Traditionally nothing has changed in the last 200 years in the UAE. But then everything else has changed. The gutra-clad (Arab headgear) officials solemnly greet nearly 1.5 million visitors every year at Dubai’s International Airport 24 x 7. They don’t smile at foreigners entering their country like the Egyptians and Indians do. They could not care less if the visitors were bringing in forex to the country through tourism. An average tourist wants to come here at least once. So what is there to explore in Dubai?

A tour package to the region usually includes the following landmarks:

Bastakiya District

When there was no electricity, there were wind towers that kept homes cool in the harsh desert heat. This is a heritage district which reminds even locals of a life gone by. Quaint houses with courtyards have wind towers. This district is being upgraded so that visitors can get bare minimum facilities to reach and savor the way Arabs lived once upon a time. Step back in time. Relive the ancient Arabic experience. Take bus No. 19 or an abra (taxi from Dubai) to Bur Dubai. It is on the east of Dubai Souk, Al Fahidi Street.

Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum’s House

It was a sandstone building built in 1896 and gives a sea view, near Al-Shindagha Tunnel, Al-Shindagha Road. Get a feel of what a traditional home in Arabia looks like in the city! It gives a fantastic marine view. This was home to one time ruler of the land. He used to monitor the trade and commerce entering and exiting the country from this home! In 1986, this home was reopened as a museum. The home also provides a glimpse of how the country developed from the 40s’ to the 60s.

Jumeirah Mosque

This is one of the landmark buildings at Al Jumeirah road. It is a beautiful Islamic stoned structure made on the lines of medieval Fatimid with two minarets. It looks classic when lighted in the evenings. Non-Muslims can visit this mosque on organised tours approved by the tourism department.  

Grand Mosque

It is situated on Ali bin Ali Talib Street on the Bur Dubai side of the Creek. This is the largest mosque which accommodates nearly 1200 worshippers during afternoon prayers. It has the tallest minaret of Dubai (70 meters).

Dubai Museum

The 1799 built Al-Fahidi fort houses the Dubai Museum. In 1970, it became a museum. It has old ammunitions, pearl diving outfits and military artefacts. Most of them have been dug out from 3000-4000 year old graves in Al-Ghusais.

Majlis Ghorfat Um-Al-Sheef

This home is an example of how rich Arab men lived. Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the late ruler lived here. It has beautiful majlis gardens. It also has a traditional Arab irrigation system. It can be located off 17th street of Al-Jumeirah Road.

Heritage Village

The bedouin way of Arab culture is a part of this village near Shindagha Tunnel, Al-Shindagha Road. Locals dressed in traditional clothes, arts & handicrafts, Arabic music and dance can be witnessed.