Souq Al Bahar

Located at the foot of the famous Burj Khalifa, Souq Al Bahar is a charming blend of traditional souq architecture and modern facilities that one associates with shopping malls. Its wide dimly lit corridors and high arches coupled with its cultural theme make Souq Al Bahar a unique experience. 

Surprisingly and after all these years in Dubai, I have not had the opportunity to visit the souq. It was only the other day when we went out to watch the Dubai Fountain, that I had a chance to walk around its colorful shops. Souq Al Bahar is also home to a very interesting collection of casual and fine dining restaurants placed alongside the waterfront promenade. 

Al Ain Zoo

Located at the foot of the Jebel Hafeet mountains, Al Ain Zoo is only a couple of hours away from Dubai. It is probably the better laid out of the several zoos in UAE. 

We spent the entire day over the weekend at the Zoo. The star attraction at the zoo is the almost extinct White Lion. Apparently there are only about 200 white lions left across the world. Given the time of the year, you should take advantage of the mini train that takes you around the entire zoo. Else it can get very hot and tiring as you try to cover the vast area that makes up for Al Ain zoo. 

Little India

Often referred to as Little India, Bur Dubai is a colorful mix of residences and retail outlets. As a friend once put it, except for the signs in Arabic, one could well mistake Bur Dubai for a suburb of Mumbai. As one walks around Bur Dubai, one cannot help but notice the dominance of the Indian community. Most of the shops are run by traders from the Indian sub continent and this is an important shopping destination for the Indian community. Narrow lanes lined with Indian clothes and jewelery shops coupled with  jostling Indian customers haggling for a bargain make Bur Dubai a beautiful mosaic of colors.

The only Hindu temple in Dubai is located in the Bur Dubai area. Read about the Hindu Temple in Dubai by clicking here