Deira

The Deira Gold Souq is world-renowned for the shops laden with gold and jewelry. Noted as the largest gold bazaar in the world, the Gold Souq in Deira is the reason that Dubai has received the name "City of Gold".In many Gulf countries, a good dowry is one that is heavy with gold. On her wedding day, the bride wears ornate jewelry and she must only receive gifts of new gold. For this reason alone, the Deira Gold Souq has a steady flow of customers.Jewelry of all kinds is available at the Gold Souq including earrings, rings, necklaces, chains, pendants, anklets, amulets and bracelets. A variety of designs are offered from traditional to modern or artisans can create whatever style your heart desires!A visit to the Deira Gold Souq in the evening is awe-inspiring. The glittering gold and gleaming gems are magnificent.

Heritage House was built in 1890 as the home of a wealthy Iranian merchant. In 1910, it became the home of Sheikk Ahmed bin Dalmouk, a famous pearl merchant in Dubai. Heritage House is located on the Deira side of Dubai Creek.Restored in 1994, Heritage House is now a traditional family home with 10 rooms and a large courtyard.The first room in the house is the meeting or majlis room where guests were welcomed. A majlis for women is located off the courtyard in a separate area of Heritage House to allow for privacy. The courtyard is commonly found in Gulf homes as a means of providing light and air to the rooms surrounding it. The courtyard of Heritage House has been restored to provide these functions.

Al-Ahmadiya School was constructed in 1912 and is the oldest school in Dubai. The school was started by Ahmed Bin Dalmouk, a philanthropist pearl merchant. At first the Al-Ahmadiya School taught only limited subjects including basic math, Islamic studies as well as Arabic language and grammar to about 200 boys.Students sat on mats made from palm-tree leaves and the main focus of the Al-Ahmadiya School was based around the Quran.As other schools opened in the 1920s, Al-Ahmadiya School closed and then was re-opened in the 1930s. The school officially closed in 1965 and has been restored as a museum of public education.

The Deira Spice Souq has every imaginable spice piled high in great sacks. Overflowing bags of seasonings include frankincense, cumin, paprika, saffron, sumach and thyme as well as oud which is fragrant wood.The shelves of the Deira Spice Souq are filled with rose water, henna powder, incense and burners, charcoal as well as pumice stones and sandalwood. Exotic spices are readily available at reasonable prices.The air of the Spice Souq is seasoned and the aromas alone make the trip worthwhile - let your nose be the guide!The market was established in the 1830s and features wooden archways and wind towers, which have been restored.

Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club is an 18-hole golf resort. The Club opened in 1993 in the heart of Dubai and has become a modern landmark.The distinctive clubhouse was designed by Brian Johnson of the U.K. Traditional elements were incorporated into the design giving the appearance of the white sails of a traditional dhow.Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club is a popular venue for tourists looking to enjoy the oasis of greenery with well-groomed fairways lined with date and coconut palms.The Creek Club health club offers state-of-the-art fitness equipment, personal training, a swimming pool and fitness programs for all ages, including children.

The renowned Canadian architect Arthur Ericson designed the Etisalat Tower 1. Located in Deira, Etisalat Tower 1 is 15 floors of concrete, steel and glass.Etisalat Tower 1 was built to enable telecommunications transmissions across all of the United Arab Emirates. The communications sphere is like a golf ball on the top of the tower, packed with transmitters and receivers. Considered one of the world's most distinctive skyscrapers, Etisalat Tower 1 is well known for the giant golf ball. The exterior of the sphere is covered with lights that illuminate the "golf ball" at night and the top is a radio antenna spike topped with a pulsating red light that signals the highestpoint of the building to approaching aircraft.The main cylindrical tower has two concrete shoulders shaped in an arc that rise from the base of the building to the top.

Century Village is an oasis of fine dining restaurants, located around a central courtyard. This restaurant complex features a park-like setting with fountains, rocks, benches and greenery.The perfect spot for social or family gatherings, Century Village allows visitors to sit indoors when the weather is too hot or outdoors to enjoy a balmy evening.Restaurants include Portugese, Italian, Persian, Indian, Mediterranean, a Japanese Sushi Bar, French, British, a Coffee Shop, and an Arabic restaurant.Century Village in Deira can be crowded and busy but the atmosphere is fantastic.

Deira City Center is an entertainment and leisure complex with over 300 stores, restaurants, a children's entertainment center, Sofitel City Center Hotel, and Arabian Treasures offering home furnishings, antiques, gift items, and carpet. Designer clothing, books, jewelry, electronics, crafts and souvenirs are just a few of the items found in the wide range of shops.The City Center is a favorite mall in Dubai and tourists should make a point of spending time discovering all that it has to offer. It is best to visit during the week because the weekends bring in hordes of shoppers. The Deira City Center attracts over 20 million visitors each year.

Mushrif Park is a natural ghaf forest with many trees, bushes and flowers. The park is 124 ha with many features including swimming pools, a fountain, lakes, children's play areas, as well as train, camel and pony rides. The train winds through the park.A notable feature of Mushrif Park is the International Garden Area exhibiting miniature houses from different countries.A population of Bruce's Scops Owl is found within Mushrif Park, often under the street lamps. A number of other species have been recorded as well, including the Orphean Warbler, eastern Black Redstart, Yellow-throated Sparrow and Hoopoe nest in the park.

Mamzar Park is a large park that offers a sheltered beach area, lagoon and many different children's play areas. There are four beaches with lifeguards, two pools, chalets for rent and barbeque sites as well as picnic areas.Mamzar Park is located on the northern outskirts of Dubai, offering a quiet alternative to some of the busier beaches. The park entrance is after the turn off point to the Hamriya Port. Visitors can also enjoy scenic views of Sharjah.

The Cuisine Museum offers visitors an array of sights and smells, while highlighting the importance of food in the UAE culture.