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Dubai's population is Muslim, mostly of the Maliki or Hanbali schools. Although Dubai and the rest of the United Arab Emirates is the most liberal part of the Middle East, there are still many Islamic rules that should be respected by visitors. The alcohol laws must be observed and appreciation shown for the Muslim tradition of wearing suitable clothing and removing shoes in religious buildings.

Dubai has a multitude of superb outdoor attractions, from championship quality golf courses and spas to water sports and desert adventures to be enjoyed. Spectators can enjoy a host of premier sporting events such as the world’s richest horserace, the Dubai World Cup at Nad Al-Sheba; the Dubai Desert Classic Golf Tournament, the Dubai Tennis Championships, Rugby Sevens, the Emirates Grand Prix powerboating; the UAE Desert Challenge, and of course, camel racing.
Enjoy a fascinating Abra water taxi ride across the Dubai Creek to the myriad shops at Deira’s Shindagha quarter famous for its textiles and electrical goods.

Dubai has been globally recognised as ‘The Shopping Capital of the Middle East,’ with all manner of local, regional and imported goods available. At Wafi City one can buy everything from carpets to cars, haute couture, perfumes, jewellery to electronics, furnishings and sports gear. Vibrant shopping festivals are also a special feature of the retail scene in Dubai, and it offers one of the premier airport shopping facilities of any world airport. See our 'Shopping' section for more.

Dubai is popularly referred to as the ‘City of Gold’ because of its famed Gold Market, and shopping in all its forms – from vast malls to bustling markets - has long been one of Dubai’s principal attractions. One popular legend suggests that the name ‘Dubai’ may have derived from ‘Daba,’ meaning a prospering or flourishing market. Dubai’s famed markets are located on both sides of the creek, with the colourful Spice Market enticing shoppers with its exotic aromas, and the enormous Gold Souk dazzling with every form and standard of precious metals and glittering jewels.

Families have much to enjoy in Dubai, from the 18-hectare Wonderland Park to Magic Planet at Deira City Centre shopping mall. The Wild Wadi Waterpark boasts 24 interconnected water rides, including the high-speed 'Jumeirah Sceirah'. Other children’s attractions include the Dubai Zoo, the Encounter Zone, Jumeira Beach Park and Hatta Rock Pools.

Dubai is a treasure trove of historical attractions and there is perhaps no better place to delve into the land’s past than at the Dubai Museum housed beneath the 180-year-old Al Fahidi Fort in Bur Dubai. The Bastakiya district is a step back in time, with traditional courtyard houses and wind towers. Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum’s House is one of the oldest houses in the city, as well as one of the best examples of traditional Middle Eastern architecture. Built entirely of stone along medieval Fatimid lines, the Jumeirah Mosque and its two minarets are unmistakable. Other historical attractions in the city include the Grand Mosque, the Juma Al-Majid Cultural and Heritage Centre, the Dubai Heritage Village, the Tower of Arabs and Majil’s Gallery.

Dubai Attractions

Dubai Museum
Al-Fahidi Fort, Bur Dubai, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 353 1862

Sheikh Saeed's House
Port Rashid, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 393 7139

The Grand Mosque
Bar Dubai, Dubai

Juma Al-Majid Cultural and Heritage Centre
Behind Dubai Cinema, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 262-4999

Dubai Heritage & Diving Village
The Mouth of the Creek, Shindagha Area, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 3937151

Tower of Arabs
Jumeriah Beach at Burj Al-Arab Hotel, Dubai
Tel: + 971 4 301 7777

Majlis Gallery
Al Fahidi Roundabout Bastakia, Bur Dubai, Dubai
Tel +971 4 3536233

The Creek
The Waterfront, Dubai

Wonderland Family Fun Park
PO Box 28844, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 324 1222

Magic Planet
Deira City Centre
Al Garhoud Bridge Road at Dnat, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 295 4333

Wild Wadi Waterpark
Jumeirah Beach, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 348 4444

Dubai Zoo
Jumeirah, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 344 0462

Encounter Zone
Wafi Mall, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 3247747

Jumeira Beach Park
Jumeirah St, Dubai
+971 4 3492555

Hatta Rock Pools
Hajar Mountains, Dubai