Dubai Historical & Traditional Sites
Dubai Attractions - Historical & Traditional Sites in Dubai by Dubai City Guide Summer 2008
Modern Dubai is just that – modern. Most attractions and sites are relatively new and most historical sites date back less than a millennium, which in terms of history, is nothing much. Some sites are reconstructions depicting ancient life, rather than the actual ruins. All in all, everything connected to history and tradition in Dubai can be called ‘historically significant’, rather than actually historic.
Bastakiya
Dating back to the early 1900s, the Bastakiya is the place where early settlements began in Dubai. This area is architecturally significant and is an important part of Dubai’s heritage. It spreads across 300 metres in length and 200 metres in depth on one side of the Dubai creek. Traditional Arabian courtyard houses enclosed in wind towers are beautifully presented within the Bastakiya. These wind towers were more than just decorative, as they were used to cool the surroundings during the pre-electricity era.
Dubai Museum
The Dubai Museum is housed within the Al Fahidi Fort, which is located next to the Bastakiya District.
The fort is believed to be Dubai’s oldest building and historical records indicate it was used as a military post, palace and prison over time. Now a prominent museum, the fort is used to display artefacts, antiques and everything else that’s important to Dubai’s heritage. Pearl diving tools from the yesteryears, clay items, traditional musical instruments, antique khanjars and much more can be seen here.
Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum’s House
This beautiful and expansive palace was once the ruling family’s abode and is an important edifice of historic proportions. It’s believed to have provided ample panoramic views of the Persian Gulf in the olden days, but new developments on Dubai’s coastline has reduced the amazing visibility now. Visitors can see the photographic exhibitions and artefacts display here, which presents Dubai’s history in chronological form. The Heritage & Diving Village, located next to the palace, offers excellent experiences for visitors. The city’s past is duly explored and represented here, with a Bedouin tent village, archaeological site excavations and ancient armory.
