With tall skyscrapers, Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Zayed Road, and the Dubai Mall, the tax-free city is celebrated for its luxury and sophistication. Yet, beneath this dazzling facade lies the “Old Dubai” region, celebrated for its rich culture and heritage glory, which exuded lavishness beyond imagination.
It reflects the royalty of Dubai’s rulers and traditional Arabian and Emirati culture, apart from showcasing the city’s trade center, Dubai Creek. Moreover, it lies north of the city, comprising major towns like Bur Dubai and Deira. Thus, Old Dubai the culture and heritage are preserved, and let’s check more.
Old Dubai is one the most inaccessible tourist areas while locals check it. Our list will cover the sites of Old Dubai culture and heritage worth visiting.
How about making a smooth start to your exploration by visiting the oldest building in Dubai?
The Al Fahidi Fort, popularly known as the Dubai Museum, takes people back to the past of the Emirates, especially Dubai, where each nook weaves a tale. Earlier a fort, Dubai’s ruler re-established it as a museum in 1971.
Besides, the coral rock and mortar structure has square-shaped towers occupying its three corners. It has a rich history, from guarding the towns against landward approaches of raids to functioning as an arsenal and a prison in the past.
The place has dioramas that recreate Arab houses, mosques, and other trade centers.
Built In: 1787
How about a Mosque reflecting Dubai’s Islamic heritage that combines Ottoman and Emirati architecture?
Also known as Grand Bur Dubai, the Masjid is worth visiting for spiritual enlightenment. It was earlier a school (kuttab) in 1900 where students learned the Quran.
Besides, it even has the tallest minaret in Dubai, measuring 230 feet, which resembles a lighthouse, replicating its cultural significance. It can host nearly 1200 worshippers simultaneously and offers Mosque tours. Besides, the authorities rebuilt the building using its original architecture in 1960 and 1998.
Built In: 1850
What if you could tantalize your taste buds with authentic royal food with a view of Dubai Creek and a historic watchtower?
The Bayt Al Wakeel will fill your stomach with delicious food and your heart with bliss!
This restaurant is in Dubai Creek, next to the Textile Souk in the Al Fahidi region. Earlier, it was a shipping agent’s resident that managed dhow paperwork. Hence, it was crucial in contributing to the city’s prosperity.
Its original structure was made of mud, coral, and wood beams. From Emirati and Levantine dishes like lamb kebabs, seafood, and citrus-splashed stands. While craving such cuisine, you can watch dhows and abras glide over the waters.
Built In: 1935
Would you prefer to view the creek that divides the heritage cities of Deira and Bur Dubai, which form Old Dubai?
After dining at Bayt Al Wakeel, people can sit in the Abras to experience the city’s conventional transport medium. This wooden boat has played a key role in its history and reflects the rich cultural heritage of Old Dubai
Most importantly, these Abra stations are situated adjacent to the famous markets of Old Dubai for sightseeing.
Would you like to explore Dubai’s traditional old gold market, which features wooden roofs, unlike the modern gold jewelry exteriors?
The Dubai Gold Souk in Deira is the oldest in the city and, after its inception, had a handful of sellers. The city revived its trade policies in 1940, encouraging Indian and Iranian jewelers while the oil discovery popularized the region post-1970.
Now, it boasts over 380 retail sellers that trade gold, diamonds, and other gems. The Souk is a worldwide attraction due to its affordable prices resulting from the city’s tax-free status.
Apart from variety and prices, each piece of the Souk is authentic and complies with Dubai’s regulations. Before buying, you can always check every piece’s certification. It’s thus a center of gold trading to find gold intricacies.
Built In: Early 1900s
How about having a delightful sensory experience across one of the oldest regions of Dubai?
The Spice Souk, with colorful stalls featuring traditional spices, herbs, teas, and other things, is worth visiting. By trespassing across its streets, you can feel the rich aroma of these spices. People worldwide visit this place to buy in bulk, bargain, and save money. Most importantly, vendors allow them to taste and check the flavors before purchasing.
Moreover, you can even savor Arabian spices, whose heritage is renowned for its authenticity worldwide. As many quote, buying and using these ingredients adds Arabian flavors to kebabs, biryanis, and desserts. It’s the most popular attraction for culinary enthusiasts of the Middle East.
Built In: 1850
How about seeing the Dubai ruler’s royal and magnificent life?
Built-in a serene environment, the Shindagha Museum hosts various houses reflecting the region’s heritage. It features the Al Maktoum House, the ruling family of Dubai, and exudes the journey of their family’s humble beginnings to their rise in power.
Besides, it contains many other restored palaces and courtyards featuring traditional Emirati architecture with crafts like pearl diving and pottery in action. The best part is that you can try them and witness their history through their vibrant storytelling techniques.
It even reflects the royal culture and daily living with a surrounding garden that can be a royal photo backdrop.
Built In: 2006
Would you love to explore the remains of a site that once thrived in the Abbasid period in the 10th century CE?
The original site was abandoned for a long time and covered under sand layers until the 1969 century. It has 8 separate buildings excavated, the largest (Caravanserai) measuring 1000 sqm. These even consist of a mosque and bronze coins, making it a rich heritage site.
Besides, it has a small Museum, which is free to visit, containing old ornaments, jewelry, pottery, vessels, boat-shaped lamps, arch-shaped plaster, and much more. While most people visit this place for the Arabian Tea House, you can cherish the sights of Dubai’s skyline.
Founded in: 1969
Dubai has an additional mode of transport with Dhows and Abras that does help with commuting, yet they have limitations in accessibility. Besides, things like taxis and public vehicles don’t allow you to explore the places well because of a lack of flexibility.
The limitations are as well:
Instead, rental car options, like hourly or daily, per your preferences, remain the best option for travel. For smaller groups, you can opt for mid-range car rentals like Mercedes C200, while for larger groups/families, you can opt for SUVs like Rolls Royce Cullinan. Besides, flexible plans ensure you get the most economical pricing and along with safety in the regions.
People upscale the majestic experience with luxury cars like Bentley Bentayga to make the most of their trips. Even those needing supercars can opt for sports cars from brands like McLaren, Ferrari, and Lamborghini.
Dubai is synonymous with luxury yet with royalty as well. However, while exploring Old Dubai culture and heritage, you must ensure your family/group’s safety. Further, be patient and spend sufficient time enjoying the city’s past through centuries.
Therefore, car rentals remain the most efficient option to avoid constraints and overwhelming costs while exploring rich sites.
Happy-traveling!
Phantom Rent a Car are experts in high-quality luxury cars combined with expert service. We help turn your dreams into a reality by providing you with the largest fleet of luxury hire cars to choose from. Our luxury cars allow you to explore everything that Dubai has to offer in style, immersing yourself in the culture, elegance and sophistication of the region.
