Dubai is understood for its record-breaking buildings, luxurious actual property and fast transformation right into a thriving metropolis. Nonetheless, town’s historical past may be traced again to the 1830s, when the Maktoum household arrived and settled on the banks ofwhat is now the Dubai Creek, a pure saltwater inlet.
A Temporary Historical past of Dubai
From a small fishing village, Dubai grew right into a regionally vital port city with a inhabitants of round 20,000 by the Twenties. Nonetheless, the collapse of the pearl trade and subsequent financial melancholy hit town arduous.
After the invention of oil within the Sixties, Dubai actually started its fast modernisation. Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, one of many founding fathers of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai on the time, recognised that oil was a restricted useful resource for town.
Throughout his 32-year rule, Sheikh Rashid’s ambition and imaginative and prescient drove the event of vital infrastructure tasks akin to Port Rashid, Shindagha tunnel, Jebel Ali Port, and the enlargement of the Creek. These tasks helped to modernise town and set up it as a serious financial hub within the area.
As Dubai has continued to increase in the direction of Abu Dhabi, the realm across the Creek has change into referred to as “Previous Dubai”. This space was as soon as the centre of town, with the districts of Deira to the north and Bur Dubai to the south enjoying a key position in industrial commerce.
At this time, guests can nonetheless get a way of town’s historical past and tradition by visiting these vital components of Dubai. In Bur Dubai and significantly within the Al Shindagha and Al Fahidi districts, buildings have been preserved and restored in line with conventional structure. These areas supply a glimpse into Dubai’s previous and the wealthy cultural traditions of town.
If you need to delve deeper into the historical past of Dubai and Emirati tradition, the next are our high locations to go to.
On this information to Dubai historic locations, we’ll cowl:
Al Shindagha Museum
Al Shindagha Museum is devoted to the historical past of Dubai and Emirati tradition. The historic buildings have been restored and preserved as a way to showcase conventional Emirati structure. Among the foundations of the buildings date again to pre- 1900s.
Just a few fashionable parts have been integrated into the structure to replace and innovate the customer expertise. Just like the neighbouring areas of Al Fahidi and Al Seef, you’ll really feel transported again in time, while you wander the slender lanes between every constructing.
As a customer, you begin on the Welcome Centre, and you might be then invited to go to themed pavilions, every devoted to completely different points of Emirati historical past, life and tradition. Highlights embrace the restored Maktoum household residence (pictured), giving a fascinating perception into this household dynasty, and the Fragrance home, the place you’ll uncover the importance of scents in Emirati tradition and the way they’re created.
The museum is residence to a terrific choice of artefacts permitting guests to discover the historical past of Dubai and Emirati tradition.
Opening hours for Al Shindagha Museum:
- 10:00 AM to eight:00 PM each day. Please be aware final entry to the museum is at 7:00 PM
Ticket costs for Al Shindagha Museum:
- Adults 50 AED
- College students (5-24years) 20 AED
Study extra at Al Shindagha Museum
From Al Shindagha, enterprise into neighbouring Al Fahidi, the place you can find a number of extra historic locations to go to.
Al Fahidi Historic Neighbourhood
The Al Fahidi Historic Neighbourhood (beforehand referred to as Al Bastakiya) is the oldest a part of town, simple to discover on foot.
Al Fahidi Fort and Dubai Museum
Dubai Museum is situated within the Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest constructing in Dubai, courting again to 1787.
In 1971, the fort was transformed right into a museum with the goal of preserving the cultural heritage of Dubai and the UAE. The museum shows a spread of displays that depict the normal lifestyle within the area, together with the native historical past, tradition, and customs.
Please be aware that the Museum is at present closed till additional discover attributable to renovation.
Don’t fear concerning the museum being closed; there’s much more to discover on foot within the surrounding space. Now we have an entire information to exploring the Al Fahidi Historic Neighbourhood right here, or learn on for a number of the historic highlights.
Espresso Museum
Devoted to all issues espresso, this museum is nicely value a go to. Espresso performs an enormous half in Emirati tradition together with the broader Center East, and right here you possibly can be taught all concerning the cultural significance of this drink.
