DEIRA. Burj Nahar dates back to the late 19th century, when it was constructed along with three other towers to serve as part of Dubai's eastern network of defenses. Guards would scale the tower and keep watch for invaders from the city's warlike neighbors. Today, the tower has been painstakingly restored to resemble its original state and keeps close watch over the exquisite Gardens of Deira.

BUR DUBAI. Al Faheidi Fort, which dates back to the early 19th century, houses the Dubai Museum, which has an impressive collection of military and cultural artifacts. The fort, believed to be Dubai's oldest standing building, was originally constructed to defend the town's early residents from warlike tribes in the region. Today, visitors can tour the old fort and see antique pearl diving tools; copper, alabaster and clay artifacts; antique khanjars; and traditional musical instruments. A must see if you're visiting Dubai for the first time.

BUR DUBAI. The Dubai Heritage & Diving Villages, located next to the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoom House, offer invaluable insight into the city's past. This center focuses on the Emirate's cultural and social development in three fields: architecture, pearl diving and maritime. Displays and exhibits include a Bedouin tent village, an ancient armory, and a wide range of excavated items from a nearby archaeological site. A small cafe and gift shop are on the premises as well.

JUMEIRAH. Making up one of the Arabian Peninsula's most important archaeological sites, the ruins at Jumeirah date back to the 6th century, when the desert culture was making the transition to Islam. Past digs have uncovered the foundations of numerous stone homes, a storehouse, a souk (public market) area, and a variety of tools and everyday items like pottery, glassware and metal coins. Tourists or tour operators may obtain a permit from the Dubai Museum to visit the site.

BUR DUBAI. One of the oldest residences in the city, Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum's House dates back to the late 19th century. The home was constructed using traditional preparation techniques, and large windtowers helped keep the home cool even on the hottest days. When the Al-Maktoum family first lived in the home, it boasted unparalleled panoramic views of the Persian Gulf, but development along the shoreline in recent years has diminished them somewhat. Today, visitors can tour the home, which also exhibits historical photographs and artifacts that chronicle the history of the Emirate of Dubai.