The United Arab Emirates is filled with valued historical attractions. One of the main ones is Al Fahidi Historical Dubai – which reflects the exceptional traditional lifestyle of the locals. Explore this one-of-a-kind historical landmark and everything it has to offer in this guide.
- Location
- Nearby Communities
- Nearby Attractions
- Transportation
- Opening Hours
- Entrance Fee
- Highlights
- Nearby Restaurants
- Nearby Hotels
- FAQ
Overview
Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is a landmark established in the nineteenth century. This piece of art neighbourhood reflects the traditional simple life of Dubai before it became the skyscraper jungle it is today. In addition, the buildings here are made of traditional materials that are no longer used today. Such as stone, gypsum, teak, sandalwood, fronds, and palm wood. Which reflects the mastership of the builders back in the day. In other words, walking around this unique, awe-inspiring attraction offers a history lesson about the UAE that you can never forget.
In addition, this ancient site used to be home to Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum. Now, it is a museum for old photographs, documents, buildings, and much more. Also, it is a massive pearl-diving exhibit showcasing old crafts.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood Location
This well-preserved neighbourhood is located in the Al Fahidi area, in the heart of Dubai. As it is surrounded by various other historical sites. Explore the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood map below for more details.
Nearby Communities
Many of Dubai’s old communities are near this historical site. Alongside many other new and thriving ones as well. Having such a historical architectural marvel side by side with modern and contemporary ones is truly amazing. As you can see the city’s development with your own eyes. Here are some of the nearby communities to it:
- Al Hamriya: 5 minutes away
- Umm Hurair 1: 7 minutes away
- Al Karama: 11 minutes away
- Oud Metha: 11 minutes away
- Al Jaffiliya: 16 minutes away
Nearby Attractions
In contrast, the Al Fahidi Historic Neighborhood is a historical site residing among others. If you want to tour the old city, you can start here. Then, move on to the nearby landmarks and attractions. Such as:
- Dubai Museum: 1 minutes away
- Meena Bazar Bur Dubai: 4 minutes away
- Dubai Old City: 9 minutes away
- Karama Centre: 13 minutes away
- Etihad Museum: 14 minutes away
Transportation
Tourists and residents can take a taxi or order a car from either Uber or Careem. In addition, a few bus stops are spread across the city. Also, many bus lines have routes passing by the neighbourhood, including lines number 15, 21, 8, C1, and C18. Also, metro line number M2 passes by it as well. Most notably, the area has Al Fahidi Marine Transport Station, which uses boats as a means of transportation. Here are some of the bus stations that surround the area:
- Heritage Village bus stop
- Bastakia 1 bus stop
- Fahidi, Roundabout 1 bus stop
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood Opening Hours
Many visitors from across the world and the UAE come to visit this site for its historical value. Because its visitors love to explore the cultural heritage it has to offer. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood timings are open to receive visitors at their convenience as follows:
- 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Monday – Sunday)
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood Entrance Fee
Visitors can enjoy this majestic historical city for free as there are no entry fees to tour around it. They are having mentioned that it would be a good idea to have some cash on you – just in case.
Highlights
Furthermore, the Al Fahidi Historical Museum has many traditional buildings and monuments. So visitors can explore the UAE’s heritage and traditional culture and experience this lifestyle. Here are some of the things to do when visiting it:
- Enjoy the high towers (Barajeek)
- Get a glimpse of the old alleys and pathways
- Walk across the traditional square
- Attend the seasonal festivals at Symposium House and Events House
- Enjoy the artistic events, such as the Sikka Art Festival
- Explore the 50 antique buildings and their neighbourhoods
- Explore the surrounding museums and galleries
- Have a refreshing traditional treat at the Arabian Tea House
- Delve into the pristine Bastakiya
- Visit Mawaheb Gallery
- Navigate through the Sheikh Muhammad Center for Cultural Understanding
- Visit the two-stories Coffee Museum
- Stay at XVA Art Hotel and experience the old lifestyle
Nearby Restaurants
After touring the old city, you will surely be hungry. Therefore, make sure to explore the nearby restaurants that offer a delicious culinary experience. Some of these restaurants are:
- Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant
- Location: Historical Neighbourhood, 79 Al Musalla Road, Al Fahidi
- Working hours: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Daily)
- Rating: 4.9
- Contact details: +971 55 180 2080
- Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Cafe
- Location: Bastakiya, opposite Musalla Post Office, Al Fahidi Street
- Working hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Daily)
- Rating: 4.6
- Contact details: +971 4 353 5071
- The Besties Cafe
- Location: Al Seef Street, Bur Dubai
- Working hours:
- 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Monday – Thursday)
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Saturday – Sunday)
- Rating: 3.4
- Contact details: +971 56 549 2697
Nearby Hotels
If you are seeking hotels within proximity to the old neighbourhood. Then, you may find a few options such as the ones listed below.
- XVA Art Hotel
- Location: Al Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai
- Distance: 1 minute away
- Hotel Star Rating: 2 stars
- Contact details: +971 4 353 5383
- Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa
- Location: Al Seef Area, opposite Dubai Museum
- Distance: 2 minutes away
- Hotel Star Rating: 4 stars
- Contact details: +971 4 351 9111
- Dubai Nova Hotel
- Location: Al Fahidi Street
- Distance: 4 minutes away
- Hotel Star Rating: 2 stars
- Contact details: +971 4 355 9000
FAQ
It used to be. Now, it is a historical landmark reflecting the old lifestyle of Dubai’s locals.
It was established in the 1970s, which makes it more than 54 years old.
Not exactly, as Al Fahidi Historical District Bastakiya is the oldest part of Dubai. And it is a minute away from the neighbourhood.
The neighbourhood and the Bastakiya are kind of the same thing. The Bastakiya was the part for merchants coming to the UAE in the old days.
A full tour of the neighbourhood would take around 50 minutes, depending on your speed.
To sum up, Al Fahidi Historical is one of Dubai’s magical time-capsules. Where you will be taken away from the city’s modern lifestyle to its traditional antique one; in addition, for more guides on the UAE, make sure to explore Property Finder’s blog.
