Old Dubai: Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood · Bur Dubai, by Dubai Creek, Dubai, UAE
Wind-tower houses built by Persian merchants in the 1890s, and the spice and gold souks of Deira across the creek — Dubai before oil.
Know before you go
- Dress conservatively in public (cover shoulders and knees)
- don't eat or drink in public by day during Ramadan
- ask before photographing local people (especially women).
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
The neighbourhood was built by merchants who moved from Bastak in Persia in the late 19th century; its coral-stone houses with Persian wind towers (barjeel) were natural air-conditioning, and it was originally called 'Bastakiya'. Today it houses the Dubai Museum, the Coffee Museum and art galleries. Across the creek, the spice and gold souks of Deira and the abra boats crossing Dubai Creek complete the picture of old Dubai.
Local customs
- Life moves slowly in old Dubai
- drinking Arabic coffee and smoking shisha in teahouses is how people socialise, and haggling is still the norm in the souks.
Religion & beliefs
- Islam (Sunni) is the UAE's state religion
- the neighbourhood has a small mosque, which non-Muslims can view from outside. During Ramadan, avoid eating and drinking in public by day.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
UAE: no kissing in public
- Show restraint in public
- Kissing in public
You can be arrested for it.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: United Arab Emirates travel advice
UAE: swearing and rude gestures are illegal
- Be polite when dealing with police and officials
- Swearing or making rude gestures (including online)
Treated as an obscene act; can lead to prison or deportation.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: United Arab Emirates travel advice
UAE: cross the road only at pedestrian crossings
- Cross at designated pedestrian crossings and watch for traffic
- Jaywalking
Illegal; you can be fined or even jailed. Even at zebra crossings, cars often don't stop.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: United Arab Emirates travel advice
UAE: cover shoulders and knees in malls and other public places
- Women should cover shoulders and knees
- Wear swimwear only at the beach or pool
- Wearing see-through clothes or clothes with offensive images or words
It offends local people; some venues have their own dress codes.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: United Arab Emirates travel advice
Don’t DON'T
- Dress conservatively in public (cover shoulders and knees)
- don't eat or drink in public by day during Ramadan
- ask before photographing local people (especially women).
Locals appreciate DO
- Old Dubai residents are nostalgic for the days of pearling and trade, and happy to tell the stories of their family businesses
- they care a great deal about preserving traditional crafts.
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
Abra fares are very low — the cheapest way to experience Dubai Creek, and a boat ride at sunset is wonderful. When buying gold in the souk, work out the price from the day's international gold price plus a making charge. The Coffee Museum offers free tastings of traditional coffee. It's a short walk from Al Fahidi metro station, and can be combined with the Deira souks on the same day.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
Must-try
- Arabic mixed grill
- Camel burger / stewed camel
- Hummus
Arabic grill platters, camel burgers / stewed camel (at some restaurants), hummus with pita, dates with Arabic coffee (qahwa), luqaimat (fried dumplings in honey syrup)
| Where to eat | Arabian Tea House (in Al Fahidi), cafés in the lanes of Bastakiya, and restaurants around the spice and gold souks in old Deira across the creek |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | The UAE is a Muslim country — dress appropriately in public; during Ramadan eating in public by day is restricted (follow that year's rules); alcohol only in licensed venues |
| Typical price per person | AED 80–150 ≈ CNY 155–290 |
| Tips | After the old town and a 1-dirham abra boat ride across Dubai Creek, eat in old Deira's small restaurants for better value. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
Satdeep Gill · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photos
Photos
EditQ · CC0
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selmaperictuzla · CC BY-SA 4.0
Delta.jpg · CC BY-SA 4.0
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