Al Fahidi / Bastakiya★★
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Bur Dubai
Frei zugänglich, 24/7. Museum: Sa–Do 8:30–20:30, Fr 14:30–20:30
Viertel frei, Museum 3 AED (0,75 EUR)
The Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (also called Bastakiya) is the oldest preserved district of Dubai — a labyrinthine tangle of narrow alleys, wind tower houses, and sandstone-colored walls, which acts as a counterpoint to futuristic Dubai. Here, on the south bank of the Creek, wealthy Persian merchants lived in the 19th and early 20th centuries, bringing with them the Iranian wind tower (Barjeel) as a natural air conditioner.
Today, the lovingly restored district houses galleries, cafes, boutique hotels, and small museums — a charming place to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city for a few hours. Strolling through the alleys is like a time travel to Dubai before the oil.
Highlights
- Dubai Museum (Al Fahidi Fort): In the oldest building in Dubai (1787), the museum tells the story of the city — from the pearl diving era to the oil discovery to modern times. Impressive dioramas and underwater pearl diving simulation. Only 3 AED (0.75 EUR) entry!
- Coffee Museum: Small, lovingly curated museum about the coffee culture of the Arab world. Free Arabic coffee included.
- XVA Gallery & Hotel: Boutique hotel in a restored wind tower house with art gallery and vegetarian café. Pure atmosphere.
- Arabian Tea House: The prettiest café in all of Old Dubai — sit under bougainvillea in the courtyard and drink Karak Chai or fresh mint tea.