Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1
Jumeirah & Umm Suqeim
Bookended by Jumeirah Mosque and Burj Al Arab and hugging Dubai's best public
beaches, these adjacent neighbourhoods are the emirate's answer to Bondi or Malibu. Ex-
pect excellent boutique shopping, copious spas and health clubs, and plenty of expensive
wheels parked in villa driveways.
Jumeirah Mosque
MOSQUE
( 353 6666;
www.cultures.ae/jumeirah.htm
;
Jumeirah Rd; tours Dh10; tours 10am Sat, Sun, Tue & Thu;
Emirates Towers, World Trade Centre)
This architecturally stunning mosque is the only one in
Dubai that's open to non-Muslims, and only during guided tours offered through the
Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (
Click here
)
. An introduction to
Islamic religion and culture is followed by a Q&A session.
Abayas
(cloaks), scarfs and
dishdashas
(men's shirt-dresses) may be borrowed by those deemed not dressed modestly
enough. No need to pre-book; cameras allowed.
Burj Al Arab
ARCHITECTURE, HOTEL
( 301 7777;
www.burj-al-arab.com
; off Jumeirah Rd, Umm Suqeim; Mall of the Emirates)
An architectur-
al icon and symbol of modern Dubai, this sail-shaped hotel sits on an artificial island and
is well worth a visit if only to gawk at an interior that's every bit as gaudy as the exterior
is gorgeous. The lobby is ringed by pillars sheathed in gold leaf and tall enough to fit the
Statue of Liberty. If you're not staying, you need a bar or restaurant reservation to get past
lobby security. For maximum bang for the dirham, go for sunset drinks at
Sky Bar
04 399 1111; Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, The Walk at JBR; minimum tab
6.15pm-2.30am)
. Check the website for details, dress codes and reservations.
Dh250;
Madinat Jumeirah
NEIGHBOURHOOD
(Al Sufouh Rd, Umm Suqeim; Mall of the Emirates)
There's plenty to do at Madinat Jumeirah, a
fanciful hotel, shopping and entertainment complex with the Burj Al Arab in the back-
ground. Explore the Arabian-style architecture, get lost in the labyrinth of the souvenir-
saturated souq or take an
abra
ride (Dh75 for 20 minutes) through the Venetian-style
canals to a romantic waterfront restaurant. Sure, there's an undeniable 'Disney does Ara-
