DK Travel : Dubai & Abu Dhabi : Places of interest

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Abu Dhabi Corniche

The Corniche curves from one end of the city to the other. Wide enough to accommodate power-walkers, joggers, in-line skaters and cyclists, its paved path is lined with ice-cream dispensers and shady pavilions to escape the heat.
Abu Dhabi Heritage Village

The delightful Heritage Village provides a fascinating insight into what everyday life was like in Abu Dhabi before oil was discovered. A recreation of a traditional mosque, barasti house, Bedouin camp and souq are all worth a look, but the star sight is an intriguing museum set in a fort with fabulous exhibits featuring costumes, jewellery, everyday utensils, pearling tools and weapons. There’s an arcade of artisan’s workshops where you can watch basket weaving, glass blowing, weaving and brass-beating.
Al Ain

Known as Garden City, this green emirate is home to the Al Ain Palace Museum. Also here are the Al Ain Camel Souq and the Jahili Fort.
Al Bateen Dhow-Building Yards

Boat lovers and admirers of traditional crafts should visit the fascinating dhow-building yards situated on an island connected to the land by a short causeway in Khor Al Bateen (Al Bateen Creek). The ramshackle huts and cluttered yards comprise the actual workplace of these boat builders, who lovingly handcraft these boats using traditional techniques. While they don’t mind visitors watching and welcome the interest in their work, take them some cold drinks as a sign of appreciation. An early morning or late afternoon visit is best as they take a siesta at lunch.
Al Maqtaa Fort & Palace

This splendid 200-year old sand-coloured fort has intricately carved wooden doors and shuttered windows. It has one white watchtower on a tiny island in the sea and another on the other side of the bridge. A small museum is due to open inside soon.
Al Markaziyah Gardens

In a city of wide, green parks, of which Capitol Gardens, Khalidiya Children’s Gardens, Al Mushrif Childrens Gardens and Al Khubeirah Gardens stand out, the new Al Markaziyah Gardens is the city’s most popular. Head here any time of the day during the cooler winter period, or in the evening during the steamy summer months, and the garden is packed. The parks are open to the public all day.
Al Qasr

Designed to reflect a Sheikh’s summer residence, this magnificent hotel has deluxe rooms and suites. Surrounded by water, it forms a virtual island that offers you a view of ancient windtowers, pools, meandering waterways and the mile-wide (1.6 km) beach (see Al Qasr Hotel ).
Al Quoz Art Galleries

The Al Quoz industrial district boasts of the city’s biggest art gallery, Total Arts at The Courtyard where, at times, there are over 300 paintings on display. Nearby are the Third Line, which focuses on serious local talent and has a reputation for provo-cative art, and B21 Progressive Art Gallery .
Al-Ahmadiya School

Dubai’s first school, opened in 1912, was founded by a philanthropist pearl merchant. Maths, the Holy Koran and Arabic calligraphy were taught. The boys sat on palm mats. Many such schools were located in Emirati coastal cities with the support of leading merchants and Sheikhs, who subsidised the education. This school closed in 1963. Now a museum and worth visiting for its sheer architectural grace, it offers an educational insight into the past.
Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm

At the hotel there is a fantastic aquarium called The Lost Chambers. There is an entrance fee for this attraction.

For those on a budget, ignore the ticket booth and just walk a few metres around the corner where you will see enormous, FREE viewing windows.

Many varieties of fish, sharks and rays are on display and you can see them being fed by scuba divers at certain times of the day.