Articles / Tourist Guide / DUBAI Tourist Guide / Dubai Landmarks

A famed tourist destination of the Middle East, Dubai is popular among travelers not only as a splendid resort, but also as a Mecca for those interested in archeology, ancient and modern architecture, history and Islamic culture in its variegated forms.

Getting to Dubai is not at all a problem ? you can get to the emirate by car, by train or by a vessel, but you will certainly profit if you go there by plane as the city has an enormous international airport that transfers hundreds of tourists daily.

When in Dubai, don?t lose the opportunity to browse through the winding narrow streets with authentic Islamic architecture like mosques that lead to the port area with a captivating view to the sea and breathtaking The Burj al-Arab Hotel built in the shape of a sail.

In terms of its architecture it would be no exaggeration to say that Dubai is the most progressive and rapidly developing city in the world. Adjective ?the most? can be applied to almost any building in the center of the city: thus, the Burj al-Arab Hotel is the most tall hotel in the world; the Palm Islands Complex with its villas is made up by the biggest artificial islands with two other islands yet to be built; Hydropolis, the very first underwater hotel in the history of mankind ? the completion of this unique hotel is scheduled for 2009.

Other landmarks in Dubai worth seeing are the ancient buildings that remind about the simplicity of the epoch long passed.

The emirate possesses a unique fragrance of a cosmopolitan lifestyle where every facet of the city look plays a certain part in this enticing kaleidoscope of diversity. The inimitable personality, the soul of the city lies in the awesome combination of contemporary technologies in building interfering with indigenous architecture of ancient castle and elegant mosques.

Another peculiar trait of Dubai is the so-called souqs ? traditional Arabian markets, including Gold Souq ? a place where precious gold necklaces, earrings, bijouterie and many other fascinating things of gold craftsmanship. 

A prominent silhouette of Jumeirah Mosque with its two minarets is one of the city?s most beautiful and historically important pieces of architecture and most photographed tourist attractions. The Mosque is entirely built of stone and belongs to the early stage of Fatimid tradition.

Another famous mosque of the city is the Garnd Mosque, whose height reaches 70 meters and has no less than 45 domes.

Among other landmarks of Dubai there is Bait Al Wakeel which was built back in 1934 and is formally the first office ever built in Dubai.