Dubai Urban Scenes Photo Gallery

South of the Creek, Jumeirah is a beachside suburb that runs parallel to the coast.
Jumeirah Mosque is a recent construction from 1979, but it is a popular tourist attraction as it is the only mosque in the city that allows non-Muslims to visit. The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding runs tours here to teach about the true face of Islam and combat misconceptions about the religion and terrorism.

The interior was intricately-decorated, although it wasn't that big. The tour took about 45 minutes and the rest of the hour was for questions.

While Muslims need to pray 5 times a day, this clock shows 6. The 6th is sunrise, designed for those who have decided the first prayer time was too early in the day.

Since the city's skyline is further inland along Sheikh Zayed Road, the coastal area is a good place to see how big it is.

Located on its own island, the Burj al Arab is the ultimate beacon of luxury. The Dubai ruler wanted this project to be the city's global icon, and money was not an issue even if the hotel is not likely to breakeven ever. Shaped like a dhow's sail, the side is made of a white sheet of fiberglass cloth. As a tourist, you either need to book a night in the hotel or book a reservation at one of the hotel's restaurants as a cheaper alternative. Otherwise, you can't even get past the gate.

The skyline looks quite good already on the bridge to the hotel.

Once inside, there is a huge atrium behind the sail and the multi-colour decor is accented by the gold columns. The sail didn't seem too good deflecting the sun's heat. It was quite warm inside, although it wasn't a particularly hot winter day outside.

I booked a lunch at the top floor restaurant. The food was very expensive but service was great. They didn't have a window seat for me despite arriving early. I knew from earlier discussions that they could not guarantee a window seat, so I wasn't at all surprised. But they eventually found a seat and moved me over later on. How thoughtful!

With the city below me, I looked for the key landmarks, such as the reclaimed Palm and The World.

The bar occupies the best side of the top floor. With fewer people around during my late lunch, I perched by their window for this crazy shot of Dubai's modernity.

Towards the west, the Marina cluster looks decently large.

With the building being so iconic, there are many other spots nearby to photograph it for free. The Jumeirah Beach Hotel is another luxury property just next door.

The Madinat Jumeirah mall is on the other side. Built in the Moorish style, it resembles an Arabian city with many wind towers, a lively souk, and openings to see the Burj al Arab.

Majlis Al Ghoreifa is a free place to see a communal meeting place in local style.


South of the Creek, Jumeirah is a beachside suburb that runs parallel to the coast. Jumeirah Mosque is a recent construction from 1979, but it is a popular tourist attraction as it is the only mosque in the city that allows non-Muslims to visit. The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding runs tours here to teach about the true face of Islam and combat misconceptions about the religion and terrorism. The interior was intricately-decorated, although it wasn't that big. The tour took about 45 minutes and the rest of the hour was for questions. While Muslims need to pray 5 times a day, this clock shows 6. The 6th is sunrise, designed for those who have decided the first prayer time was too early in the day. Since the city's skyline is further inland along Sheikh Zayed Road, the coastal area is a good place to see how big it is. Located on its own island, the Burj al Arab is the ultimate beacon of luxury. The Dubai ruler wanted this project to be the city's global icon, and money was not an issue even if the hotel is not likely to breakeven ever. Shaped like a dhow's sail, the side is made of a white sheet of fiberglass cloth. As a tourist, you either need to book a night in the hotel or book a reservation at one of the hotel's restaurants as a cheaper alternative. Otherwise, you can't even get past the gate. The skyline looks quite good already on the bridge to the hotel. Once inside, there is a huge atrium behind the sail and the multi-colour decor is accented by the gold columns. The sail didn't seem too good deflecting the sun's heat. It was quite warm inside, although it wasn't a particularly hot winter day outside. I booked a lunch at the top floor restaurant. The food was very expensive but service was great. They didn't have a window seat for me despite arriving early. I knew from earlier discussions that they could not guarantee a window seat, so I wasn't at all surprised. But they eventually found a seat and moved me over later on. How thoughtful! With the city below me, I looked for the key landmarks, such as the reclaimed Palm and The World. The bar occupies the best side of the top floor. With fewer people around during my late lunch, I perched by their window for this crazy shot of Dubai's modernity. Towards the west, the Marina cluster looks decently large. With the building being so iconic, there are many other spots nearby to photograph it for free. The Jumeirah Beach Hotel is another luxury property just next door. The Madinat Jumeirah mall is on the other side. Built in the Moorish style, it resembles an Arabian city with many wind towers, a lively souk, and openings to see the Burj al Arab. Majlis Al Ghoreifa is a free place to see a communal meeting place in local style.

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