Tours

There are several tour companies in Dubai offering tours of the creek, the souks and traditional markets, dhow-building yards, Sheikh Saeed's House, the Heritage and Diving village, the wind tower houses of the Bastakiya area, Dubai Museum, Jumeirah Mosque and the stunning golf courses.

Deira Spice Souqs

Deira is an older part of town along the northeast part of the creek. Vendors have been selling their wares at these various souqs (markets) for hundreds of years. Especially interesting is the selection of goods offered by the various spice merchants. Shopping here will give you an authentic taste of Dubai. There is also the Perfume Soukand the Gold Souk, and everyday goods are also sold here. On the weekend, stop in at the Deira Food Market for inexpensive and fresh produce. Have a look at the clock tower in Deira. Its interesting architecture splays out above a fountain. It's also worthwhile to stop in at the Al Ahmadiya School & Heritage House on Al Ahmadiya St. The oldest part of this former home turned museum was built in 1890 by a merchant, and the architecture, some it made out of coral and gypsum is beautiful. If you want to keep shopping but in a more conventional shopping center, head east to Al Manal Center especially if you are looking to spend some dirhams on jewelry, cosmetics, watches or clothes or head to Abraj Center, which also has an extensive food court. Another option for a quick bite to eat, is to stop in at one of the many shawarma diners. Further down the creek (several kilometers) on the east side, you will come upon the Cuisine Museum where you can learn about the culinary traditions of the United Arab Emirates. A little farther down is the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, a world-class course that has hosted PGA tournaments and offers other luxurious facilities including six restaurants and wonderful views of the creek.

Bastakiya Quarter

You can take an abra (water taxi), usually a wooden boat, across the creek to get to this side of the city. The historical Bastakiya Quarter in Bur Dubai is an area filled with typically Arabian architecture, with a high concentration of homes with traditional courtyards and wind towers, tall structures that catch cool breezes, a simple and ingenious form of air-conditioning. This picturesque zone of narrow streets was built in the 19th Century by Persian merchants. You should definitely spend some time at the Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort where you can learn about Dubai's rich cultural and commercial history and gaze at artifacts from the 3rd Century BCE. Then, you can venture north towards the Grand Mosque, site of Dubai's tallest minaret from 1900. Non-muslims are not allowed to enter, but even the outside is worth seeing. The waterfront along the creek here is especially nice with many restaurants to choose from. You can head over to the XVA Cafe for delicious food in their courtyard; this unique building also functions as an art gallery and guest house.

Bur Dubai & Sheikh Saeed House

To the north of Bastakiya, you can visit the Sheikh Saeed House was the home of the grandfather of Dubai's present ruler. It was once the seat of the government and contains interesting Arabian architecture. Go by the Heritage & Diving Village, a recreation of the fishing village that was once here and to learn about the old days of Dubai and its pearl divers. If you get hungry, check out the variety of typical food at Kan Zaman or the East Asian cuisine at Fareast Seafood Market. For Indian food and sometimes a live DJ or projections of Bollywood films, head to It's Mirchi.

Abu Dhabi

The capital of the United Arab Emirates is just a two hour drive from Dubai. There you can visit the Petroleum Exhibition, and the White Fort – the original home of the rulers. Tours also visit the scenic Corniche and the dhow-building yard.

This picturesque region of the Abu Dhabi emirate includes the ancient oasis of Buraimi; the archeological finds at Hili, some of which date back more than 5000 years; and the Al Ain Zoo, with its flock of penguins and endangered Arabian Oryx. Jebel Hafeet-the UAE's highest mountain peak, offers spectacular views of the resort and surrounding desert. Another option outside of Dubai is to connect with local tour operators that offer the opportunity to visit a Bedouin village to experience the traditional way of desert life. You may even get to take some camel riding lessons.

Dubai is a tremendous place for going out and about. No need to sit in your hotel wondering what to do when there is a rich variety of tours within the city and outside it that are fun, educational, and exciting whether by yourself, with friends, or family. From bird watching tours to creek cruises, safaris to desert feasts, there is never a lack of activities in Dubai.

Excursions Outside the City:
Arabian Adventures (+971 4 343 9966 / http://www.arabian-adventures.com)
Adventure Unlimited of Al Ain (+971 3 768 7458)
Orient Tours (+971 4 282 8238 / http://www.orienttours.ae)
Colin Richardson's Birdwatching (+971 4 882 0655 colinr@emirates.net.ae)

Creek Cruises/Tours:
Bateaux Cruises (+971 4399 4994/ http://www.bateauxdubai.com/)
Tour Dubai (+971 43368407/09/ http://www.tour-dubai.com)
Arabia Horizons Tours (+971 4 234 74 77/ http://www.arabiahorizons.com)