Al Fahidi Dubai - Guide to the Historical Neighbourhood

Al Fahidi Dubai - Dubai’s rich history with a local Emirati. Know More about things to do and see at Historical Neighbourhood.

Although Dubai is a modern city known for its architecture and various Guinness world records, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood takes you back to old Dubai. A preserved 18th-century fishing village. You can walk through ancient streets, explore houses that housed Emirati families hundreds of years ago and learn about the roles and dynamics that the people played during their era. Just make sure to search for the little gems hidden in this neighbourhood.

Dubai Museum

Suppose you want to gain an idea about Dubai during its historical time before the 1960s oil boom. In that case, you must explore Dubai Museum. It is a priceless opportunity to dive deep into the origins of Dubai’s economic and societal structure during its simple times.

The Dubai museum is built the inside the museum halls, which filter the history of the UAE through different periods. Inside are precious artefacts like pottery pieces, animal figures and pearl diving equipment, a fundamental symbol of trade in UAE’s history.

The Dubai Museum is built inside Al Fahidi Fort. The building has been standing for hundreds of years. Throughout its life span, it housed the royal family and was a prison and a weapons depot. Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum renovated this historical monument.

Nothing truly stays the same with time. This is evident when exploring the interiors of the museum hall. The museum antiques are allocated into different collections under passages or exhibitions. These artefacts range from pottery pieces, animal figures and pearl diving equipment, a fundamental symbol of international trade in the UAE’s history.

The pottery collection is one thing you can see inside the museum. The collection of utensils, cooking pots and other containers used for food preservation.

Location: Al Fahidi Street, opposite Grand Mosque
Opening hours: 08:30 am to 08:30 pm | 02:30 pm to 08:30 pm (Friday)

Coins Museum

Coins represent the monetary currency as it shifts over time. Many end up meaning different historical eras. There is much more to all the nickels and pennies than what meets the eye. The Coins Museum allows visitors to gaze at the 470 coins collection.

Each is unravelling the history of the economy of the UAE and other Arab civilizations during different periods. These coins tell stories, such as international trade with countries like India. You can check the monetary influence of the colonial rule of the British Empire on the UAE. Do not hesitate to follow up with what shaped current history by looking at the change of currency after the unification of the seven Emirates and the formation of the United Arab Emirates as an independent country.

Timings: Friday 8:00 am to 11:30 am

BASTAKIYA QUARTER

If you navigate the streets of Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, try and look upwards. On the houses are beige-coloured towers made of mud, coral and palm wood. These structures were part of the technology of the past. Serving as an air conditioning system, it gets redirected into a funnel that spreads inside the buildings when the wind blows. This cools down shops, houses and centres in the desert heat before electrical installations.

COFFEE MUSEUM

This lovely antique-styled museum hits your senses with the smell of coffee. What is now known as a universal drink also had some historical and cultural influences on the history of the Emirati people in old Dubai. The Coffee Museum features 300 antique sets. The museum covers all there is to know about coffee. The history of trade, brewing the traditional beverage and serving it on historical coffee sets. All is a part of an essential tradition of Emirati guest courtesy, which is of great importance to today’s Emirati culture.

Location: Villa 44, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Bastakiya – Bur Dubai
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Closed on Friday)

SHEIKH MOHAMMED CENTRE FOR CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed created the Centre for Cultural Understanding to inform tourists and ex-pats alike about the essence of Emirati culture. The centre is furnished in a traditional Emirati house. You can sign up for a tour or have lunch or dinner at the gathering with locals. Their conversation is exchanged on the traditions and customs of the country.

Location: House 26, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Al Musallah Street
Timings: 08:00 am to 04:00 pm (Sunday to Thursday) | 09:00 am to 01:00 pm (Saturday)

TEXTILE MARKET

Before the spacious shopping malls that can be enjoyed in Dubai, back in the day, shopping activities were different. So come and explore the Textile Market, considered the oldest market in the city. Check the textiles and fabrics from neighbouring countries. There are silks and other garments. If you want additional pieces, try the traditional Emarati clothes, or check out the tea sets and jewellery. There are also conventional furniture decors and paintings that capture the ambience Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood offers.

Arabian Tea House

If you want to enjoy a cup of tea at Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, then pass by the Arabian Tea House. There are around 150 different types of tea to drink. As for food, there are desserts and pastries to accompany your warm cup of tea, also salads and sandwiches. The seating area is a courtyard filled with plants and leaning trees, attracting lovely birds and chirrups. It is a beautiful spot to enjoy the day.

On the other hand, if you don't fancy a cup of tea and instead you are craving a meal. Then stop by to taste traditional dishes like Khabisah (a plate of rice and meat) or Regag bread (sliced bread with honey, egg and cheese).

Location: Bastakiya Opposite Musalla Post Office - Al Fahidi St - Bur Dubai - Al Fahidi - Dubai
Timings: Friday to Thursday 7:00 am - 11:00 pm

XVA Gallery and Cafe

At the core of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood lays the XVA Gallery and Cafe. The XVA Cafe offers refined vegan cuisine with innovative dishes suitable to try for foodies out there. The cafe is a scenic terrace that feels like you have uncovered a secret garden amid the Al Fahidi fishing district.

The XVA Gallery is a fusion of middle eastern art and modernist art. The mix of Arabic calligraphy with abstract statues and portrait paintings depicts common themes in the Arab world. Presenting the works of established and emerging artists, giving a platform to all forms of art, and educating its visitors through its monthly exhibits.

If you want to check it out, click the link below to stay updated on the latest events at XVA Gallery.

Commute to Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is located at Bur Dubai - Al Hamriya - Dubai. To avoid traffic, it is advisable to exchange travelling by car with public transport.

Dubai Metro

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood can be visited through the Dubai Metro train network. Take the green line and stop at Sharaf DG metro station. This is one of the most convenient ways to reach the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.

For more information on how to use Dubai Metro, click the link.

Ride Al Abra

Al Abra is a small wooden boat considered the oldest form of transport in the UAE. Take a ride to feel the soft rocking of the boat on the mellow waters, and enjoy the view of the Al Fahidi Historic Neighbourhood from a different angle.