Introduction
Madinat Jumeirah is a gem of architecture in Dubai, which in itself is like a small city. It is a destination with many grand and luxurious 5-star hotels, resorts and a group of summerhouses such as Jumeirah Malakiya villas and Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf. The exquisite resorts and summerhouses built alongside the 5-kilometre-long creek and amid such picturesque landscape make Madinat Jumeirah heavenly.
About Madinat Jumeirah
It is a mini-city inspired by Arabian villages and emulates Arabian architecture. Madinat Jumeirah spans forty hectares It is called a city because it is a complete package comprising of hotels, resorts and summerhouses, shops, markets and malls; and many breathtaking landscapes. Madinat Jumeirah is an exquisite place and it is sure to cast its magic spell on anyone, especially when it’s all glittering with lights at night. It looks just like a dream.
Location
Madinat Jumeirah is established along 5 kilometres stretch of a creek, on the foot of the iconic Burj Al Arab. It’s very close to Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Wild Wadi water park. It also stretches across some length of the Dubai beach. Since it is also near the Mall of Emirates station, the place is easily accessible.
History of Madinat Jumeirah
Madinat Jumeirah is not a very old settlement, unlike many other places in Dubai. The construction of Madinat Jumeirah began in 2002 and ended in 2004, costing approximately 340 million US dollars. It is inspired by some original Arabian villages of the Emirates and has been built with the objective of showcasing the rich culture and heritage of Arabs.
Architecture
Inspired by the original iconic Arabian village known as Burj Al Arab, the architecture emulates the archaic-style buildings of the village. Madinat Jumeirah has traditional wooden boats just like Burj Al Arab, which are used as a means of transport across waterways and have wind towers too. It is a vast expanse with the most lavish hotels and resorts, marketplaces, and summerhouses, as well as numerous villas set amid lush green landscapes.
Souks of Madinat Jumeirah
The marketplaces here, known as souks, are a sheer treat to the eyes for the way it showcase the shops and the commodities. The lanes of the bazaar are like a maze consisting of around 75 shops. There are nicely constructed wooden walkways throughout the bazaar. It’s not exactly like the original traditional Arabian market. However, it resembles the original ones a lot and has many intricately designed handicrafts, just like the Arab Market. As these souks are a fusion of old and modern architecture, to give those modern vibes, there are several stylish cafes and restaurants out there. There is Madinat Theatre and you can certainly check it out to get a taste of Western culture.
Water-Boats and Abra Rides at Madinat Jumeirah
There are waterways at Madinat Jumeirah, as it is situated by the creek and the beachfront. The waterboats or Abra boats, are a special tourist attraction in Madinat Jumeirah. The winding waterways stretch across more than 4 kilometres. You can experience the entire waterway stretch on an Abra boat, which is a modern, comfy water boat with cushioned seats, with a traditional touch to its design.
As you sail past the enthralling greenery and landscapes, you can watch the desert to be far away. The towering-tall palm trees, banana trees and the blossoming Bougainvillea gardens altogether, would leave you mesmerized. The blue boat ride Dubai start from Souk Madinat waterfront. The best part is that no reservation is necessary for it. You can go for a ride whenever you visit. Besides, if you are staying at any of the Madinat hotels, these water-boat rides or water taxis are complimentary (Free of cost).
Friday Brunch or Lunch
Friday Brunch is a popular tradition in Dubai tourist places, and many foreign expats when doing Dubai City Tour, definitely want to try it out. As it is a weekend there and therefore, these brunches/lunches are in high demand. Many 5-star hotels at Madinat Jumeirah are particularly popular for their Friday brunch such as Qasr Al Watan and Mina A Salam. You can feast on a delectable spread of roasted lamb, seafood, exquisite salads and other Lebanese delicacies, followed by mouthwatering Arabian desserts. You can make prior bookings for lunch or brunch at these hotels.
Yoga on the beach- Some amazing yoga activities are possible by the beachside at Madinat while enjoying the serene views around and enchanting sunsets.
Turtle-watching- As a part of Dubai Turtle rehabilitation, The Jumeirah Al Naseem resort has sheltered and treated more than 560 sea turtles to help them recover and release them into the gulf. The enclosure where the turtles stay before being releasing is open to the public for viewing without any cost. Some really rare species of turtles which are on the list of critically endangered species are visible here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to choose the best hotel in Madinat Jumeirah?
If you are looking for really a lavish experience, check out the majestic 5-star hotels approaching Bur Al Arab known for their grandeur. One can find more economical and cost-effective hotels near the Mall of the Emirates station.
Where to eat at Madinat Jumeirah ?
You have a variety of options to choose from. Check out the bars for excellent happy-hour deals. You can try out some of the best hotels like Al-Qasr for amazing offers on Friday brunch. Dine at some sophisticated roof-top hotel like Pierchic with an enchanting view of Bur Al Arab and Madinat.
How to reach Madinat Jumeirah?
Madinat Jumeirah is just around 2 miles from Mall of the Emirates station. You can take a bus or a cab from there or rent a car with Travel Saga.
