Bastakiya
This district on the waterfront east of dubai features a no of traditional windtower houses.

Dubai Creek
Dubai waterfront epitonitizes the city personality . The best way to see the part is from water .

Children’s City
Opened in March 2002, at Dubai Creekside Park, Children's City is already proving a big hit with both local and international youngsters. The 7700sq-metre (82,882sq-ft) development takes young minds on a journey through the human body, science and space, with the help of different 'zones'.

Dubai Museum
The exhibits range from old weapons and pearl-diving outfits to an impressive range of military artefacts. Some of the most fascinating exhibits are those recovered from the 3000 to 4000-year-old graves at Al-Ghusais.

Grand Mosque
The Grand Mosque was only rebuilt in 1998 and boasts the city's tallest minaret, at 70m (231ft). Located on the Bur Dubai side of the creek, near the Ruler's Court, the Grand Mosque consists of nine large domes and 45 smaller ones.

Heritage Village
The Heritage Village is an attempt to weave in some local colour among Dubai's rapidly developing 21st-century skyline. The emphasis is on recreating the Bedouin way of life, with locals dressed in traditional garb, displays of traditional handicrafts, song and dance. Local handicrafts are also available for purchase.

Jumeirah Mosque
The Jumeirah Mosque is the most photographed building in the city and an impressive example of modern Islamic architecture. It is particularly attractive at night.

Majlis Ghorfat Um-Al-Sheef
At the Majlis Ghorfat Um-Al-Sheef, it is possible to delve into the opulent world of the moneyed men of Dubai. The late ruler of Dubai, Ghorfat Um-Al-Sheef, used this building as his 'home from home' but it is now open to the public. The building dates back to 1955 and its most impressive feature are the majlis gardens, which include a reproduction of a traditional Arab irrigation system.

Splashland and Wonderland
Garhoud Rd, Dubai • 4-324-1222
Encompassing nearly 20 hectares of fun water activities, Dubai's SpashLand is a favorite with adults and kids of all ages. This enormous fun park, located at the foot of Al Garhoud Bridge boasts scores of waterslides, a log flume, bumper boats, and even inner tube hire. After having some family fun in the sun, head over to the Caribbean-style Main Street area, where a cafe, ice cream parlor, and gift shop offer an hour’s worth of rest before you hit the wave pool again. WonderLand features a variety of thrilling roller coasters and other rides.

Encounter Zone
Al Garhoud Bridge Rd Wafi City, Dubai • 4-324-4555
To explore the Crystal Maze, ride an indoor roller coaster, or be scared out of your wits in a horror chamber, look no further than Wafi City's family-friendly Encounter Zone, which offers fun activities for kids of all ages and interests. Flip-out in the 360° virtual reality simulator, find out what adventures await you on the exciting world of Galactica - a few hours in the Encounter Zone, and you'll never want to return.

Magic Planet
Beniyas Rd Deira City Centre, Dubai • 4-295-1010
Located at the Deira City Centre complex, this fun play land features all sorts of rides and attractions, making it a great place for kids of all ages - and their parents. Purported to be the Middle East's largest such indoor complex, the colorful Magic Planet offers a mind-boggling collection of arcade games, a carrousel, Clarence Camel's Adventure Zone, a bowling alley, a miniature golf course, and even a kid's hairdresser. So don your play clothes, kids ... it's time to get down and explore the Bungle-Jungle.

Wild Wadi Water Park
It's wet! It's wild! It's Wild Wadi - the wildest waterpark ever! It's 12 acres of pure fun with 23 adrenalin-pumping rides that leave you gasping for more. Situated between the Burj Al Arab and The Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai, it's just a 20-minute drive from the city centre. Get there and go wild. See the official site for Wild Wadi...

Dubai Zoo
Home to more than 230 different species of animals, the Dubai Zoo is a favorite with tourists and families. One of the oldest of its kind on the Middle East, this zoo is located just across from Jumeirah Beach, making it easily accessible from the area's most exclusive hotels and resorts. Among those who call the zoo home are endangered species like Barbary sheep, Bengal and Siberian tigers, Arabian wolves, Socotra Cormorants (a bird species indigenous to the Arabian Peninsula), and gorillas.

We regret to note that the Dubai Zoo is not exactly the best eco-friendly, environmentally conscious zoo in the world. A lot of visitors find the animals in fairly cramped conditions. We've heard that there is a now zoo on the cards, but there is nothing definite out yet.

Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park, actually 100-plus hectare peninsula that extends into the Persian Gulf, offers a sheltered public beach, swimming pools, pleasant green spaces, and designated picnic areas. An ideal place to spend an afternoon with the family, the park also features a spacious amphitheater and children's playground area. On Wednesdays, Al Mamzar Beach is open to women and children only.

Dubai Creek and Creekside Park
Between Al Maktoum and Al Garhoud Bridge, Bur Dubai
Dubai Creek, which divides the city's Deira and Bur Dubai portions, is a saltwater thoroughfare that is a-bustle daily with dhows on their way to and from India and Eastern Africa. Those visiting the city for the first time should hire a water taxi, which will take them up the Creek and back, or take time walk along the creekside promenade, which extends from the shores of the Gulf to the western fringe of lovely Creekside Park. The versatile park, located on the south bank of Dubai Creek, is a favorite with families and business-types in the downtown area, all of who head here for the relative tranquility the park offers. Featuring a mini-golf course, 3 fishing jetties, and a botanical garden that is home to more than 280 specious of exotic plants and flowers, Creekside Park provides fun activities for any number of hobbyists.

