7 Best Sights in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Translating to Jumeirah City in Arabic, Madinat Jumeirah connects four five-star hotels around a central souk, theater, gardens, and waterways. Although constructed in recent years, it resembles an adobe brick oasis town, and is exceptionally well replicated. The complex looks especially appealing after dark when soft lighting illuminates the pastel stucco, barjeels, and cobbled courtyards.

Souk Madinat, a beautifully designed bazaar of winding alleyways, takes the best aspects of a traditional market with lots of small stalls piled high with tempting souvenirs, partners them with high-end boutiques and traders of exotic housewares, then adds an extra element of comfort—air-conditioning. Art, carpets, and furniture are high quality here, but the prices reflect this and are rarely negotiable.

Madinat Jumeirah's waterfront makes a great stop for a lazy lunch or long dinner. Restaurants and bars line both sides of the canal promenade and many have liquor licenses, so you can enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail as you relax in the balmy air and watch the abras putt-putt along the waterways.

Dubai's premier water park, Wild Wadi covers 12 acres and abuts Jumeirah Beach in the shadow of the Burj Al-Arab hotel. There are 30 rides and other watery attractions here, including the Jumeirah Scierah (a 50-mph, high-adrenaline chute) and artificial wave rides (Riptide Flowrider and The Wipeout) that were designed by industry leader Thomas Lochtefel. Wild Wadi Water Park has its own artificial beach at Breakers Bay, and cabanas that can be booked to provide a home base for a large family. There is a good range of rides for all ages, including a large children's area suitable for very little ones.

The building of the Burj Al Arab put Dubai on the map. The hotel has triumphed since its opening in 1999, and its eye-catching exterior has been featured in numerous design magazines. It was said to be the world's first seven-star hotel, but its owner (Jumeirah Hotels) insists that it's only five-star luxe—the highest possible quality under the current rating system. Designed by Thomas Wills Wright of Atkins Group, the metal and glass structure is perched on a small, artificial offshore island. The graceful curves, in classy blue and white, mimic the sail of a dhow billowing in the wind. The interior (designed by Kuan Chew of KCA International) by contrast is a riot of color, gilt, and finery. The atrium in particular is a sight to behold, with 590 feet of rainbow hues and curved interior terraces, tropical aquariums, and dancing water features. If you want to get inside, or even cross the bridge to the burj island, you'll need some form of booking. There are many restaurants with various offers, Sky Bar or Gold on 27 are at the top and provide the best views, or Scape on the terrace is perfect for some ocean-side dining. For those who want to study the interior, Sahn Eddar serve a lavish afternoon tea in the atrium. Some other Jumeirah hotels (e.g., the Jumeirah Beach hotel) may help you out with a tour if you are not interested in dining.

Although not open to the general public, this mosque, also known as the Iranian mosque, is worth visiting to see the exquisite enamel and ceramic decoration blanketing the dome and facade. The Islamic style is displayed in Persian influences of flower motifs and an onion-shaped dome, contrasting with the Jumeirah Mosque, which is only a few blocks to the west.

The finest masjid (mosque) in Dubai, Jumeirah Mosque pays homage to the classical architectural style favored by Cairo's Egyptian rulers during Islam's first Golden Age at the end of the first millennium. The sandstone dome and minarets feature detailed carvings, while the interior is covered with ornately painted panels on robin's egg blue backgrounds. Jumeirah Mosque is the only one in Dubai open to non-Muslims, but to gain entrance you must take a guided tour organized by the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding in Bur Dubai. Wear conservative clothing that covers the shoulders, midriff, and legs to the knees.

Open Beach sits at the northern end of the Jumeirah strip. As its name suggests, it's an open area, meaning there are no gates or entry fees. A long asphalt track is great for jogging and rollerblading. You can rent sun beds and umbrellas from kiosks, and there's a lifeguard on duty. There are often food trucks around for a casual bite. Amenities: lifeguards; parking (paid); showers. Best for: walking; solitude; swimming.

Umm Suqeim Beach, which has incredible views of the Burj Al-Arab Hotel offshore, is a favorite of touring groups that briefly step onto the sand to snap pictures before climbing back on the bus for the next stop on the itinerary. Umm Suqeim Park isn't exactly a beach park, as it has no sunbathing facilities or direct beach access, but it's just across the road from Umm Suqeim Beach and has play areas for children and a café.

Amenities: lifeguards. Best for: surfing; sunset; swimming.