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A variety of city tours are on offer, including morning and afternoon half-day tours and evening tours.

Such excursions provide an ideal introduction to Dubai's sights and experiences, providing a taste of the city's distinctive blend of east and west, old and new, as well as great opportunities for the keen photographer. The following attractions are featured on the itinerary of many city tours.

The Creek

A seawater inlet winding its way through the heart of the city, the Creek is the historical focal point of life in Dubai. Here, visitors can feel the pulse of a city built on trade.

Rows of traditionally shaped wooden dhows can be seen lining the banks of the Creek or setting off for Iran, East Africa and India, just as they have for generations.

Abras

The most picturesque way to cross the Creek is by abra -- the traditional water taxi which has survived the advent of motor cars and buses.

The short journey across the waterway from the glass-and-steel office blocks of Deira to the old-world souks of Bur Dubai provides a fascinating glimpse of Dubai's trading heritage.

The Souks

The souks (traditional Arabian markets) offer a charming contrast to Dubai's many modern shopping malls.

Teeming with life, they spill across row upon row of alleys offering the legendary lures of the east as well as the best bargains in the latest electronics, cameras and watches.

Amidst the aroma of eastern spices and a profusion of gold, silk and Persian and Afghan rugs, visitors can soak in the mystique of old Arabia.

Traditional Architecture

Not far from Dubai's modern office blocks and hotels, a number of wind-tower houses still stand as a reminder of the graceful and resourceful architecture that pre-dated the arrival of electricity and air-conditioning.

The greatest concentration of these attractive buildings is in the city's Bastakiya district in Bur Dubai.

The vents facing in each direction at the top of the wind-tower draw any breath of cool air into the interior of the house and relieve the heat of the summer.

Palace of Sheikh Saeed

The ancient palace of Sheikh Saeed, former ruler of Dubai and grandfather of the present Ruler, Sheikh Maktoum, has been lovingly restored to stand proud again along the banks of the Creek.

With its wind-towers and layers of rooms built around a central courtyard, it is a fine example of the region's traditional architecture. Dubai Museum Al Fahidi Fort, which houses the Dubai Museum, is another imposing building. It once guarded the landward approaches to the town. Built in the last century, it has been extensively restored and refurbished.

A large underground display area provides a fascinating taste of the culture and life of Dubai down the ages.

Visitors may walk through life-size dioramas, complete with sound effects, featuring various everyday scenes and activities from the past.

Also on display are artefacts from excavations in the emirate, including objects found in graves made 3,000 or 4,000 years ago at Al Qusais.

Jumeirah Mosque

The city has many fine mosques. The largest and one of the most beautiful -- Jumeirah Mosque -- is a spectacular example of modern Islamic architecture and is one of the most photographed sights of Dubai.

It is particularly attractive at night when subtle lighting throws its artistry into relief.

Palaces

A drive past the impressive beachfront palaces of Dubai's ruling family is a feature of many city tours, offering visitors a glimpse of these gracious modern buildings with their landscaped gardens.