Jumeirah Beach Public Beach and Jumeirah Beach Park
Jumeira Rd, Dubai
The public beach at Jumeirah boasts clean, white sand and crystal seawater, making it a popular destination with area hotel and resort guests. Meanwhile, the 12-hectare Jumeriah Beach Park is a perfect place for an afternoon family outing thanks to its picnic facilities, food kiosks, children's play area, swimming area with on-duty lifeguards, and show/bathing facilities.

Safa Park
Sheikh Zayed Rd at Al Wasl Rd Opposite the Metropolitan Hotel, Dubai
One of Dubai's oldest public parks, the 60-plus hectare Safa Park was established in 1976 and quickly became one of the city's favorite places to play. Indeed, this family-friendly park features facilities for tennis, volleyball, football, and track; a children's play area that has a Ferris wheel, a maze, bumper cars, and a video arcade; and expansive green spaces that are ideal for a mid-afternoon laze. For families and groups who want to make a full day of it, covered barbecue and picnic shelters are also available.

Desert and Overnight Safaris
Knight Tours, Dubai • 4-268-6555
Knight Tours offers the chance to experience true desert life - away from the modern conveniences and luxurious amenities of Dubai. Professional tour guides drive guests through the majestic sand dunes and into the Bedouin world of lore. At sunset, you and your party will have the chance to explore the area on camel back before retiring to a traditional feast complete with Arabian music and dance. More intrepid adventurers will want to check into the company's overnight trips, which allow guests to sleep under the stars. Reservations are required

Desert Classic Golf Tournament
Sheikh Zayed Rd Majlis Course - Emirates Golf Club, Dubai • 4-359-6667
Dubai's annual Desert Classic golf tournament is a sanctioned PGA European Tour event. Held at the exclusive Emirates Golf Club, which opened in 1988, the event attracts movers and shakers from around the world, including Middle Eastern Royalty, big business execs, and international celebs. Past winners have included the likes of England's Mark James, Seve Ballesteros of Spain, South African Ernie Els, and American Fred Couples.

Dubai Shopping Festival
Visit Dubai in during the moth of March, and it's easy to see why this beautiful seaside oasis has earned the title of the "shopping capitol of the Middle East." This 31-day celebration of shopping features scores of thousands of great bargains, sales, raffles, drawings, promotions, and the like. More than just a shopper's paradise, the festival also includes myriad activities for the entire family, including concerts and performances, carnivals, and games in venues as varied as the Aviation Club, Dubai Creek Park, Dubai World Trade Center, Heritage Village, and Sheikh Saeed’s House. Even airfare and hotel rates are reduced during the Shopping Festival - what other incentive could you need?

Dubai Summer Surprises
A government-sponsored program that started in 1998, Dubai Summer Surprises seeks to attract tourists to this seaside oasis. The initiative is marked by competitive hotel rates, a three-month long children's carnival, and a variety of leisure activities like horse and camel-back excursions, guided fishing trips, puppet shows, and video game competitions. Many of the Summer Surprises events are held in the cool confines of Dubai modern shopping malls.

Dubai Tennis Championships
Al Garhoud Rd Aviation Club Tennis Complex, Dubai • 4-316-6966
Dubai Tennis Stadium, located next to the popular Irish Village, plays host to some of the world's most elite men's and women's netters each year for the Dubai Tennis Championships. The likes of Venus Williams, Goran Ivanicevic, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Anna Kournikova, and Monica Seles slated to participate, the event promises to be one of the most exciting in the tournament's decade of existence.

Dubai World Cup
Nad Al-Shiba, Dubai • 4-332-2277
Held in Nad Al Sheba, the Dubai World Cup boasts the richest purse of any horse race in the world, featuring a day full of such high-octane events UAE Derby, Dubai Kahayla Classic, Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Sheena Classic, Dubai Golden Shaheen, and Godolphin Mile. All the while, you'll see some of the world's elite participating in all types of activities, from the zany "Best Dressed Lady" and "Best Hat" competitions to rooting for their picks in the coup de grace, the $6 million World Cup. Seating in the Maktoum Grandstand is open to the public, and additional general admission seating may be found in the temporary bleachers in the International Village. Those wanting reserved seating, however, may buy tickets to sit in the Millennium Grandstand for Dh 250.

Dubai Museum
Old Al Faheidi Fort, Dubai • 4-353-1862
Al Faheidi Fort, which dates back to the early 19th century, houses the Dubai Museum, whose impressive collection of military and cultural artifacts. The fort, which is believed to be Dubai's oldest standing building, was originally constructed to defend the town's early residents from warlike tribes in the region. Today, visitors can tour the old fort and see old pearl diving tools; copper, alabaster, and clay artifacts; antique khanjars; and traditional musical instruments. A must see if you're visiting Dubai for the first time.

Heritage & Diving Villages
Al-Shindagha Rd Next to Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoom House, Bur Dubai
The Dubai Heritage & Diving Villages, located next to the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoom House, offer invaluable insight into the city's past. This center focuses on the Emirate's cultural and social development in three fields: architecture, pearl diving, and maritime. Displays and exhibits include a Bedouin tent village, an ancient armory, and wide range of excavated items from a nearby archaeological sight. A small cafe and soak/gift shop are on the premises as well.