Years ago, before the skyscrapers, before the 12-lane highway, there was only Jumeirah. In fact, when the UAE was formed, its rulers signed the agreement in Union House, at the very start of Jumeirah Beach Road. Often called “The Beverly Hills” of Dubai, a drive down Beach Road reveals one enormous, lavish villa after another. Originally residential-only neighborhoods, they are now also home to an array of cafes, smart boutiques, and art galleries. Home to one of Dubai’s few public beaches, this recently renovated area includes a new boardwalk, running and walking track, with changing facilities and cafes along the way. Another landmark, Jumeirah Mosque, is the only mosque in Dubai that can be entered by non-Muslims. As part of the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, the mosque hosts regular tours and talks about Islam, as part of an “Open Doors, Open Minds” program. A wonderful way to understand more about the UAE and Islam.