Al Bastakiya Dubai

Ever wondered that a city as vibrant and thriving as Dubai must have started from somewhere? It must have had a strong history, traditions, and culture that made Dubai what it is today. So, if you are a fan of digging through the city’s rich heritage, visit Al Bastakiya Dubai.

Stepping into this place will instantly take you to the streets of old Dubai. It has a traditional Emirati atmosphere that was experienced in the 19th century.

In this article, we will go on a little trip down memory lane to Al Bastakiya Dubai.

• History of Al Bastakiya Dubai
• Al Bastakiya – Architecture
• Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding
• Dar Al Nadwa
• Dubai Museum
• Majlis Gallery for Art
• Nearby Hotels to Al Bastakiya Dubai – Where to Stay
• Restaurants in or Near to Al Bastakiya
• Shopping at Al Bastakiya
• Things to Remember When Visiting Al Bastakiya Dubai
• How to Reach Al Baskatiya Dubai
• FAQs

Al Bastakiya Dubai – Overview

Al Bastakiya Dubai is one of the city’s oldest areas, officially named Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. It is a pure heritage site located in Bur Dubai that has been preserved for tourism.

The place is named after the town of Bastak in South Iran by its Persian setters. It means a web of restored houses made of mud and stones, narrow alleys, and squares. Wealthy Iranian merchants fleeing persecution developed the area in the 1890s.

Today, Al Bastakiya Dubai comprises over 60 houses lined in narrow alleys. Museums, art galleries, shops, and cafes are located among these squares, and a wind tower house is also located there.

History of Al Bastakiya Dubai

Dubai started growing into a city in the 1980s. Consequently, almost half of the old neighbourhood of Al Bastakiya was torn down to make room for modern buildings.

The remaining houses were used as living quarters for foreign workers and storage spaces for construction companies.

In 1989, the Dubai Municipality planned to demolish the rest of Al Bastakiya to build new structures in Bur Dubai. However, a British architect named Rayner Otter opposed this decision.

He had already renovated the house he was living in and wanted to save the neighbourhood. To stop the demolition, Otter wrote a letter to Prince Charles, who was scheduled to visit Dubai that year.

When Prince Charles visited Al Bastakiya, he suggested that the area should be preserved as part of the city’s history. Thanks to Otter’s efforts and the Prince’s visit, the municipality decided to cancel the demolition.

In 2005, they funded the restoration of Al Bastakiya’s streets and buildings.

Al Bastakiya – Architecture

• Bastakiya ‘s architecture is inspired by many cultures.
• For instance, the courtyard demonstrates a solid North American influence, while the wind tower shows a Persian setting.
• The unique restored buildings have been constructed from coral stones, clay, palmwood and gypsum.

Things to Do at Al Bastakiya Dubai

This Bur Dubai tourist spot has tons of attractions to offer. There are many old buildings steeped in history that you will find fascinating. Moreover, you can do the following things in Al Bastakiya:

Know about the Emirati Culture in Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding

• To explain the traditional Emirati culture to tourists, the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre was developed.
• It is located in the old wind towers and contains multiple exhibits and educational materials representing UAE heritage and culture.
• You can also visit a sitting area with Bedouin-style carpets and enjoy a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Explore Dar Al Nadwa

• Dar al Nadwa was built in 1925 by Mr. Abdul Rahman Mohammed Farooq.
• It is a perfect example of Dubai’s old architectural marvel.
• Restored and renovated by the Dubai Municipality, this venue hosts many events. The events include art shows, concerts and symposiums, held at Al Bastakiya Dubai.

Visit the Dubai Museum

• Dubai Museum is located in the now restored building of the Al Fahidi fort, built in the 1700s.
• It is one of the oldest and best museums in Dubai; It houses hundreds of unique artifacts that speak volumes about the UAE’s history and the life led by Bedouins.  
• These artefacts included pottery, tools, weapons and even tombs that were found in different parts of the city.

Explore the Majlis Gallery for Art

• The Majlis Gallery is a former Merchant’s house transformed into a beautiful art exhibit centre. It displays unique and traditional artwork and antiques.
• The gallery is in the old building on the spot, which was constructed in 1930 and renovated in 2002.

Other Attractions

Apart from the touristy trail, there are a few other exciting things to do at Al Bastakiya Dubai, such as:

• Take a traditional water taxi in Dubai, the Abra boat across Dubai Creek, and enjoy its scenic landscape.
• Relax with your family at Creekside Park’s lush green area with a separate kids’ play area and water slides.
• Explore the Grand Mosque that was built in the early 1900s and rebuilt from scratch in the 1960s.

