Jumeirah and Satwa

One of the largest in Dubai, Jumeirah Mosque is also considered by many to be the most beautiful. An exact copy of a mosque in Cairo that is eight times its size, the Jumeirah Mosque is a fine example of Islamic architecture. This stone structure is built in the medieval Fatimid tradition with two minarets that display the subtle details in the stonework. The interior is not nearly as attractive as the exterior because large open areas are required for worship.The mosque is one the most photographed sights in Dubai and is particularly attractive in the evening when it is lit up with floodlights.The Jumeirah Mosque is also the only mosque in the United Arab Emirates to open its doors to non-Muslims. The Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding organizes guided tours every Thursday and Sunday morning. This is part of the 'Open Doors, Open Minds' policy that was designed to bring together Muslims and other religious and cultural nationalities to foster a better understanding of each other. Visitors are expected to dress modestly and women must wear a headscarf. The tour provides a glimpse inside as well as a chance to ask questions about the Jumeirah Mosque and the Islamic faith.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel is a massive wave-shaped hotel on the shores of the Arabian Gulf. Over 600 rooms are available to accommodate families, business travelers and conference goers. Each room offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Gulf from the floor to ceiling windows.An array of restaurants and cafés in Jumeirah Beach Hotel provide a grand selection of cuisine including Argentinean, Lebanese, Italian and seafood.The Sports Club of Jumeirah Beach Hotel has a fully equipped gymnasium, tennis and squash courts, saunas and Jacuzzis. Other leisure facilities feature swimming pools or private beaches. At the private beaches, visitors can enjoy a range of water sports such as windsurfing, water-skiing, sailing, deep-sea fishing, kayaks and yacht charters.

The archeological site at Jumeirah has revealed artifacts from the 7th to the 15th C. Jumeirah was a caravan station along an ancient trade route that linked what is now known as Iraq with northern Oman.The Jumeirah Archeological Site was discovered in 1968 and through excavation a series of low stone walls, various dwellings, an old souq and a large stone house have been uncovered. The houses were built with beach rock and covered in lime plaster. Other items that have been found include pottery, tools and coins. Many of the finds from Jumeirah can be seen in Dubai Museum.Jumeirah is the only complete settlement with well-preserved architecture from this first Islamic era.Jumeirah Archeological Site is not open to the public, however tourists or tour operators may obtain a permit from the Dubai Museum to visit the site.

The Green Art Gallery opened in 1995 with a focus on contemporary Arabic artists. The Green Art Gallery works to develop artists by educating them about exhibiting and promoting themselves overseas.Arabic inspired sculptures and paintings reflect the Arabic world, people, heritage and culture. Original art, limited edition prints, and handcrafted items from international artists are also on display at the Green Art Gallery.Selected artwork from the private collection of the Green Art Gallery is exhibited on a rotational basis. The artists on display include Jaber Alwan, Paul Guiragossian, Ismail Fattah, Fateh Moudarres, Hrair and Omar Hamdi Malva.

Jumeirah Beach Park is a popular spot with local residents and tourists for swimming, when lifeguards are on duty, as well as sunbathing. Jumeirah Beach Park also has barbecue pits, small play areas for children and an area for volleyball. As Dubai's favorite park, Jumeirah Beach is always busy especially on weekends.Opened in 1989, Jumeirah Beach Park was the first park overlooking the Arabian Gulf in the residential area of Jumeira. The beautiful landscape includes palm trees, grassy areas, golden beach and blue gulf water.The ideal location for a family picnic, Jumeirah Beach Park offers picnic tables or well-shaded areas on the green space to set out a blanket.

Safa Park has a Games area featuring a mini train and electronic games. The Sports area has a large green lawn that can be used for football, volleyball or basketball as well as jogging on the track. Tennis courts and a gymnasium are also available.The scenery in Safa Park includes waterfalls, a lake with fountains and small touring boats, bridges and over 200 species of birds.The park has additional facilities that feature an area with 21 barbecue, wooden shades and seats. This area of Safa Park is perfect for family gatherings.Three International Parks representing the United Arab Emirates, Europe and the Orient are also found within Safa Park.

The Dubai Zoo is located in Jumeirah, it started as a private collection and grew to the exhibits that are seen today. The Dubai Zoo houses many indigenous Arabian species, including the Arabian Wolf, no longer found in the wild, Gordon's Wildcat and the world's only captive breeding colony of Socotra Cormorants.Other exhibits include a large aviary with regional birds of prey, the endangered royal Bengal tiger and other large cats and seven species of primates.The zoo is expected to undergo relocation and redevelopment to give the animals areas that are designed to be similar to their natural environment.