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Dubai is famous for its tall buildings, glistening beaches, nightlife scenes, shopping malls and food. Tens of thousands of tourists flock to the Emirate just for the sake of shopping, imagine! But Dubai is not just about the present and future.
Though Dubai has a ‘Museum of the Future’, featuring some of the most stunning items one is likely to see in greater numbers in the upcoming years, Dubai also takes good care of its past. There is a breathtaking place to explore Dubai’s heritage, culture, and architecture.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood: Introduction
Explore Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood for a good glimpse into life in Old Dubai during the mid-19th century. Located along the Dubai Creek, this district is a major heritage site in Dubai and much of the original infrastructure is preserved and intact.
There are more than 50 ‘houses’ at Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. Each building in the district has a story to tell. It is similar to sitting in a time machine (hope it sees the light of the day sometime soon!) and exploring Old Dubai in all its glory.
One of the top things to do around Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is exploring one of the oldest buildings in Dubai, Al Fahidi Fort. Originally built in the late 18th century as a defensive structure, Al Fahidi Fort is located outside the Dubai Museum.
Top things to do in and around Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
It is not incorrect to describe Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood as one of the most popular pages from a book titled ‘Old Dubai’. This district has been around since Dubai’s beginnings, long before the skyscrapers made their appearances.
1. Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU)
Gain a greater appreciation of Dubai’s culture and customs at SMCCU. Since opening in 1998, this centre in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood has been helping more people get a better understanding of the culture and customs of the UAE.
Take a seat on Bedouin-style carpets and relish the authentic Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner. Your local host can address most of the questions about life in the Emirate in the past. Be sure to book early to guarantee a spot.
- Location: House 26 Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Al Musalla Street, Bur Dubai
- Contact Number: +971 43536666
2. Coins Museum
The Coins Museum at Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood presents more than 470 rare coins from significant eras throughout the Middle East’s history. You can look through 8 rooms and see different coins that have been used in Dubai through the ages.
Opened in 2004, the Coins Museum lets visitors inspect coins through special display cabinets and magnifying screens to learn more about them. Touchscreens also feature detailed information on each coin, including its shape, metal used and date of minting.
- Location: Bur Dubai – Dubai Heritage Village – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
- Contact Number: +971 80033222
3. Al Fahidi Fort
Al Fahidi Fort, home to the famous Dubai Museum, is the oldest existing building in the city and a popular attraction for tourists interested in learning more about Old Dubai. This fort used to be the monarch’s base, a fortified residence and a prison, too.
In 1971, the same year as the formation of the UAE, Al Fahidi Fort reopened as Dubai Museum. Presenting Dubai’s history and its original heritage, it offers people a beautiful glimpse into the daily life situation before oil could be found.
- Location: Al Fahidi Street, But Dubai, Opposite Grand Mosque, Dubai, UAE.
- Contact Number: +971 80033222
4. Dubai Museum
Currently, it is only possible to explore Al Fahidi Fort/Dubai Museum from the outside as the venue is closed for renovations. Inside the Dubai Museum, you can find colourful dioramas and enlightening historic exhibits.
The galleries recreate historic Arab houses, souqs, mosques and date farms – in addition to depicting scenes from desert and marine life. The attraction also highlights the rich history of pearl diving in the region.
- Location: Al Fahidi Fort – Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
- Contact Number: +971 80033222
5. Al Fahidi Souq
Shopping in Dubai is an experience. The city has stunning shopping malls all around, presenting top things at great discounts. The Al Fahidi area also offers a special place for unbeatable offers and bargains on local items.
You can find shops selling readymade clothes helmed by both local designers and popular labels. Al Fahidi Souq has multiple stores selling gifts, antiques, electronics, perfumes, shoes, bags, cosmetics and other accessories. You can also refuel at restaurants nearby.
- Location: 12 60A Street – Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
- Contact Number: +971 42215555
6. Etihad Museum
Etihad Museum is a dynamic 21st-century museum focused on presenting the story of the founding of the UAE. This 25,000 square metre landmark is befittingly located at the very place that marked the founding of the country back in 1971.
Through a unique visitor experience, the different pavilions house experience-driven exhibitions, interactive programmes and education initiatives that highlight the chronology of events that culminated in the unification of the Emirates in the last century.
- Location: 1 Jumeira St – Al Mina – Jumeirah 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
- Contact Number: +97180033222
7. Meena Bazaar
Located primarily along one lane in the Bur Dubai district, Meena Bazaar is a tourist and resident hotspot for all things shopping at the best prices. This market is said to have got its name from the signboard of one of its first stores. Interesting, right?
Meena Bazaar in Dubai is often labeled as ‘Bur Dubai’s Little India’. This market can easily transport one to the past. You can find readymade traditional garments, gold ornaments, furniture, ceramics, perfumes, and also spices.
Location: 26 43c St – Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
8. Abra Ride
Time for something much more fun. Hop onto an abra to explore the past and present Dubai in style. Take in all the pleasing sights of the burgeoning UAE Emirate on one of these abras from just Dh1. It is as simple as that.
There are around 150 boats operating from 6 am until midnight. These boats are typically able to hold around 20 passengers. You can also find air-conditioned abras. They can be a great mode of transportation in the hot summer conditions but could cost a bit more.
Location: 778R+3CC – Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
9. Coffee Museum
Fans of coffee, assemble, please. Coffee Museum at Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is one of the best free things to do in Dubai. This place is a celebration of all things related to coffee. You can find different roasting techniques and associated antiquities.
Coffee Museum Dubai highlights the celebration of coffee culture across the globe. Entry is free and the museum shop is on the ground floor. It is also one of the top museums in Dubai. Some say that life in the UAE is not fuelled by oil but by coffee.
Location: Historical Neighborhood, Bastakiya, Villa 44 – Al Hisn St – Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact: +97143538777
10. XVA Gallery
Specializing in contemporary art from the region, XVA Gallery has done a fabulous job at presenting both established and up-and-coming talent from the UAE and the broader region. It is one of the most famous galleries in the entirety of the UAE.
XVA Cafe offers a range of Middle Eastern-inspired vegetarian options. It has been hailed as ‘Dubai’s best kept secret’. Be prepared to get transported to a simpler time. XVA also offers art consultancy services, providing expert consultancy and full project management.
- Location: Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Bur Dubai
- Contact Number: +971 43535383
11. Dubai Heritage Express
Heritage Express in Dubai is run by a team of enthusiastic local guides, called storytellers or cultural ambassadors. You can get an interesting range of experiences, including culture-centric sightseeing, culinary explorations, story sessions and a lot of fun.
Imagine exploring Old Dubai in all its glory in a traditional trolley. You are going to pass by historical landmarks, such as Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Al Seef, Al Fahidi Fort, Dubai Abra, Al Shindagha, Etihad Museum:Union House and Jumeirah Mosque Majlis.
- Location: Al Mussallah Rd – Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
- Contact Number: +971 80097777
12. Al Seef
This is the leisure district on the bustling Dubai Creek. This popular tourist destination in Dubai offers a charming atmosphere that pays homage to the heritage of the UAE. There are plenty of things to do in Al Seef year-round, though October to March remains the best time.
Al Seef is located at a short distance from Al Fahidi. The perfect place to shop, dine, and stay in Dubai. The shopping experience is impeccable and so is the culinary journey. BurJuman is the closest shopping mall to Al Seef.
Location: Al Seef Street (opposite the US Embassy), Dubai Creek Side
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