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Asia > Middle East > United Arab Emirates > Dubai > Dubai/Jumeirah
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Jumeirah is a mainly residential area of Dubai, but also has beaches and loads of hotels, so attracts tourists. It lies south of 2nd of December Street or D 73 Road, formerly Al Dhiyafa Road.

Get in

Jumeirah is connected with the rest of Dubai by the Metro Red Line, the Dubai tram, and a network of roads.

See

  • 1 Burj al-Arab (Tower of the Arabs). This huge sail-shaped hotel completed in 1999 is a symbol of Dubai and its ascent in the world. The self-proclaimed seven star hotel was the first icon of Dubai and still stands out on the skyline from its location on an artificial island 280 m from the beach. Entry to the hotel is restricted to hotel guests and those with a restaurant reservation. A smart casual dress code applies but is not strictly enforced. Make restaurant reservations in advance.
  • 2 Burj Khalifa (Khalifa Tower). At 828m and 160 floors this is the world's tallest structure by a long shot, over 300m taller than the previous contender in Taipei. The observation deck at the 124th floor is the second highest in the world after the Shanghai World Financial centre. Dominating the Dubai skyline, the tower houses a hotel and a Las Vegas-inspired fountain system. The visitors' entrance is at the lower ground floor of Dubai Mall. Although the tour is called At the Top, it isn't! While the observation deck is the highest open deck in the world, at 452m it's just over halfway up the tower itself. Console yourself with the knowledge that most of the rest of the tower consists of service areas and the view below looks suitably ant-like. Tickets cost AED125 for a timed entry ticket, usually later the same day, or AED400 if you do not want to wait. Tickets can sell out several days in advance, and it is advisable to book them online ahead of your visit. For AED500 you can book a 'sky' ticket, that includes a trip to level 148 of the building for 30 minutes, sweets and drinks, before returning to the level 125 (which is empty and exclusive). It also includes a brief tour of the building private areas.
  • 3 Dubai Fountain, Dubai Mall. Day shows are at 13:00 and 13:30, but night shows are the best - every 30 minutes 18:00-22:00 on weekdays and 18:00-23:00 on weekends.. At 270m (900 ft) in length and sporting a jet that shoots water up to 150m (500 ft), it is the world's largest dancing fountain and one with a very enticing display - a definite must-see. It's most easily accessed via the Dubai Mall. There are private entranceways from the Burj Khalifa if you're staying there.
  • 4 Dubai Marina. The Dubai Marina is to be the popular nightlife area of Dubai in the future. This multi-billion development is designed for tourists and water sport. The bars and cafés along the marina are popular gathering points for families and younger people. Most restaurants offer shisha and oriental food but food chains are fast entering too. The "Marina Walk" along the yachts is especially popular on Fridays and Saturdays. Yacht agencies offer services to explore the coastal region and Palm Islands.
  • 5 Dubai Zoo, Jumeirah Rd. An outdoor zoo near the beach. Because of the extreme temperatures during summer, there are plans to bring the zoo indoors. It is not worth visiting, because of the small number and variety of animals. Housing conditions are appalling; animals are in cages too small for them to take more than a few steps, and are frustrated and bored. AED3.
  • 6 Jumeirah Beach. Dubai is known for its great beaches and this one is the best. It's the most popular and busiest beach of the country. Expect to see swimmers in bikinis and ladies in abaya cloaks; this beach truly encapsulates the Westernisation of Dubai culture.
  • 7 Jumeirah Mosque, Jumeirah Rd, Jumeirah 1 (opposite Palm Strip Mall). The largest mosque in the city, and a wonderful example of Islamic architecture. It was built in the medieval Fatimid tradition with the interior decorated with elaborate Arabic calligraphy. It is one of few mosques in the city open for visits by non-Muslims; the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding conducts special tours for non-Muslims to help promote understanding of Islam. Guided tours are available on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday beginning at 10:00, followed by a question-and-answer session. The mosque is an especially great place to visit in the evening when it's dramatically illuminated by floodlights.
  • 8 Majlis Ghorfat Um-Al Sheif, 17th St (Al Mehemal St), Jumeirah 2, +971 4 394-6343. Su-Th 07:30-14:30. A restored traditional Emirati-style two story building used as a summer residence by Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, one of the founders of UAE, and father of the present ruler of Dubai. AED1 for adults and children over 6 years.
  • 9 Palm Islands. The Palm islands are the best symbols of the boom and bust construction cycles in Dubai. The "oldest" Palm called Palm Jumeirah is completed and is host to the gigantic Atlantis Hotel on its top. Several marinas, hotels and condo are along the palm leaves. The development of the other two Palms will depend on the financial situation of the construction business but someday Dubai will have the three largest artificial islands in the world on its coastline.
  • 10 Safa Park. A beautiful planned park and one of the oldest parks in Dubai. It is a favourite for sports enthusiasts, and many visitors enjoy playing tennis, volleyball, and soccer. Children love playing games in the video arcade, or riding the ferris wheel and bumper cars. The park even has a maze to wander through. Barbeques and picnic areas are available for those who want to make a day of it. It has lakes where you can take a boat ride and a hill that offers panoramic views of this beautiful lush green park and the gigantic Dubai skyline.
  • 11 Zabeel Park, Khalifa Bin Zayed Rd. The best and most popular park of town, it gives a different glimpse of the desert and hot Dubai.

