Al Fahidi Dubai – A journey through cultural and traditional gems

35 years ago, a king stepped in and turned Al Fahidi Dubai into a surprising part of Dubai. Now, it’s filled with art, museums and old fashioned charm.

 Al Fahidi A Royal Intervention

Dubai, known for its futuristic skyline and relentless development, holds a surprising secret. The historic quarter of Al Fahidi. This enclave of old-world charm, art galleries and museums owes its existence to a royal intervention by none other than Prince Charles 35 years ago.

Old Arabia Memories

Al Fahidi, tucked away from Dubai’s bustling cityscape, greets visitors with coral, gypsum and palm wood structures. In this timeless neighborhood, absent are the skyscrapers and shopping malls typical of Dubai. Instead, narrow alleys, hand-carved teak doors, and ancient wind towers create an enchanting scene reminiscent of old Arabia.

 Royal Connection to Al Fahidi

Legend has it that in 1989, during a royal tour, Prince Charles and Princess Diana received an invitation from Rayner Otter who is a British architect residing in Al Fahidi. This visit turned the tide for the historic district, then known as Bastakiya. Originally constructed in the 1890s by pearl traders and textile merchants, Bastakiya faced the threat of demolition as modern developments encroached.

From Grand Villas to Shanty Conditions

The district’s heyday, marked by grand villas and a vibrant community, had faded by the 1980s. Coral walls crumbled, wind towers decayed and significant portions of Bastakiya were razed for new projects. The entire Creek area, where Bastakiya stood, faced disrepair, likened to a shanty condition.

Prince Charles Intervention

Upon Otter’s suggestion, Prince Charles visited the dilapidated district and was captivated by its heritage. The Prince implored Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Dubai’s ruler, to halt the demolition. Whether through a letter or a personal meeting, Prince Charles is credited with personally intervening to save Bastakiya.

Transformation into Al Fahidi

Dubai, true to its style, spared no expense in the restoration of Bastakiya. In 2012, the district was renamed Al Fahidi, paying homage to an 18th-century fortress nearby. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the royal visit, yet Al Fahidi remains somewhat under the radar, preserving its subtle charm.

Exploring Al Fahidi

A mere 20-minute taxi ride from Dubai’s skyscrapers, Al Fahidi offers a stark contrast—a genuine piece of the past amid a rapidly changing city. Pedestrianized and a few hundred meters wide, its streets echo with the call to prayer at sunset, painting wind towers golden.

Peaceful Cultural Afternoon

For a delightful afternoon, start at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, housed in a grand pearl merchant’s house. Fully pedestrianized, Al Fahidi features street art, galleries like XVA Gallery and museums exploring Emirati culture. The area hosts events like the Sikka Art & Design Festival annually, showcasing local talent.

Shops and Niche Museums

While Al Fahidi lacks traditional souks, it boasts small shops selling antiques and crafts. Niche museums rich in calligraphy, coffee culture and traditional daggers. Bayt Al Khanyar features black-and-white photos of the UAE and its rulers.

Dubai Creek and Old Souk

The charm of Dubai lies in the southern part of Bur Dubai, near Dubai’s Creek area. The Old Souk, also known as the textile market. It is a great place to shop for traditional goods. Getting there is easy thanks to Abra Taxis and the Dubai metro system. which offer affordable transport all day long.

The Old Souk is open from Saturday to Thursday, from 10 am to 10 pm, giving plenty of time for tourists, locals, and merchants to enjoy shopping. On Fridays, it opens later, from 4 pm to 10 pm.
If you’re staying at Golden Sands Hotel Creek, the best way to reach the Old Souk is by taking an Abra, the traditional water taxis. It’s a short and scenic ride across the Creek, and it’s inexpensive. You can also walk there in about 30 minutes, or take a taxi or Uber for a quick 11-minute ride.

Al Farooq Mosque 

In the heart of Al Fahidi lies the Al Farooq Mosque, one of Dubai’s only mosques open to tourists. Its stunning architecture, reminiscent of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. It makes it a must see attraction in Dubai.

To visit the mosque, you’ll need to book a tour as it’s not open to the public for free. Visiting hours are Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 to 11:00 and from 16:15 to 18:00.

You can reach the mosque easily by cab or bus, with parking available nearby. The mosque is situated near Dubai Creek and close to the Dubai Museum.

There’s a dress code to follow when visiting: women should wear loose-fitting pants or long skirts, with long sleeves and a headscarf. Men should avoid wearing shorts above the knee and wear shirts with at least shoulder-length sleeves.

Make sure to check the dress code guidelines before visiting to ensure you’re dressed appropriately.

Food at Al Fahidi

Al Fahidi is rich with food. You should definitely try the Arabian Tea House, which has been around since 1997. It has a lovely courtyard with lots of plants where you can relax on turquoise benches and old rattan chairs. The menu has lots of Emirati and Middle Eastern dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Another good place to eat is XVA Cafe. It serves mostly vegetarian Middle Eastern food and is located in a courtyard at the XVA Art Hotel. There’s contemporary art on the walls and tables set around a big tree in the middle.

If you want a quiet place to work or read, check out Make Art Cafe. It’s got a peaceful courtyard surrounded by art where you can sit and relax.

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