From Dubai International Airport , proceed to Garhoud Bridge , which will lead you over the Dubai Creek. Take highway E11 towards Dubai / Abu Dhabi . On E11/ Sheikh Zayed Road, exit at the 1st Interchange and take a left turn at the roundabout. Continue driving straight until you reach the 1st set of traffic lights and make a u turn.
Move into the right lane and take the 1st slip road following the road along. At the roundabout, continue straight and at the next bend in the road, Dusit Thani Dubai entrance is on your night hand side.
The journey normally takes around 20 minutes from the airport to the hotel entrance.
Dubai Overview
Dubai, quite simply, is spectacular. The Dusit Thani Dubai offers panoramic views of the emirate's futuristic skyline from the hotel, but guests wanting to explore the city will find many hidden treasures among the towering skyscrapers.
The Grand Mosque, Dubai Museum and Dubai Heritage Village all are worth visiting for fascinating cultural and historical insights into the area, and the Jumeirah Archaeological Site features the remains of several houses, a souq and what was thought to have been a governor's palace.
Shopping in Dubai is all about designer labels and boutiques and the Dusit Thani Dubai hotel is conveniently located near the main shopping districts. If things get too hot in the shops, cool off at Jumeirah Beach, ten minutes from the hotel, or visit the lush waters of Dubai Creek. Children will enjoy the Wild Wadi Water Park and its fun rides, close to the Dusit Thani Dubai hotel.
The Dubai World Trade Centre has been the home of business here for more than 20 years, and guests can find the 39-storey office tower with eight exhibition halls just five minutes from the Dusit Thani Dubai.
Dubai also offers some fantastic golf courses and at the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse guests can enjoy horseracing in an electric atmosphere.
One of the best ways of seeing all aspects of the emirate is via an abra (water-taxi) and the more familiar road-based taxis are always available to take you around the many attractions of the emirate from the hotel, the Dusit Thani Dubai.
Dubai Attractions Close to the Hotel
- The Grand Mosque
- Dubai Museum
- Wild Wadi Water Park
- Nad Al Sheba racecourse
- Dubai Shopping
- Golf Courses
- Dubai Heritage Village
- Jumeirah Beach
- Dubai World Trade Centre
- Dubai Creek
- Jumeirah Archaelogical Site
Historical Places of Interest
- Dubai National Museum
The museum is located in Al Fahidi Fort, one of the most ancient historical buildings in Dubai (built in 1787). It is thought to be Dubai's oldest building. It was built as a fort for sea defense, and the importance of the fort increased with its expansion during the era of the late Sheikh Maktoum Bin Buti (1833-1852), which added most of the architectural features that still exist today. - Majlis Al Ghoraifa
Built around 1955, the Majlis Al Ghoraifa was a summer retreat for the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, where he spent his afternoons when the temperatures became moderate and the humidity was high. The Majlis Al Ghoraifa is situated in the Umm Suqaim area, which was once dotted with date palm groves and fishermen's huts. - Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House
This imposing building, distinguished by its four elegant wind-towers, stands along the famous Creek of Bur Dubai. It was built in 1896 and was the residence of the ruler. It takes its name from Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum, who resided there until his death in 1958. Originally strategically situated at the mouth of Dubai's lifeline, the Creek, this carefully restored museum now lies close to the Bur Dubai side of the Shindagha Tunnel and next to the Heritage and Diving Village. - Juma Al Majid Cultural and Heritage Trust
Established in 1991, this is a non-profit reference library and research institute, with collections including 350,000 Arab language titles about Arab and Islamic heritage, plus 17,000 titles in English, French, German, Russian and other languages. There is a separate national heritage collection of books and other materials in different languages, relating only to the Arabian Gulf. - Grand Mosque
Originally opened in 1900, the Grand Mosque of Dubai has recently been rebuilt in traditional Islamic architectural style. Throughout its transformations, it remained an important centre of religious and cultural life. Today, with a capacity of 1200 worshippers and being the tallest minaret in the city, it is all the more an integral part of Dubai society. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the mosque. - Jumeirah Mosque
One of the largest and most beautiful, Jumeirah Mosque is a spectacular example of modern Islamic architecture. Built of stone in the medieval Fatimid style, the mosque, with its twin minarets and majestic dome, is a city landmark. It is particularly attractive at night when subtle lighting throws its artistry into relief. The elaborate Jumeirah Mosque is Dubai's most admired mosque from the outside and one of Dubai's most photographed sights. - Burj Nahar
Built around 1870, the Nahar tower was one in a line of defences to the east and north of the city. One of three watchtowers guarding the old city, the restored Burj Nahar, situated in picturesque gardens in Deira, is popular with photographers. - Bait Al Wakeel
Built in 1934 by the late Sheikh Rashid, Bait Al Wakeel was Dubai's first office building. At the edge of the Creek near the abra landing, the building has been completely restored and now houses a museum devoted to Dubai's fishing and maritime traditions. - Bin Muzaina House
Located adjacent to the Al Ahmadiya School, the house has a large courtyard with a rectangular wind tower. - Majlis Umm Al Sheif
The summer resort of the late ruler of Dubai has been restored and is open to the public. Built in the early 1950s in the coastal Umm Suqeim area, the majlis gardens feature a reproduction of the traditional falaj irrigation system. The majlis provides an intriguing insight into Dubai's rapid development. - Bur Dubai Creekside
The buildings lining the Bur Dubai side of the Creek provide the main panorama of the old city. The traditional facades of these buildings have been restored to their original state, with wooden windows, decorative gypsum panels and screens.