Do

Ski Dubai
  • 1 Atlantis, The Palm. Atlantis-themed but Arabian-styled resort on the artificial island of The Palm. Has a huge water park with plenty of thrilling water slides, housed inside a large shopping area with plenty of places to eat and drink.
  • 2 Ski Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Rd. Dubai has a snow skiing centre in the Mall of the Emirates, offering both skiing and snowboarding. The slope is quite large for an indoor area. All equipment is available for hire. Although it is -4°C inside, you do not need to bring a jacket because they supply pretty much everything except gloves and a hat (which you can buy right there). A 2 hour pass costs AED180 plus AED20 for a locker.
  • 3 Wild Wadi Waterpark. The perfect place for the entire family to spend a day as well as being a great way to beat the heat and enjoy the day away from the bustle of the city. Located close to the hotels and resorts of Jumeriah Beach, the park has water rides, slides, and a lagoon that is hidden away. You'll enjoy waterfalls, out of the way swimming holes, and a tidal pool.

Buy

Dubai Marina Mall

There are so many malls in Dubai it will take days to explore just the biggest ones. One mall stands out in Jumeirah – the Mall of the Emirates, which is the standard setter with even a ski slope.

  • 1 Dubai Mall. Su-W 10:00-22:00, Th-Sa 10:00-23:59. The largest mall in the world, it opened in November 2008. It has over 1,200 shops of brand names from all over the world. It contains an indoor ice rink and indoor aquarium. It is right next door to the Burj Khalifah, and the visitors' entrance to the Burj Khalifa is located at the lower ground floor of the Mall. It houses the Dubai Aquarium (which you can dive tours in) and 1,200 shops for everything. The food court on the lower floor is spectacular in its variety. It's a good place to watch the water games of the Dubai fountain, which plays at night. It is breathtaking, so take time and pick your points of interest.
  • 2 Emirates Towers Boulevard, Sheikh Zayed Rd. Daily 10:00-22:00, except F 16:00-22:00. Part of the Emirates Tower Hotel complex. The shops here match the hotel, very high class, plus a Starbucks. Lipton café has free Wi-Fi. Restaurants and bars all serve alcohol. Quite a popular nightlife spot, with bars and nightclubs and it is considered the most expensive mall in Dubai.
  • 3 Mall of the Emirates, Near 4th interchange on Sheikh Zayed Rd. Outside Ramadan: Su-W 10:00-22:00; Th-Sa 10:00-23:59; Ramadan: Su-Sa 10:00-01:00. It was largest shopping mall outside of North America until the Dubai Mall opened in 2008. Over 200 shops, cinemas, plus the Ski Centre. Has many international high street chains as well as luxury brand stores, including Harvey Nichols. Many restaurants and cafés, though cafés tend to be much more crowded than at other malls. It's attached to a Kempinski hotel, which has restaurants licensed to serve alcohol that are accessible from the mall. Very large Carrefour hypermarket attached, next to the Kempinski Hotel. Arabian/Middle Eastern souvenir shops upstairs. It's known for Ski Dubai and it other spectacular attractions. There are all High Street shops around and is very popular with families.
  • 4 Mercato, Jumeirah Beach Rd, . Mercato (Italian for market) is the only Renaissance-themed shopping mall in the Middle East. It captures Italian, French and Spanish flavors and artistic characteristics, playing host to regular fairs and festivals from each country. Mercato provides a unique shopping experience, the best in international entertainment and popular brand names like Virgin Megastore, Top Shop, Mango and Hugo Boss; Mercato is simply The Good Life. It houses a big Spinneys Supermarket, a 7 screen Grand Cinema, a Starbucks, and mouth watering restaurants such as Bella Donna who have a balcony overlooking the sea that cannot be missed.
