Dubai Museum

Al Fahidi Fort, which houses the Dubai Museum, is another imposing building. It once guarded the city's landlord approaches. Built around 1799, it has served variously as palace, garrison and prison.

It was renovated in 1970 for use as a museum; further restoration and the addition of galleries was completed in 1995. Colorful and evocative dioramas, complete with life-size figures and sound and lighting effects, vividly depict everyday life in pre-oil days. Galleries rescenes from the Creek, traditional Arab houses, mosques, the souk, date gardens, desert and marine life. One of the most spectacular exhibits portrays the underwater world of pearl-diving, and is accompanied by sets of pearl merchants' weights, scales and sieves.

Also on display are artifacts such as fine copper, alabaster and pottery objects found in 3,000-4,000 year-old graves at Al Ghusais. The main fort is a fascinating military museum. The Dubai Museum is open daily from 8.30am - 8.30pm, except Fridays: 3pm-8.30pm. Tel: 3531862

Dubai World Trade Centre

The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) was established to stimulate trade and commerce in the United Arab Emirates in 1979. Over the past two decades, the DWTC has become a symbol of economic growth and prosperity in the Middle East. It undertakes three core activities: organizing exhibitions, providing hospitality services and property leasing.

From humble beginning in 1979 to being a state-of-the-art complex today, the DWTC has recorded remarkable growth in all areas of its core activities. The Complex includes a 39-storey office tower, 492 serviced residential apartments with a sports club, seven international standard interconnected and purpose built exhibition halls, a 200-seat theatre, a congress center and a private member's business club.

Heritage and Diving Village

A traditional heritage village, located in the Shindagah area has been created where potters and weavers display their crafts. The Diving village forms part of an ambitious plan to turn the entire area into a cultural microcosm, recreating life in Dubai as it was in days gone by. Located near the mouth of the creek, this area is also popular in the evenings as a venue for its open-air cafeterias and live entertainment. Several shops also sell handicrafts. No entrance fees. Tel: 3937151

Global Village, Dubai

Dubai Festival City, being developed by Al Futtaim Investments is a key sponsor of the Dubai Shopping Festival 2002 and is the host of Global Village. Global Village is one of the main attractions of the DSF, where the international community is encouraged to come together to display their culture and heritage through exhibitions of traditional handicrafts, clothing, music and dance.

Each country designs its own pavilion to reflect its national identity, which makes a visit to the Global Village a cultural voyage around the globe and a reflection of the truly cosmopolitan nature of Dubai. As well as visiting the 28 International Pavilions, Global Village visitors will be able to sample exotic foods from the participating countries by dining at the sidewalk restaurants in the specially designed food court.

For more details on the Global Village, visit: www.GlobalVillageDubai.com

Burj Al Arab

Burj AL Arab or Arabian Tower is the ultimate symbol of Dubai's determination to be a world-beater. The stunning property has already become an internationally recognisable landmrk and has the distinction of being declared the world's tallest hotel. Burj Al Arab's sail shaped structure, which soars 321 metres above the Arabian Gulf, is taller than Eiffel Tower Paris and just 60 meters shorter than New York's Empire State Building.

Burj Al Arab scales new heights of luxury, introducing new levels of comfort with its superlative standards of acomodation and service in its suites. leisure facilities and restaurants. Built on a man-made island lying 280 metres offshore, the hotel houses 202 duplex suites, which are both spacious and lavish, with the personal services provided by private butlers.

The hotel offers the guests a feast for both the eyes and the plate. From the highest point of the hotel right doown the sea level, the restaurants locations are as impressive as the creative menus. Whether the guests are looking for a healthy snack or the best in haute cuisine, the six Burj Al Arab restaurants have perfect answers every time.

The stunning Assawan Spa is inspired by the architecture of ancient Arabia. Facilities include exercise equipment, indoor swimming pools, Jacuzzi and a seperate reserved area for ladies.