Dubai Landmarks and Monuments

(Dubai, United Arab Emirates, UAE)

Dubai's greatest asset is its magnificent skyline, where ultra-modern buildings and towering landmarks continue to rise and break world records every year. Amid an ever-growing roster of imposing, modern architecture, the Burj Dubai is the latest of these breathtaking landmarks, and is currently the tallest skyscraper that man has ever been able to build.

Opposite the swath of modern construction is the Bastakiya District, a collection of early 20th-century homes that were built before the petroleum boom. Given the solid wealth of Dubai, it is no surprise that the city's mosques and religious landmarks are truly impressive. While most are closed to non-Muslims, the Jumeirah Mosque is open to organised tour groups.

Burj Dubai

Address: Burj Dubai Boulevard, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, UAE
Tel: +971 04 367 5568
The Burj Dubai is one of the city's most famous landmarks and has become the tallest building on earth. It recently surpassed its rival (a tower in Taiwan) and continues to preside over the city, with its rocket-like architecture exceeding 800 metres / 2,625 feet. Towering as it does over the Dubai cityscape and the up-and-coming downtown area, this must-see attraction is impossible to miss, and is believed to have cost more than US$4 billion in total.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Bastakiya (Bastakia) District

Address: Bur Dubai, United Arab Emirates, UAE
This old quarter of the city offers an insight into the pre-oil lifestyle of Dubai. The historic (early 1900s) houses found here pale in comparison to the skyscrapers that command the modern cityscape, but there is plenty of atmosphere and charm to warrant strolling the winding alleyways of Bastakia. Many of these renovated homes boast old-world wind towers used to funnel cooling air into the interior.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Grand Mosque

Address: Ali Ibin Ali Talib Street, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, UAE
While non-worshippers are only permitted to enjoy this religious structure from the outside, the Grand Mosque is well worth a visit and has been an important local landmark ever since it arrived in the city. It was actually built in the 1990s (to replace the mosque that was destroyed three decades earlier) and boasts a total of 54 domes, along with a towering, 70-metre / 230-foot minaret.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Jumeirah Mosque

Address: Al-Jumeirah Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, UAE
This mosque is unique in that it allows non-adherents to join organised tours of the interior. The Jumeirah Mosque was built in the 1970s and sports dozens of domes, as well as supporting two minarets that are cast in soft spotlights after sunset. Anyone with a penchant for world religions will appreciate the question-and-answer session following every tour.
Open hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday - tours start at 10:00
Admission: charge

Palm Islands

Address: Dubai, United Arab Emirates, UAE
The world-famous Palm Islands have become one of Dubai's most spectacular and unique landmarks. These three artificial islands are named the Palm Deira, Palm Jebel Ali and the Palm Jumeirah, with each island being shaped like a palm tree and built at the request of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to further promote the city as a major tourist destination. The Palm Islands have added more than 500 km / 311 miles of sandy beaches to the city, and also boasts apartments, water parks, restaurants, shopping malls and various marinas.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free