Modern and upwardly mobile, the current star of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a heady place of malls, beaches, and sun. Quickly busying itself with other ventures before the oil wells eventually run dry, it today features a much extended coastline, complete with golden-sand beaches and attractive hotels, along with a whole host of family-friendly attractions. It is a major modern shopping hub though it retains parts of yesteryear with its old quarters and traditional souk markets.
Key attractions
The Dubai coastline, backed by a modern city center, and reliable weather are among the main draws. Deira features glitzy hotels and malls, and is home to the airport. Over the creek is the historic Bastakiya district, with its traditional architecture, mosques, and souks. The brilliant Dubai Museum is in this area, while not far south is the Dubai Zoo, behind Jumeirah Beach. If you're not staying on one of them, taking in one of the much hyped Palm Islands
Our recommendations in Dubai
Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
In the city center, Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre is in Dubai's Garhoud neighborhood, an area with great airport proximity. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Dubai Creek and Creek Park, while Dubai Museum and Dubai Opera are cultural highlights. Check out an event or a game at Meydan Racecourse, and consider making time for Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, a top attraction not to be missed.
Towers Rotana
Located in Dubai, Towers Rotana is in the business district and near the beach. Dubai Opera and Dubai Museum are cultural highlights, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Dubai Mall and BurJuman Mall. Check out an event or a game at Meydan Racecourse, and consider making time for Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, a top attraction not to be missed.
Fairmont Dubai
Located in Dubai, Fairmont Dubai is in the city center and connected to the convention center. Dubai Opera and Dubai Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's popular attractions include KidZania and Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. Traveling with kids? Don't miss Wild Wadi Water Park, or check out an event or a game at Meydan Racecourse.
Conrad Dubai
Located in Dubai, Conrad Dubai is in the business district and near the airport. The area's natural beauty can be seen at La Mer North Beach and Safa Park, while KidZania and Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo are popular area attractions. Check out an event or a game at Meydan Racecourse, and consider making time for Wild Wadi Water Park, a top attraction not to be missed.
Carlton Palace Hotel
Located in Dubai's Deira neighborhood, Carlton Palace Hotel is in the business district and near the airport. Dubai Festival City Mall and Dubai Cruise Terminal are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and KidZania. Traveling with kids? Don't miss Sharjah Aquarium, or check out an event or a game at Meydan Racecourse.
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai
Located in Dubai, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai is in the city center and near the airport. Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain are notable landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at La Mer and Dubai Cruise Terminal. Traveling with kids? Don't miss Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and KidZania.
Crowne Plaza Dubai Deira, an IHG Hotel
Located in Dubai's Deira neighborhood, Crowne Plaza Dubai Deira is in the city center and near the beach. Jumeirah Mosque and Burj Khalifa are notable landmarks, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Gold Souk and City Centre Deira. Traveling with kids? Don't miss Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and KidZania.
ibis Deira City Centre
In the city center, ibis Deira City Centre is in Dubai's Deira neighborhood, an area with great shopping. Dubai Museum and Dubai Opera are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Dubai Festival City Mall and Dubai Cruise Terminal. Traveling with kids? Don't miss Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and KidZania. Our guests appreciate the hotel's convenience to public transportation: Deira City Centre Station is 5 minutes by foot.
Majestic City Retreat Hotel
Located in Dubai's Bur Dubai neighborhood, Majestic City Retreat Hotel is in the city center and near the airport. Dubai Museum and Dubai Opera are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Jumeirah Mosque and Burj Khalifa. Traveling with kids? Don't miss Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, or check out an event or a game at Meydan Racecourse.