Sight-seeing around Dubai

Our second (and last) day in Dubai involved all the touristy things. We did the following:

• Crossed Dubai Creek by abra - this was fun, although one taxi operator wanted to charge us 10 dhs (about AUD$5) when the stipulated fare is 1 dhs (about 50c). We must look gullible.

• Visited the Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Fort - the museum conains archaelogical finds and dioramas of traditional life. The fort was built last century and is thought to be the oldest building in Dubai.


• Walked through the Dubai old souk - this souk is a combined covered and open souk with beautiful clothes, jewellery, silver goods and perfumes.


• Photographed the Jumeriah Mosque from outside.

Enjoyed the best coffee so far at the Lime Tree Cafe on Jameira Road - we paid 10 dhs each for this pleasure!

Drove past the Burj Al Arab (sail shaped hotel) - A prior appointment (plus lots of money) is required before being able to enter the gates to this hotel.

Walked around Madinat Jumeirah - a very modern souk with the most amazing shops and cafes! There was even a Dome coffee shop here! One of the best homewares shop was at this souk - it is called Marina and is like the Loot stores in Brisbane only a million times better. Lauris informs me that there is a Marina store in Muscat so I'll have to go back...

Visited the Mall of the Emirates and Ski Dubai - Wow! How huge and overwhelming is the Mall of the Emirates...it had to have every single major shop brand available as well as heaps and heaps of eateries. Not to mention a hotel or two inside. We also watched tourists playing on the snow fields of Ski Dubai - an odd experience when you consider where we are and how hot it is over here! I can't fathom the energy being used to fuel this ski field.

All in all it was a really fun and interesting day and we feel that we have seen enough of Dubai! On to Muscat next...