United Arab Emirates, Middle East (Point of interest)

On the second floor of Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Community Theater and Arts Centre, or DUCTAC, hosts plays, operas, classical music concerts, comedy and children's shows. The on site cafe is great to discuss the shows over a drink.... Continue reading →

Dubai's oldest building, Al Fahidi Fort in Bur Dubai, built in 1787, now houses the Dubai Museum. A collection of artefacts depicts the social and economic life of Dubai before oil was discovered and includes 4000-year-old archaeological objects. ... Continue reading →

The waterfront Bastakiya district in Bur Dubai features traditional wind-tower houses, precursors to air conditioning, and built in 1890. Once home to wealthy Persian merchants, today this heritage site houses art cafés and galleries in a distinct... Continue reading →

At Bateen Shipyard in Abu Dhabi's Dhow Wharf visitors can see the traditional Arabic ship-building process in full swing. Skilled craftsmen carve the trademark wooden dhows from huge planks of teak without new-age tools or fussy modern techniques.... Continue reading →

Designed to resemble a billowing sail, the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel dominates the Dubai coastline, in the Jumeirah district. Access is limited to hotel and dinner guests, so enjoy a meal or cocktails to admire its opulent interior.... Continue reading →

Abu Dhabi has several well maintained lush green areas, reflecting the commitment of the ruling family to beautify this desert city. Most, like Capital Gardens, see large groups picnicking, children's tea parties and couples holding hands under the... Continue reading →

Vast sums have been spent on keeping the Corniche beautiful, and it shows. Strolling along this showpiece is an Abu Dhabi institution and, with paved walkways and flower-filled gardens, there are few better places to idly watch the waves. Explore ... Continue reading →

Follow your nose for a fish frenzy at Abu Dhabi's Dhow Wharf and Fish Market. Boats unload their catches day and night and the air rings with the shouts of market traders, fishermen and customers shopping for their supper.... Continue reading →

The Emirates Palace Hotel, a no-expense-spared monument to prosperity, is one of Abu Dhabi's most popular landmarks. A programme of daily tours, led by eager-to-please historians with plenty of local knowledge, ranks among the city's must-do attrac... Continue reading →

Abu Dhabi's Grand Mosque is an impressive montage of precious stones, including more than one million Swarovski crystals. Its splendid (and expensive) architecture gained the mosque three places in the Guinness Book of World Records. The mosque ho... Continue reading →

On the Bur Dubai side of the creek, the Grand Mosque is a distinctive landmark featuring multiple domes and the city's tallest minaret (70 metres). Although non-Muslims are not allowed inside, it's still worth seeing its impressive exterior. Origi... Continue reading →

Examples of traditional architecture at Abu Dhabi's Heritage Village include an authentic replica of a bedouin encampment, mud-brick houses and a recreated souk selling local handicrafts. Kids can ride on camels and there are graceful displays of E... Continue reading →

Impressive modern Islamic architecture makes Jumeirah Mosque one of the most photographed sites in Jumeirah, and it's the only mosque in Dubai non-Muslims can enter. Volunteers explain worship rituals and the pillars of Islam making this a cultural... Continue reading →

Set in the historic Bastakiya district in Bur Dubai, the Majlis Gallery hosts art exhibitions for both amateur and professional, local and international artists. A creative and quaint setting with inspiring architectural surroundings make this a pl... Continue reading →

Shaped like a palm tree leaf and surrounded by coral reef, the Palm Jumeirah is a series of man-made islands. Each of the 16 fronds is home to luxury hotels, water theme parks, restaurants, shopping malls and health spas.... Continue reading →

The tangled mangrove forests of Saadiyat Island, meaning island of happiness, attract a wide range of nesting birds and marine life. The island has plenty of hidden nooks and crannies for wildlife watching along with a rich cultural programme. Saa... Continue reading →

At the mouth of Dubai Creek, Sheikh Saeed House, built in 1896, was the former ruler's residence (1912-1958). The restored building has been a museum since 1986, housing a rare collection of historic photographs, artefacts and documents recording D... Continue reading →

Golfers shouldn't miss The Montgomerie Dubai golf course in Emirates Hills, designed by Scottish golf star Colin Montgomerie. It covers 265 acres with 14 lakes, 81 bunkers and a dramatic 18th hole championship golf course.... Continue reading →