Old Dubai: Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

Contexto cultural

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.

Costumbres locales

• 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.

Religión y creencias

• 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.

Normas que se aplican aquí

Consejos de viaje

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.