Nearby Hotels to Al Bastakiya Dubai – Where to Stay

The following are a few nearby hotels to Al Bastakiya where you can enjoy your stay at. These hotels are also near many other wonders of Bur Dubai, like the Gold and Spice Souk, bazaars, etc.

Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai Curio Collection by Hilton

Al Seef Hotel has been carefully designed with the Hilton’s reputation kept in mind. The hotel offers stunning Dubai Creek views away from the city’s bustling life.

• Address: Dubai Creek – Al Seef St. – Umm Hurair 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
• Phone: +971 4 707 7080

Arabian Courtyard Hotel and Spa

This four-star hotel features 172 rooms, 40 executive rooms, and 20 suites, all with Arabian-inspired interiors.  It also has modern amenities like a temperature-controlled swimming pool, wellness spa, and health club.

• Address: Al Seef Area Opposite Dubai Museum – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
• Phone: +971 4 351 9111

XVA Art Hotel

This hotel was built in a restored historic building, featuring bespoke rooms inspired by old Emirati culture.

The entire hotel is filled with local and international art pieces to admire.

• Address: Al Fahidi St. – Bur Dubai – Al Fahidi Neighborhood Near Dubai Museum – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
• Phone: +971 4 353 5383

Restaurants in or Near to Al Bastakiya

Here is a list of restaurants and cafes you will find in Al Bastakiya:

Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant and Cafe:

• Address: Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood – 79 Al Mussallah Road – Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
• Phone: +971 55 180 2080

Arabian Tea House Restaurant and Cafe

• Address: Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
• Phone: +971 4 353 5071

XVA Cafe

• Address: Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
• Phone: +971 4 353 5383

Bayt Al Wakeel Museum and Restaurant 

• Address: Textile Souk – Bur Dubai – Al Souq Al Kabeer – Dubai  – United Arab Emirates
• Phone: +971 4 353 0530

Shopping at Al Bastakiya

There are two main souks on the spot:

Textile Souk

The textile souk is a haven for textile lovers, comprising vibrant colours, rich patterns, and textured fabrics within Al Bastakiya.

The souk sells all kinds of fabrics, from raw silk to cotton. You’ll also find some gorgeous ready-to-wear outfits.

• Address: 57 Opposite Abra – Ali bin Abi Taleb St. – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
• Phone: +971 50 768 8512

Al Fahidi Souk

The Al Fahidi Souk is a beautiful retail market for tourists. Here, you will find almost everything, from antique decor pieces to toys and clothes.

It is a traditional bazaar offering a glimpse of how people used to shop in old Dubai.

• Address: Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
• Phone: +971 55 236 0053

Things to Remember When Visiting Al Bastakiya Dubai

With all the fun and excitement come a few considerations to remember when visiting this heritage site. They are as follows:

• Expect to spend 3-4 hours if you want to explore the area thoroughly, including the shops and cafes.
• Though entry to the spot is free, keep cash to buy souvenirs from the souks and dine in the cafes.
• Adhere to wearing modest, comfortable, light, and breathable clothes. There will be a lot of walking, so remember to wear comfy shoes.
• Both free and paid parking is available at Al Bastakiya. If you go early, you can find a spot in the free public parking zone.
• The best time to visit Al Bastakiya is in the cooler months, from November to March. At that time, the weather is pleasant for strolling outdoors.
• However, do not forget to carry a water bottle and an umbrella to protect yourself from the heat.

How to Reach Al Bastakiya Dubai?

There are several ways to reach Al Bastakiya Dubai, such as:

• Trains: Take the M2 Metro line and get off at Al Fahidi Metro Station. From there, it’s about an 8-minute walk to the spot. You can also stop at Burjuman Metro Station and make a 23-minute walk from the location to Al Bastakiya.
• Buses: The closest bus stop is Sharaf DG Metro Bus Stop 1-2, just a 7-minute walk away. There are also other bus stations that are even closer to the location.
• Taxis: If you prefer not to use public transportation, you can take a taxi from anywhere in the city to Al Bastakiya. You can also book your ride through Uber or Careem. You can also ride an abra water taxi from Deira Old Souk dock to Bur Dubai dock.
• Car Service: For a more private option, many companies offer chauffeured car services or self-drive cars for tourists exploring Dubai.

Adress, Contact and Opening Hours

• Address: Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
• Phone: +971 800 33222
• Opening Hours: Mon-Sat: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
• Ticket price: Entry is free for all

FAQs

Al Bastakiya is a historical treasure that represents Dubai’s past with its traditional architecture, open spaces, and cultural attractions. Enjoy shopping and photography and explore sites like the Dubai Museum and Majlis Art Gallery.

If you’re planning to stay there for a while, here’s a tip. Explore these affordable rental apartments in Bur Dubai to make your access to Al Bastakiya closer and easier! 

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