Dubai, the fastest-growing city in the United Arab Emirates, has become a major tourist destination as well as a business center. The tallest building in the world stands firmly in the middle of the city with the best views of the city of Dubai, and luxury shopping centers are scattered everywhere.
However, Dubai has an area that tells a different story, Old Dubai. Old Dubai is one of Dubai’s attractions which provides visitors with the opportunity to get to know the Arab culture, traditions, history, and heritage of Dubai.
We have created a list of hidden gems in Old Dubai that you must visit when you come to Dubai.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Dubai is not only known as a modern city today. Several ancient corners in Dubai called Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood can take you to the atmosphere of old Dubai in 1890.
In this neighborhood, there is a unique museum that’s a must-visit. Bayt Al Khanyar Museum, also known as the dagger museum. You can learn the history and cultural significance of Arabian daggers, and enjoy the collection.
Arabic Coffee at Coffee Museum
Don’t miss the opportunity to try Arabica coffee at the Coffee Museum. Located in the Al Fahidi complex, the Coffee Museum was opened in 2014 by Khalid al Mullan and is the largest coffee museum in the Middle East.
Arabic coffee has a strong aroma with a strong cardamom taste so it is different from coffee in other places. When you visit this museum, your tour will start with a cup of strong Ethiopian coffee.
It doesn’t stop there. Apart from gaining a lot of knowledge about coffee and enjoying the collection of antiques in this museum, you can find a small, elegant coffee bar on the second floor that will serve the Arabica coffee you want.
Dubai Museum at Al Fahidi Port
The next hidden gem in Old Dubai is the Dubai Museum located in Al Fahidi Fort. This is the oldest building in Dubai, built in 1786.
In 1971, by the government, this building was operated as the city’s main museum. The aim is to provide a picture of traditional Dubai life before it became a modern city with rows of skyscrapers.
The Dubai Museum contains local antiquities as well as artifacts from countries that traded with Dubai, such as Africa and Asia. You can also enter galleries showcasing traditional Arab houses, mosques and markets, wilderness, and aquatic life.
FYI, currently the Dubai Museum is still closed for maintenance. We suggest following the information at Instagram Dubaiculture to find out the latest operational information.
Old Dubai Market
Dubai has traditional markets which are a legacy of Old Dubai. To dive into the local atmosphere and crowds, you should come to some of Dubai’s famous souks.
Dubai Spice Market spice souk
You will be greeted with a strong aroma of spices and a multitude of dried herbs. Vendors at this souk offer fresh spices, from cinnamon to rosebuds, as well as gum Arabic, which is widely used as a coating on chewing gum and chocolate.
What makes this market unique is the collection of traditional and rare spices in their original form. Moreover, they have the richest quality of saffron from Iran, but be careful in selecting them as some are lower quality. Look for ones with sweeter scents and redder colors.
If you want to shop for spices here, don’t forget to bargain.
Dubai Gold Souk
Gold Souk is one of the oldest trading places. Gold, silver, and precious stones will fill your eyes as you walk the alleys of this Gold Souk.
Whether you are just exploring or want to invest, you can find what you want at this Gold Souk. The market is famous for its collection of gold, gemstones, and rare precious metals, and everything sold at the Gold Souk is guaranteed to be authentic by the government.
Textile Souk
Dubai Textile Souk is one of the oldest markets in the city, located in the historic Bur Dubai district of Dubai. This busy market is famous for its colorful collection of fabrics, textiles, and clothing.
Stroll through the market’s narrow alleys to catch a glimpse of the small shops and stalls. Each shop will offer a unique selection of fabrics and textiles. Don’t be afraid to bargain, because bargaining is a common thing in this textile market.
Dubai Creek
Experiencing the authentic side of Dubai is one of the main reasons you come to this place. The Creek is a traditional hub of activity, with a bustling market, historic buildings and traditional wooden boats.
These boats converge on both sides of Dubai Creek, in Deira and Bur Dubai, and can carry up to 20 people. Even though many local residents use boats for crossings and daily activities, you will also find many tourists, especially those who want to enjoy the sunset view from Dubai Creek.
Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or shopaholic, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained at Dubai Creek.
You should also stop by Al Seef, the popular area of Dubai Creek, which is located right on the busy Dubai Creek. This destination offers a charming atmosphere of old Dubai, with ancient building facades that will take you back to Dubai’s past. You can shop, enjoy culinary delights, and even stay overnight here.
Souk Naif
Near Dubai Creek, namely in Deira, there is one of the oldest traditional markets, namely Souk Naif. This place was destroyed by fire in 2008, and was later rebuilt and has become a popular tourist and shopping spot for both local residents and tourists. You can get anything here, from clothing, household equipment, to automotives.
Anyway, this place is very famous for its excellent selection of abayas, don’t hesitate to pack an abaya or two as a souvenir.
Bastakiya Old Village
Arabian Tea House
Bur Dubai
Bur Dubai is one of the old Dubai that is very famous. Located south of Dubai Creek, Bur Dubai offers visitors the opportunity to discover a different side of Dubai that still retains the charm of the past.
You can still see traditional houses, wind catcher towers, and even parts of the ancient city walls in this historical zone. When you visit Bur Dubai Abra Dock, you can enjoy the traditional atmosphere of ships, docks, buildings, etc.
As a thriving old district with up-to-date infrastructure, Bur Dubai has good transit connections to the rest of Dubai. Let’s say you want to go to Bur Dubai Abra Dock, then you can walk directly from Ghubaiba Terminal to reach this place.
Abra Water Taxi
When you visit Dubai, you should try the water taxi aka Abra. Abra is the oldest public transportation system in Dubai which helps the movement of people and materials between the two banks of the river named Deira and Bur Dubai.
The traditional abra is somewhere in the middle, you could say it’s a combination of a boat deck and a raft. This unique design won’t be found anywhere else.
If you want to feel the atmosphere of an old village, you should try taking this water taxi. The price is also very cheap. You can go from Deira to Bur Dubai or vice versa for just 1 dirham.
Exploring Old Dubai is a journey that will give you different memories.
Start with the Old Dubai Market, where the Spice Souk offers aromatic adventures, the Dubai Gold Souk with its fine jewelry, and the Textile Souk which offers unique and bright fabrics. Enjoy Arabic Coffee at Coffee Museum, and learn about the city’s history at the Dubai Museum.
You’ll get panoramic views and traditional dhow boats on your visit to Dubai Creek, while Al-Seef combines historical charm with modern conveniences along its waterfront promenade.
Bastakiya Old Village (Al Fahidi Historic Neighborhood) is enchanted with its preserved wind tower and art gallery, and the Arabian Tea House offers a relaxing retreat with typical Arabian hospitality.
Bur Dubai features a lively mix of old and new, perfect for exploring the shops and cultural sites.
You should also take the Abra Water Taxi to enjoy the amazing views of the river.
Each of these locations offers a unique glimpse into Dubai’s past, making them a must-visit for a rich experience.
Discover more hidden gems, local insights, and unique experiences to make the most of your visit by checking out dubaimusts.me.
