in March 2002.

The city has a plethora of special offers and promotions on everything from electronic goods to clothing.

Dubai has also become one of the high points of the international sporting calendar: for the horse racing world with the Dubai World Cup (23 March, 2002), and the golfing world, with the Dubai Desert Classic (7-10 March 2002).

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