|
Attractions of Dubai:
Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House: Sheikh Saeed Al maktoum House This imposing building distinguished
by its four elegant wind-towers, stands along the famous Creek of
Bur Dubai. It was built in 1896 and was the residence of the
Ruler. It takes its name from Shaikh Saeed Al Maktoum, who resided
there until his death in 1958.Originally strategically situated at
the mouth of Dubai’s lifeline, the Creek, this carefully restored
museum now lies close to the Bur Dubai side of the Shindagha
Tunnel and next to the Heritage and Diving Village
Majlis Al Ghoraifa
Built around 1955, the Al Ghuraifa Majlis was a summer retreat for
the late Shaikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai,
where he spent his afternoons when the temperatures became
moderate and the humidity was high. The Majlis is situated in the
Umm Suqaim area which was once dotted with date palm groves, and
fishermen’s’ huts.
Juma Al Majid Cultural and Heritage
Trust:
Established in 1991, this is a non-profit reference library and
research institute. The library's collections include 350,000 Arab
language titles, with a concentration on Arab and Islamic
heritage, plus 17,000 titles in English, French, German, Russian
and other languages
Museums:
National Museum was established and officially inaugurated on May
12th 1971.
The
Museum is located in Al Fahidi Fort which is one of the most
ancient historical Buildings in Dubai (built: 1787). It is thought
to be Dubai’s oldest building. It was built as a fort for sea
defense, and the importance of the Fort increased with the
expansions which were built during the era of the Late Sheikh
Maktoum Bin Buti 1833-l852 which added most of the architectural
features which are still existing upto now.
To protect this ancient monument, it
was rehabilitated during the era of Shaikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al
Maktoum, vice president, prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The Museum contains a collection of
artifacts which depict the different aspects of Social, economic
and Professional life which prevailed during the past century and
the start of the present century. It also contains many.”
archaeological objects such as pottery, stone and metallic items,
stone engravings, and skeletons, which were discovered during the
archaeological explorations executed in the different areas of the
Emirate of Dubai (Hatta, Al Soffoh, Al Qusais, and Al Jumeira).
They date back to the third, second, and first millennium BC as
well as the Islamic era (Seventh - 13th Century). Displays include
everyday artifacts and archaeological finds from the area, some
dating back 4000 years. Pearl merchants, fishermen, housewives and
wedding finery are all presented
Sight Seeing in
Dubai:
Dubai is not just a city of
excitement. It’s also a city of surprises. Try the ice skating
rink in the Galleria shopping mall at the Hyatt Regency, where
young men wearing traditional dish dash dress pirouette around the
ice while their friends consume French pastries and coffee at
Frosty’s cafe.” - Ian Jarrett, TRAVELASIA Issue of October 25,
1996
Public Parks and
Gardens:
There are many beautiful parks
situated around Dubai for a pleasant weekend or afternoon outing.
Al Mamzar Park:
Al Mamzar Park covers an area
of 106 hectares and offers barbecue sites, private chalets for
hire, swimming pool, food kiosks, sheltered beach and safe lagoon,
a scenic train and many children’s play areas. Piped music is
played throughout the day and there are pleasant grassed picnic
areas.. It is located approximately 5 km after the turn off to
Hamriya Port.
The entry fee is Dhs 5 per person or
Dhs 30 per car (including occupants). Entry fees for the swimming
pool are Dhs 10 for adults and Dhs 5 for children. The park is
open from 8:00 am to 10:00 p.m. daily. Wednesdays entry is
restricted to women and children only.
Al Wasl Park:
Al Wasl Park is a small family
park, with a children’s play area and plenty of shaded seating..
It is located off Al Wasl Road behind the Iranian Hospital.Entry
is free and the park is open between the hours of 8:00 am and 9:30
p.m. Sat - Wed, and to 11:30 p.m. on Thursday/Friday. Saturday to
Wednesday entry is restricted to women and children
Tour
programmes in Dubai, Tours in Dubai, Tour from Dubai
Creekside Park:
Creekside Park
is a very large family park, with a children’s play area, train,
walking and jogging tracks, barbecue sites, amphitheater with
seating for 1,200 people, information booth, 18 hole mini-golf
course, 3 jetties for fishing and exit points for abras (boat
trips are to be introduced at a later date). Two restaurants and a
number of kiosks are available for refreshments. All this is
situated in 96 hectares of lawn and botanic gardens with more than
280 botanical species magnificently displayed in an exotic garden
feature, desert garden with “fallaj” or traditional irrigation
system and many flower gardens. The park extends for 2.6 km along
the creek shore. It is located between Al Maktoum and Al Garhoud
Bridges on the Bur Dubai side. Entry behind Dubai Courts
Places to visit
include the fort, the museum, livestock and camel souk, Jebel
Hafeet (a hill just outside Al Ain with a terrific view), Hili Fun
City, Hili archaeological digs etc
|