Madinat Jumeirah is Dubai's re-creation of old Arabia, built at resort scale: wind-tower architecture, three kilometres of landscaped waterways plied by abras, and a private beach looking straight at the Burj Al Arab. It is a resort complex — the Jumeirah hotels Al Qasr, Mina A'Salam and the Dar Al Masyaf summerhouses live here — but its souk, canals and restaurants are open to everyone, which makes it one of the best evenings out in the city.
What to do as a visitor
Start in Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a covered bazaar that trades the haggling of the old souks for air conditioning and galleries, then walk out to the waterways. Dozens of restaurants and bars line the canals, and the terraces facing the Burj Al Arab serve the single best free view of the sail-shaped hotel anywhere in Dubai — sunset is the moment. An abra cruise through the resort's waterways is short, touristy and completely worth it after dark, when the lanterns come on.
Getting there
Madinat Jumeirah sits on Jumeirah Beach Road about 25 minutes' drive from the airport and ten from the Marina, next to Wild Wadi waterpark and the Jumeirah public beaches. There is no Metro stop nearby, so come by taxi or rental car — the souk has ample parking, and pairing it with a Jumeirah beach afternoon makes a natural day.
