Madinat Jumeirah

Madinat Jumeirah is an Arabian mini-city in Dubai, comprising five-star hotels, ornate souks and beachfront hotspots.

A destination within a destination, you’ll find several grand hotels, including Jumeirah Al Quasl, Jumeirah Mina A’Salam and Jumeirah Al Naseem, alongside a cluster of traditional summerhouses at Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf and seven grand homes at Jumeirah Malakiya Villas.

There is an entire river system five kilometres in length complete with its own fleet of traditional abra boats. You can take a tour around the whole property on one of these in-house abras and stop by Souk Madinat Jumeirah along the way.

How to get to Madinat Jumeirah

You can get to Madinat Jumeirah using the below transportation options:

Dubai Metro & Bus: Take the Red Line and get off at Dubai Internet City Metro Station 2. Walk to the nearby Dubai Internet City Metro Bus Stop and take bus line 88 to Madinat Jumeirah 2, which is a 5-minute walk from Madinat Jumeirah. Alternatively, you can get off at Mall of the Emirates Metro Station, take bus line 81 at Mall of the Emirates Bus Station 4 and get off at Dubai Police Academy 2 which is also close to the attraction.

Architecture of Madinat Jumeirah

The architects of this luxurious resort village at the foot of the Burj Al Arab looked to Dubai's original creekside settlement in Bur Dubai for inspiration. Wind towers, traditional wooden boats used as water taxis, waterways and even a market create modern Arabian flair in this complex that comprises three palatial hotels and dozens of private villas set in a richly landscaped garden.

Shopping at Souk Madinat Jumeirah

At the heart of the complex lies Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a maze-like bazaar with around 75 shops lining wood-framed walkways. Although the ambience is too contrived to feel like an authentic Arab market, the quality of some of the crafts, art and souvenirs is actually quite high. For a bit of Western culture, see what’s playing at the Madinat Theater. There are numerous cafes, bars and restaurants, the nicest of which overlook the waterways and the Burj Al Arab.

Riding an abra at Madinat Jumeirah

Explore Madinat Jumeirah's 2.5-mile-long network of winding waterways on a leisurely 20-minute cruise aboard a traditional style abra (a motorized wooden boat) with cushioned benches. The desert seems far away as you glide past enchanting gardens of billowing bougainvillea, bushy banana trees and soaring palms, all set against the dramatic Burj Al Arab backdrop. Tours leave from the Souk Madinat waterfront (near Trader Vic's). No reservations are necessary. If you are staying at a Madinat hotel or eating at one of the restaurants, your abra shuttle is free.

Where to get Friday brunch at Madinat Jumeirah

At the start of the weekend in the United Arab Emirates, Friday Brunch in Dubai is a time honored tradition, especially among Western expats. The Madinat hotels Al Qasr and Mina A Salamare famous for putting on some of the most most opulent spreads in town. Both dish up an unbelievable cornucopia of delectables – roast lamb, sushi, cooked-to-order seafood, beautiful salads, mezze and all sorts of hot dishes, plus there are cheese and dessert rooms. Make dinner or brunch reservations at least one week ahead for most of the restaurants.