Cultural Attractions
- Heritage and Diving Village
The Heritage Village has been created where potters and weavers display their art. The village provides a glimpse of Dubai's traditional culture and lifestyle. Focusing on the emirate's maritime past, pearl-diving traditions and architecture, the centre there offers storybook displays including a tented Bedouin village, ancient armoury, wooden chests and cooking utensils. - Bastakiya
The old Bastakiya district, with its narrow lanes and tall wind-towers, gives a tantalising glimpse of old Dubai. In the past, the city was famous for a mass of wind-towers, which lined the Creek on either side. These were not merely decorative; they were the only means of cooling houses in the days before mains electricity. Bastakiya is currently undergoing renovation and preservation and will eventually become a small 'tourist village' with a museum, a cultural centre, restaurants and an art gallery. - Hatta Heritage Village
Nestled among the Hajjar mountains and overlooking a fertile oasis, the 16th-century Hatta Village has been carefully restored to provide a fine example of village architecture 400 years ago. - Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House
The official residence of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai (1912-1958), has been restored to stand proud again on the Shindagha end of Dubai Creek. The house, which dates from 1896, today houses a rare collection of historic photographs, coins, stamps and documents that record Dubai's history. - The Creek
The Creek, a natural sea-water inlet that cuts through the centre of the city, is the historic focal point of life in Dubai. A stroll along its banks evokes the city's centuries-old trading traditions. An attractive way to view the Creek and the dhows is from an abra, one of the small water taxis that criss-cross the Creek from the souqs of Deira to those on the Bur Dubai side. - Al Boom Tourist Village
Adjacent to Creekside Park, the village consists of a 2000-seat banquet hall, a coffee shop, restaurant, amusement park, ornamental lake and a marina with five cruise boats. Its traditional architecture forms a stately city landmark. Further development will include self-catering and fully serviced chalets and a five-star hotel built in the shape of a Gulf sailing dhow.
Shopping
Highly attractive and often imaginatively designed shopping malls in Dubai are generally spacious and air-conditioned, offering a welcome escape from the heat. Malls are more than a place to buy goods offering many other features: cinema houses, children's play areas, food courts, and extensive free parking.
During the Dubai Shopping Festival, which starts from mid-January to mid-February and during the Dubai Summer Surprises, starting from July to end of August, the larger malls are venues for special events such as dancing or magic shows. These performances are popular and involve acts from around the world.
Some of the larger malls in Dubai are listed below, however for more information on all malls visit www.dubaishoppingmalls.com
- Burjuman Centre
Location : Trade Centre Road, Bur Dubai
Hours : 1000 - 2200; Fri 1600 - 2200
Web : www.burjuman.com
This stylish centre has just raised shopping mall standards with the opening of its new extension. Burjuman already has a reputation for being a superior host to many designer shops and the new space brings even more designer brands to Dubai. - Deira City Centre
Location : Opp Dubai Creek and Golf Club, Deira
Hours : 1000 - 2200; Fri 1400 - 2200
Web: www.deiracitycentre.com
This major shopping venue showcases the Arabian Treasures which is home to some of the finest Arabic experiences. Debenhams is housed on three floors giving a chance to shop endlessly. Other than shopping, the mall also hosts cinema halls, children's play area, food court and a vide range of electronic shops. - Mercato
Location : Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah
Hours : 1000 - 2200; Fri 1400 - 2200
Web: www.mercatoshoppingmall.com
This Renaissance style shopping centre houses a variety of outfit stores, cinema halls, coffee shops, Virgin Megastores and Home Centre. - Wafi Mall
Location : Wafi City, Umm Hurair
Hours : 1000 - 2300; Fri 1630 - 2200
Web : www.waficity.com
One of the most exclusive malls in Dubai, Wafi's four floors and maze of walkways are packed with trendy boutiques, luxury gift shops, coffee shops, designer food stores, home furnishings and other smart outlets. - Ibn Battuta Shopping Mall
Location : The Gardens, Jebel Ali
Hours : 1000 - midnight
Web : www.ibnbattutamall.com
Themed around the travels of renowned 14th century Arabian explorer, Ibn Battuta, the architecture within the mall's six courts reflects the most influential places Ibn Battuta travelled during his time, providing mall visitors an invaluable glimpse into the past. - The Mall of the Emirates
Location : Intersection Four, Sheikh Zayed Road
Hours : 1000 - midnight
Web : www.malloftheemirates.com
Over 350 of the world's loved retailers have made the Mall of the Emirates their home. Added to the retail shopping experience is cinema entertainment, children's play area, and Ski Dubai - an Alpine ski resort with a 400-meter ski slope.
Sports
- Dubai Country Club
Dubai Country Club is proud to host the first-ever golf course in Dubai. In 1971, history was made, as its nine-hole sand course was ready for the first swing and putt! The club now boasts two sand courses offering a unique golfing experience for beginners and seasoned grass players alike. - Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
The PGA European Tour Dubai Desert Classic venue for 1999 and 2000, the spectacular Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club is Dubai's sporting oasis: a golf and leisure haven surrounded by the city, beautifully located on the banks of Dubai Creek from which the club takes its name. The magnificent clubhouse - its design mirroring the sails of a traditional Arab dhow - became an instant landmark when it opened in 1993. - Emirates Golf Club
The first grass course in the Middle East and favoured venue of the PGA European Tour event, the Dubai Desert Classic, Emirates Golf Club has become a favourite of the world's top players. The original 7101-yard, par 72 Majlis course is complemented with a second par 72 challenge, the 7100-yard Wadi course. Both combine the natural, rolling desert terrain for a serious test of golf. - Emirates Hills
This is a stunning project, being developed in conjunction with Emaar Properties and master architect Desmond Muirhead. Everything about this venture, with its 621 villa sites, golf academy, clubhouse with gymnasium, floodlit tennis courts and swimming pool, oozes quality and money. Each exotic plant in the gardens that border the course has - believe it or not - its own, separate irrigation system.