The Espresso Museum is housed in a standard constructing with a wind tower, typical of the Gulf area. The museum covers the historical past of espresso from its origins in Ethiopia to its unfold all over the world. It features a vary of artefacts and tools associated to the espresso trade, akin to vintage espresso grinders, roasters, and pots.
Guests can even be taught concerning the varied sorts of espresso beans and brewing strategies and might take part in instructional workshops and tastings to be taught extra concerning the historical past and tradition of espresso.
Opening hours for the Espresso Museums:
- Saturday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to five:00 PM
- Fridays closed
Study extra at Espresso Museum
Coin Museum
The Coin Museum is devoted to the historical past and evolution of foreign money within the UAE and the broader area. The museum contains a assortment of cash, foreign money notes, and different monetary devices from the UAE and different nations within the Center East.
It’s a standard vacationer attraction in Dubai and is understood for its informative displays and interactive shows. Guests will be taught concerning the early use of gold, silver, and copper cash, in addition to the newer introduction of paper foreign money.
The museum additionally has displays on the position of cash in society and the event of economic techniques within the area.
Opening hours for the Coin Museum:
- Monday to Thursday 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Friday 8:00 AM – 11.30 AM
- Saturday & Sunday Closed
Study extra at Coin Museum
Arabian Tea Home
This café opened in 1997 as Basta Arts Café, when Al Fahidi was nonetheless referred to as Al Bastakia. It has since change into a cultural establishment with quite a few branches within the UAE and overseas.
Take pleasure in conventional Emirati delicacies and hospitality within the authentic department of the teahouse. It’s situated inside a peaceable courtyard, the place you possibly can escape the warmth as you loosen up within the shade with a chilly drink or a standard espresso.
Do remember that it will probably get busy, and the café doesn’t settle for reservations from Friday to Sunday.
Notice that there are actually a number of branches of the Arabian Tea Home. The unique is discovered within the Al Faihidi Historic neighbourhood, however additional branches serving the identical delicacies may be present in Jumeirah Seaside, Mercato Mall, Jumeirah Archaeological website and Souk Al Shansiyah (Sharjah).
Opening hours for Arabian Tea Home:
- Every day 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Study extra at Arabian Tea Home
SMCCU
The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding is an organisation that goals to advertise cultural understanding and tolerance within the UAE. Located in amongst a number of the metropolis’s oldest restored buildings, it’s a vital cease in Dubai for tradition lovers.
It was based in 1998 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the ruler of the Emirate of Dubai, with the purpose of fostering larger understanding and concord between the varied cultures and communities that make up the UAE.
The SMCCU provides a spread of programmes and actions which are designed to teach guests and residents about Emirati tradition and assist them be taught extra concerning the native lifestyle. These programmes embrace guided excursions of native neighbourhoods, conventional Emirati meals, and lectures and workshops on varied cultural matters.
The SMCCU additionally hosts a number of occasions all year long, together with cultural festivals, movie screenings, artwork displays and Ramadan Iftars.
Opening hours for SMCCU:
- Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM to three:00 PM; Friday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
- As a result of tour recognition and restricted availability, prior reserving is now important.
- There’s quite a lot of free and paid occasions on supply.
Please go to www.cultures.ae to be taught extra about SMCCU and to e-book.
Textile Souk, Bur Dubai Previous Souk
Not removed from Al Faidi Histroical Neighbourhood on the Bur Dubai facet of the creek, you’ll discover one of many hottest souks in Dubai. Wander by the busy lanes as you store for vibrant materials and clothes.
Come ready to observe your bartering expertise, and do be aware that some outlets should still favor money over bank card.
Opening hours for the souks:
- The souk is usually open between 10:00 AM and 10:00 PM Saturday to Thursday, although many shopkeepers will shut through the center of the day.
- Friday is generally solely open after 4:00 PM.
Subsequent, head in the direction of Jumeirah 1, the place it is possible for you to to discover extra of the latest historical past of Dubai.
