Madinat Jumeirah

Madinat Jumeirah is a hotel and leisure complex laid out as an idealised old town: wind towers, courtyards and low buildings in sand colours, cut through by three kilometres of artificial waterways on which abras carry guests between the hotels. A covered souk sells crafts, carpets and souvenirs along wooden-roofed lanes. It is a reconstruction rather than anything historic, but the scale and the water make it a pleasant walk, and the Burj Al Arab stands directly offshore.

What you actually see

• The waterways - three kilometres of channels worked by abra boats.
• The souk - a covered lane of shops built in traditional style.
• The wind towers - barjeel cooling towers used as the complex's architectural motif.
• The Burj Al Arab view - the hotel standing on its island directly offshore.

When to go

November to April for the outdoor walking; evening is best in any season. Ramadan changes restaurant hours. Summer makes the open courtyards uncomfortable.

Honest expectations

It is a modern resort dressed as an old town and nothing here is historic. Souk prices are high and aimed at hotel guests. Much of the complex is accessible only to those staying or dining.

Nearby

Burj Al Arab is offshore, and Kite Beach is northeast.