Places to Visit in Dubai: Mosques, Souks and Modern Landmarks

With its skyscrapers rising in the middle of the desert and its visitors from every corner of the world, Dubai is often remembered only for its modern face. Yet the city also has a deep-rooted Arab and Islamic culture that lives on in its old neighbourhoods along the Creek, its souks and its mosques. In this guide we have compiled a list of places to visit in Dubai, from the historic neighbourhoods to the modern landmarks, and from the desert experience to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi; we have also shared practical information on halal food, prayer, clothing, the best season and a sample route.

Getting to Know Dubai: From Fishing Village to Global City

Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. A small port settlement that lived from pearl diving, fishing and maritime trade until the middle of the 20th century, the city grew rapidly in the following decades through investment in trade, aviation and tourism. The emirates united in 1971 to form the present-day state.

Most of Dubai’s population is made up of people from different countries around the world. This diversity can be felt everywhere, from the city’s cuisine to its souks. At the same time, the call to prayer heard throughout the day, the mosques found in every district and the special atmosphere during the month of Ramadan clearly show the city’s Islamic identity. For this reason, Dubai is both a modern and a comfortable destination for families who are mindful of halal requirements.

What are the historic places to visit in Dubai?

Dubai’s historic sites are largely clustered around Dubai Creek: the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Al Fahidi Fort, the Al Shindagha area, the souks of Bur Dubai and the Gold and Spice Souks of Deira top the list. These areas are close to one another, and you can easily cross between the two banks of the Creek on abra boats.

Dubai Creek and the Abra Ride

Dubai Creek, which divides the city into the two banks of Bur Dubai and Deira, is where Dubai was born. For centuries, the boats of pearl divers, fishermen and merchants anchored in this natural inlet. Even today, you can see wooden cargo boats along the waterfront.

The most enjoyable way to cross the Creek is on the traditional wooden passenger boats known as “abras”. This short ride, lasting a few minutes, gives you the chance to take in the skyline of old Dubai from the water. The walkways along the Creek are ideal for strolling, especially in the cool of the late afternoon.

Al Shindagha

The Al Shindagha area, at the point where the Creek opens onto the sea, is known for the historic buildings where Dubai’s ruling family lived in the past. The restored houses contain exhibitions on the city’s history, its seafaring tradition and everyday life. Together with Al Fahidi, the area is one of the best places for understanding old Dubai.

The Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and Bur Dubai

The Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, also known as Bastakiya, is the most authentic corner of Dubai, with its narrow lanes, houses built of coral stone and gypsum, and the wind towers rising from their roofs. Used to cool the houses in the days before air conditioning, these towers are a fine example of traditional architecture adapted to the region’s climate. The neighbourhood is home to art galleries, small museums and cafés with courtyards.

The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

This centre in Al Fahidi aims to introduce visitors to Emirati culture and to Islam. It organises cultural meals at which traditional dishes are served, as well as guided mosque visits. It is a lovely setting in which to ask questions about the traditions, dress and hospitality of the local people. As the content and schedule of the programmes can change, it is advisable to find out in advance.

Al Fahidi Fort and the Souks of Bur Dubai

Al Fahidi Fort is known as one of the oldest surviving buildings in Dubai and for a long time housed the Dubai Museum; it is advisable to check whether it is open to visitors in advance. The Grand Mosque of Bur Dubai near the fort and the historic Textile Souk stretching down to the Creek are stops that round off your walk in the area. Fabrics, shawls and souvenirs are sold in the souk, which has a covered wooden roof.

Deira: The Gold, Spice and Perfume Souks

When you cross to the other bank of the Creek by abra, you reach the traditional souks of Deira. This area has a lively and colourful trading atmosphere that is very different from Dubai’s modern shopping malls.

While wandering through the souks of Deira, you may want to keep the following points in mind:

• The Gold Souk: Made up of hundreds of shops with windows full of gold jewellery, the souk is Dubai’s best-known traditional shopping spot. If you are going to buy something, ask for information about the item’s purity (carat) and its certificate.
• The Spice Souk: Made up of narrow lanes where the scents of saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, dried lime and incense mingle.
• The Perfume Souk: A good place to get to know traditional Arabian scents such as oud, musk and amber and to have your own personal blends made.
• Bargaining: Discussing the price is normal in the traditional souks; a polite and patient manner always gets better results.
• Prayer breaks: As there are many masjids around the souks, it is easy to break up your shopping around the prayer times.

Dubai’s Mosques and the Friday Prayer

In Dubai there is a mosque in almost every neighbourhood, and the call to prayer can be heard five times a day in every corner of the city. There are also prayer rooms in shopping malls, at the airport and in many hotels. This makes it very easy to observe the prayer times while sightseeing throughout the day.

Jumeirah Mosque

With its white stone facade and two minarets, Jumeirah Mosque is one of the most photographed mosques in Dubai. Striking for its architecture inspired by the Fatimid-era mosques of Cairo, the mosque has long been known for hosting guided programmes that introduce Islam to visitors of different faiths. As the visiting and programme conditions can change from time to time, confirm the current situation before you go.

How do you plan the Friday prayer in Dubai?

In the United Arab Emirates, a time set for the whole country is applied for the Friday sermon (khutbah) and prayer, and mosques begin to fill up before this time. On Fridays, it is advisable to plan your programme around a mosque close to where you are staying, or, if you are in Bur Dubai or Deira, to choose the large mosques around the souks. Confirm the current Friday prayer time with local official sources.