  • 5 Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Rd. Includes 75 shops, numerous bars, restaurants and cafés, a nightclub, theatre. More expensive and targeted directly at tourists than other, general malls where residents go. Most bars and restaurants are licensed for alcohol. Nice to wander through as it has been designed to resemble a "traditional" souq, but with the modern comforts of air conditioning. Lots of souvenir-type shops.
  • 6 Town Centre Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach Rd, +971 4 344-0111. Sa-Th 10:00-22:00; Fr 13:30-22:00. With a bright, open and spacious atmosphere, it is a place to shop, relax and casually dine at a wide selection of eateries like Sumo Sushi, Cafe Ceramique, La Cafette by Carpe Diem and Simply Healthy. It also houses an extensive range of ladies' beauty outlets like the Nail Station, Paris Gallery, Kaya Skin Care Clinic, Wax Lounge and SOS Salon.
A display of Indian saris outside a textile shop in Satwa
  • 7 Satwa. a small community much resembling a town, its streets are rowed by textile shops notably opposite the Satwa Mosque ending to the opposite of Satwa clinic. Most of the people flock to Satwa for their textiles, you might sometimes catch offers and discounts but if you don't do so try bargaining the price, this is what most locals do, even if you're a tourist convince the salesman to give you a discount, bargain till you get the lowest price available. Not only is Satwa a hub for textile shops; some tailoring shops on the corners are also found if you want a dress made as soon as possible after purchasing the raw materials. Raw silk might also be available in some shops. Because of the row of textile shops, it might be Dubai's version of Little India and Little Manila as many Indians reside in this district as well as Filipinos.

Eat

Budget

  • 800 PIZZA, Sheykh Zayed Rd, Barsha (Tamweel building, between Coral Boutique Hotel and Emirates Mall), +800-74992, . 11:00-23:59. Traditional & authentic Italian pizza baked in wood fired Italian stone oven, thin & crispy crust.
  • More Cafe, Dubai Mall (lower level, next to fountain). Serves breakfast, lunch and light continental and oriental meals. Good service and huge portions to stuff even the hungriest.
  • Noodle House, Emirates Towers Shopping Blvd, Madinat Jumeirah, +971 4 366 8888. Asian food. One meal about AED80.
  • 1 Royal Kebab Restaurant, Dubai Media City, Zee Tower, Next to BBC, Dubai and soon to open in Dubai Mens College, +971 4 4508105, fax: +971 4 4503679, . 11AM-midnight. A restaurant by RJS Group. With outdoor seating and a separate shisha area. About AED50.

Mid-range

  • 2 Chill Out, Times Square Centre, Al Quoz, +971 4 341-8121. 10:00-23:00. Have a delicious contemporary European food in ice lounge at a chilling temperature of -6° C. It is first of its kind in the Middle East. From tables to even crockery in which food is served, all made of ice. AED200-350.
  • 3 Chimes, Al Barsha (beneath the Seven Sands Hotel Apartments near the Mall of the Emirates and close to Sharaf DG Metro station), +971 4 323-4211. Thai, Singaporean, Malaysian and Indonesian themed food, and the popular house speciality must be the pepper or chili crab. You can eat at the restaurant or order home delivery to most areas of new Dubai.
  • 4 Jedoudna Restaurant, Rimal Sector, The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence, +971 4 4230766, fax: +971 4 4230765, . 07:00-01:00. A family-run Lebanese restaurant. With outdoor seating and separate shisha area. About AED100.
  • Karam Beirut, 1st floor, Mall of Emirates, Sheykh Zayed Rd, Al Barsha. Excellent Lebanese food.
  • Lal Qila Dubai, Diyafa St, Jumairah-1 (cnr of Jumeirah St), +971 4 325 4778, . Continental.
  • 5 Toscana, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, +971 4 3666730, fax: +971 4 3666649, . Italian. About AED100.

