In close proximity to the city's principal thoroughfare, the Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai showcases a spectrum of awe-inspiring projects that have redefined the quality of living in the city. Here is a brief run-down on some of the landmarks that characterise Dubai:

Shindagha House
A monument of great historic importance to Dubai, Shindagha House was the birthplace of Dubai 's royal family - the Maktoums. The imposing wind-towers and traditional architectural features are complemented with a Heritage and Diving Village and boulevard, that attracts visitors. The Shindagha House lines the Dubai Creek, which has for long been the lifeline of the city. A ride criss-crossing the Creek on a traditional abra is a must-do for all Dubai visitors.

Al Fahidi Fort
Now hosting the Dubai Museum , the Al Fahidi Fort in Bur Dubai was built circa 1800. The ramparts of the fort now open to the bustling Meena Bazaar, which showcases textile and gold shops, and was the original downtown of Dubai. The adjoining Bastakiya district still has traditional houses with wind-towers, many of them having been restored recently by the Dubai Municipality .
Burj Nahar, one of the watch towers of yore in Deira; archeological sites in Jumeriah and Ghusais and the spectacular Hatta Fort on the backdrop of the Hajjar Mountains are other heritage sites of Dubai .

Jumeirah Mosque A modern city landmark, the Jumeirah Mosque is an architectural marvel on the Jumeirah road, which lines the coast and is adjacent to the Union House, where the historic decree was signed officiating the formation of the United Arab Emirates. The mosque is one of the most photographed monuments of Dubai and also blends traditional and modern architectural elements. Souks and Parks When in Dubai, do not miss its souks or bustling market places. Characteristic of the traditional market places of yore, the Arabian souks are also the one-stop destination for anyone wishing to soak in the local culture. From an array of knick-knacks on sale to getting a true feel of the local population, Dubai's souks in Bur Dubai near the Creek and in Deira evoke yesteryear charm.

Not to be missed are the Gold Souk and Spice Souk - the former devoted to rows and rows of shops parading the glitter of gold jewellery, while the latter showcases a slice of the region's ancient trading history through a fascinating display of gunny bags with spices galore. The city also has a number of parks - the green lungs of the city - with abundant play areas for children. Some of the more frequented ones are the Safa Park, Mushrif Park, Creekside Park and the newly opened Zabeel Park, a vast expanse of greenery right in the heart of the city. Dubai also has golf courses that challenge even the most seasoned golf professionals and marinas that berth yachts.

In and Around Dubai
Apart from the traditional tourist spots and the modern landmarks, Dubai offers scintillating leisure options in its deserts and by the sea. Drives to the desert including wadi bashing (an exploration of the desert environment) is an experience unique to the city. Visitors can also take horse and camel rides, or go scuba diving, water-skiing and snorkeling, or watch dancers match the beat to frenzied Arabic beats in desert camps.

Dubai International Convention Centre
Strengthening Dubai's claim as the regional tourist hotspot is the world-class Dubai International Convention Centre. DICC is as much a technological triumph as a construction-engineering marvel, and hosts the world's biggest exhibitions including GITEX, the premier IT expo; and the Arabian Travel Market (ATM).

Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City
A landmark development on Sheikh Zayed Road , the Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City has opened doors to a New Economy, one that drives knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurship. The Dubai Media City provides an advanced infrastructure and supportive environment for media-related businesses to operate globally out of Dubai. The Dubai Internet City supports IT-related businesses and today has the world's top-notch names operating out of its premises.

Knowledge Village
Knowledge Village is a vibrant community of professional training and e-learning providers offering courses in a range of fields including IT, media, finance, and healthcare, among others. The Knowledge Village comprises 13 buildings, each with a basement, ground plus one storey.

Burj Al Arab The new architectural icon of Dubai, Burj Al Arab is designed to resemble a billowing sail, the hotel soars to a height of 321 metres, dominating the Dubai coastline. At night, it offers an unforgettable sight, surrounded by choreographed colour sculptures of water and fire. This all-suite hotel reflects the finest that the world has to offer. Gold and Diamond Park The Gold and Diamond Park , a venture of Emaar Properties has served as an investment hotbed for the jewellery trade. Supported by the Gold Council and the Gold and Jewellery Group in its objective of establishing Dubai's stature as one of the world's great centres for jewellery manufacturing, the Park is a combination of purpose-built manufacturing units and offer simple start-up procedures under the umbrella of a Free Zone.

Millennium Grandstand
Designed by the Engineer's Office, the Millennium Grandstand has left Dubai visitors awestruck for its sheer magnificence. Built under the personal supervision and patronage of Sheikh Mohammed, the Millennium Grandstand is a state-of-the-art facility that gels with the green charm of the Nad Al Sheba racecourse.

American University in Dubai
The "Only American Accredited University in the Gulf," American University in Dubai , sprawling over many acres on Sheikh Zayed Road, is more than an architectural landmark. It also marks the coming of age of the education sector of the emirate.

Emirates Living
Emaar Properties, initiated in 1997 to reshape the economy and lifestyle of Dubai, has created Emirates Living, a collection of neighbouring Emaar properties that epitomize quality living in a premier location. Comprising the Emirates Hills, The Lakes, The Meadows, The Greens, and The Springs, all the Emirates Living properties provide beautiful homes, a tranquil scenery, and quality living. Originally established as the " Beverly Hills" of Dubai, Emirates Hills, a project of single-family detached villas, fetches an idyllic backdrop in the rolling fairways and the lush greens of two world-championship golf courses.

More on cards…
No list of Dubai's architectural marvels is complete without a mention of the upcoming properties all set to give the emirate a new identity. These include the towering Burj Dubai tower, the tallest building when completed in 2008; and The Palm properties, projects that encompass palm-tree shaped islands, which would extend Dubai's coastline and create a large number of residential, leisure and entertainment opportunities.
Another awe-inspiring project that will enhance Dubai's appeal to the world is Nakheel's The World. It is an offshore land development of 223 man-made islands, strategically positioned to form the shape of a map of the world. Located five kilometers off the coast of Dubai, The World will be 3.4 miles in both length and width, covering 60 million square feet, including 10 million square feet of beach.