Modern Dubai: Burj Khalifa and Its Surroundings

Dubai’s modern face shows itself in the skyscrapers rising along Sheikh Zayed Road and in the major projects in the city centre. These buildings tell the story of the city’s transformation over recent decades in concrete form.

• Burj Khalifa: From the observation deck of this building, which has long held the title of the world’s tallest, you can take in the city, the desert and the sea together. Bear in mind that tickets can sell out early, especially for the sunset hours.
• The Dubai Fountain: The water and light show on the artificial lake at the foot of Burj Khalifa is a popular attraction that can be watched from the lakeside in the evenings.
• The Museum of the Future: With its ring-shaped building whose facade is covered in Arabic calligraphy, it is one of the city’s new landmarks.
• The Dubai Frame: From this giant frame-shaped structure in Zabeel Park, you can see old Dubai on one side and new Dubai on the other.
• Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab: The palm-shaped artificial island and the hotel with its sail-shaped silhouette are the best-known sights on the city’s coastline.

Which museums should you visit in Dubai?

For history and culture in Dubai, the exhibitions in the Al Shindagha area, the small museums in Al Fahidi and the Etihad Museum, which tells the story of the founding of the United Arab Emirates, stand out. For those who want to see the technologies of the future, the Museum of the Future is an interesting choice. Those with an interest in Islamic art can add the Museum of Islamic Civilization in neighbouring Sharjah to their programme. Confirm opening arrangements and visiting conditions in advance.

The Desert, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi: Stops Outside the City

If you are spending a few days in Dubai, short trips outside the city will enrich your visit. Desert landscapes, the cultural heritage of the neighbouring emirates and the monumental mosque in the capital, Abu Dhabi, are the most popular options.

The Desert Experience

The sand dunes just outside the city are well suited to desert safaris and sunset walks. The point to keep in mind for family programmes is that the music and entertainment in some evening events may not suit everyone’s sensitivities; it is advisable to ask about the content in advance when choosing a tour. Praying the evening (maghrib) prayer among the sand dunes in the desert becomes an unforgettable memory for many visitors.

Hatta

Hatta, nestled in the Hajar Mountains, is an area belonging to the Emirate of Dubai that is known for its cool climate and mountain scenery. The heritage village, where traditional stone houses and the remains of forts are displayed, tells the story of life in the region in the past. The walking trails around the dam lake are a lovely alternative for families who want to spend a quiet day away from the crowds of the city.

Sharjah

Sharjah, Dubai’s neighbour, is known as the cultural city of the United Arab Emirates for its museums and historic souks. The Museum of Islamic Civilization, the restored old town area and the traditional souks are well suited to a day trip from Dubai. It is useful to know that more conservative rules on dress and alcohol apply in this emirate.

Can you make a day trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?

Yes, Abu Dhabi is within a few hours’ drive of Dubai, and a day trip is a popular choice. The centrepiece of the programme is usually the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque; this building, cited among the largest mosques in the world for its white marble domes, vast courtyard and ornamentation, requires women to wear modest clothing. As visiting rules and registration requirements can change, confirm them in advance.

Halal Food, Clothing and Practical Information

In Dubai, the great majority of restaurants use halal meat, and there are countless options from Arab, Turkish, Indian, Pakistani and Mediterranean cuisines. However, it is useful to know that some hotels and restaurants serve alcoholic drinks and that pork products are sold only in separately marked sections. When choosing a place to eat, asking about halal certification and the contents of the menu is always a good approach.

Is it easy to find halal food in Dubai?

Yes, finding halal food in Dubai is extremely easy; the great majority of restaurants use halal meat and offer a wide choice, from local cuisine to dishes from around the world. To try Emirati dishes such as machboos, harees and luqaimat, you can choose restaurants serving traditional cuisine. If you would like to avoid places that serve alcohol, it is enough to ask about this when making a reservation.

Important: The entry requirements for the United Arab Emirates, visa rules, the rules on dress and behaviour in public places and the practices during the month of Ramadan may change over time. Before setting off, confirm the current requirements with official sources and your travel agency. Wearing clothing that covers the shoulders and knees in shopping malls and mosques is important both out of respect and for your own comfort.

Season, Length and Route for a Trip to Dubai

In Dubai, the choice of season is the most important factor determining how comfortable your trip will be. As the heat and humidity are very high in the summer months, outdoor programmes remain very limited.

When is the best time to go to Dubai?

The best time for Dubai is late autumn, winter and early spring, when the weather is mild. In these months, walking along the Creek, going out to the desert and exploring the open-air souks are far more enjoyable. Those who travel to Dubai during Ramadan see the spiritual side of the city more closely through the iftar tables and the tarawih prayers.

How many days are enough for Dubai?

Four days is a balanced length of time for seeing Dubai’s historic and modern districts. If you would also like to add Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, it is advisable to set aside five or six days. For a short stopover, you can see the area around the Creek and the Burj Khalifa district in a day or two.

The table below offers a sample four-day route for Dubai:

If you would like to see the modern and the historic side by side on the shores of the Caspian, take a look at our guide to places to visit in Baku, and for time-honoured examples of Islamic architecture, our article on places to visit in Cairo. In our article what is halal tourism, we look at how you can plan your halal food, prayer and accommodation preferences on your travels.

As well as being a modern city rising in the middle of the desert, Dubai is also an enjoyable destination for those who want to get to know Gulf culture through its neighbourhoods and mosques along the Creek. For information about the Dubai tours and other halal cultural tours we plan at RotaNur, you can reach us through our contact page.

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