Splurge

  • 6 Al Mahara, Burj Al Arab, +971 4 301 7600, fax: +971 4 301 7000. 12:30-15:00, 19:00-23:00. Part of the Burj Al Arab hotel, and as you would expect is also very high quality, especially seafood. AED700.
  • 7 At.mosphere, Burj Khalifa, +971 4 888-3828. 12:00-02:00. Exclusive fine dining restaurant on Level 122 of Burj Khalifa.
  • 8 The Gem Garden, Holiday Inn Dubai - Al Barsha, Sheikh Zayed Road, +971 4 323 4333, . 24 Hours. Continental restaurant.
  • 9 Gharana, Holiday Inn Dubai - Al Barsha, Sheikh Zayed Road, +971 4 323 4333, . 7PM-11:30PM. Authentic Indian restaurant.
  • Options, by Sanjeev Kapoor, Sheikh Zayed Rd, +971 4 329 3293. Run by famed Indian TV chef Sanjeev Kapoor. Drinks served. Reservations recommended especially on Friday nights.
  • 10 The Royal Budha, Holiday Inn Dubai - Al Barsha, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 4 323 4333, . 7PM-11:30PM. Authentic Thai restaurant.
  • 11 Shang Palace, Level 1, Shangri-La Hotel, Shk Zayed Rd, +971 4 405 2703. Su-Fr 12.30-03:00; Sa 11:00-03:00. Good Chinese food. No smoking AED 200.

Drink

Map
Map of Dubai/Jumeirah
  • 1 360° (Location at the end of the south pier at the hotel marina. It is a nice walk or you can get a ride in one of the golf buggies), +971 4 366 5866. Su-We 17:00-02:00; Th-Sa 17:00-03:00. Jumeirah Beach Hotel Complex. Open air bar with great views of the Burj hotel and the Jumeirah beach hotel all helped by a cool breeze from the ocean. Various DJ's but think Ibiza lounge bar and you will not be far off.
  • 2 Bar 44 (On the 44th floor of Grosvenor House Hotel in Dubai Marina.), +971 4 399 8888. Fri-We 18:00-02:00; Th 18:00-03:00. Excellent view above the city.
  • 3 Buddha Bar (Grosvenor House Hotel in Dubai Marina). Branch of the international Asian-themed bar/restaurant.
  • 4 Barasti (on the beach next to Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Resort in Dubai Marina). Built in three levels (each playing its own music), with lounging areas on the beach, lots of young and foreign people come here during the weekend. Very popular with expats.
  • Nassimi Beach, The Atlantis. Great bar/club on the beach in the Palm Jumeirah.
  • Longs Bar (Towers - Rotana (op Financial centre metro)). Open until 3AM.. The longest bar in the UAE, typical English style, similar to a Weatherspoons. Great music and DJs plus food and friendly atmosphere.
  • Left Bank (in the Madinat Jumeirah). 12:00-02:00. perfectly situated on the waterfront in one of the most tranquil areas of Dubai. A great food menu leads on to some excellent cocktails and music inside.
  • 5 Observatory (top floor of the Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites in Dubai Marina.), +971 4 3194000. 17:00-23:00. Bar and restaurant with great view across Palm Jumeirah (on a clear day!) Popular happy hour with the after work crowd on Thursday from 18:00-20:00.
  • 6 Skyview Bar (Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Road). Live bands (both local and international), reservations are a must.
  • Vu's Bar (Hotel Tower, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road). Try the 51st Floor house cocktail, it's so deliciously strong, also there's a staggering 200 cocktails to choose from.

Sleep

Connect

This district travel guide to Jumeirah is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.