Etihad Museum
The Etihad Museum is devoted to the fashionable historical past of Dubai and the formation of the United Arab Emirates as a nation. Situated on the historic website the place the UAE structure was signed in 1971, Union Home, the museum is housed in a hanging constructing formed like a manuscript designed to symbolize the nation’s dedication to preserving its historical past and cultural heritage.
Contained in the museum, guests can discover a variety of interactive displays and shows that showcase the wealthy historical past and tradition of the UAE. The displays are divided into a number of galleries, every specializing in a special facet of the nation’s historical past. For instance, one gallery is devoted to the signing of the historic settlement that led to the formation of the UAE and shows the unique copies of the paperwork that had been signed.
The Etihad Museum additionally has a analysis centre and a library which are open to the general public. These assets are a terrific place for researchers and college students to be taught extra concerning the UAE’s historical past and tradition and may be accessed by appointment.
Total, the Etihad Museum is a incredible useful resource for anybody all in favour of studying extra concerning the latest historical past of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.
Opening hours for Etihad Museum:
- 10:00 AM to eight:00 PM each day. Final entry to the museum is at 7:00 PM.
Ticket costs fro Etihad Museum:
- Adults 25 AED
- College students (5-25 years) 10 AED
To be taught extra or to e-book go to Etihad Museum
Jumeirah Mosque
The Jumeirah Mosque is a landmark constructing with its two minarets standing tall above the primary prayer corridor. It was in-built 1979 as a present by the previous ruler Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
The inside of the mosque is simply as stunning as the outside, with a central dome and arched partitions embellished with intricate patterns and calligraphy. The mosque can accommodate as much as 1,500 worshippers at a time, and it’s a standard place for Friday prayers.
One of many distinctive options of the Jumeirah Mosque is that it is among the few mosques within the United Arab Emirates that’s open to non-Muslim guests. Guided excursions of the mosque can be found for vacationers, and these excursions present a chance for guests to be taught extra concerning the mosque, the Muslim religion, and Islamic tradition. The excursions are led by skilled guides who can reply questions and supply insights into the historical past and significance of the mosque.
Total, the Jumeirah Mosque is a crucial cultural and spiritual landmark in Dubai, and it’s a stunning and interesting place to go to for folks of all backgrounds.
Opening instances and entry to Jumeirah Mosque
- Guests are welcomed on the mosque twice a day at 10:00 am and a pair of:00 pm each day, other than Fridays.
- Bookings are usually not required, and registrations begin half-hour earlier than printed visiting instances.
- Entry is 35AED per individual.
Please be aware modest costume is required for all, and girls are requested to convey a scarf or scarf to cowl their hair.
Study extra at Jumeirah Mosque
Extra for Historical past and Tradition Lovers within the UAE
For many who’d like to dive extra into the nation’s latest historical past and pre-history, we’d additionally advocate:
- A day journey to Al Ain. Dwelling to the nation’s solely UNESCO World Heritage Listed properties, there are a number of alternatives to take an enchanting journey down reminiscence lane, from visiting the nation’s founding father’s residence (Al Ain Palace Museum) to visiting burial tombs believed so far again 5,000 years.
- Day journey to neighbouring Emirate Sharjah, referred to as the nation’s cultural capital, is a should. On the town, there’s a big focus of museums in Sharjah worthy of a go to, significantly the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization and Sharjah Maritime Museum.
- An extra day journey to the capital Abu Dhabi can also be a should. Though principally recognised for sensational fashionable buildings such because the Louvre, the Grand Mosque and Qasr al Watan, make a while in your Abu Dhabi itinerary to see Qasr Al Hosn, the oldest construction within the metropolis has just lately been absolutely restored and re-opened to the general public.
- The nation’s east coast shouldn’t be forgotten, with Al Bidya Mosque being the nation’s oldest mosque within the Emirate of Fujairah. You’ll discover all kinds of fascinating historic stays as you cross the Hajar Mountains and discover the northern Emirates.
Earlier than you go… Extra vital issues it is best to know when planning a visit to Dubai
Take me again to one of the best sights in Dubai
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