While walking along the narrow cobbled lanes filled with cool flagstones of Al Bastakiya, you can’t help wondering how this humble place shaped up the present Dubai, filled with a dominating skyline featuring steel and glass towers. This historical town is studded with ancient buildings in a sand color that weave century-old stories related to old Dubai.
Al Bastakiya Dubai is also known as the historical neighborhood of Al Fahidi – the treasure trove snuggled between Bur Dubai and Dubai Creek. It is now a renowned tourist destination loaded with museums, art galleries, and architectural buildings, which are the epitome of the ancient heritage, culture, and history of Dubai. If you wish to explore the old side of Dubai sans the buzz and glamour, take a walk along with this iconic neighborhood that throws light on their life. Travel to this historic site to glimpse the rich heritage and culture it encompasses.
Everything you wanted to know about Al Bastakiya Dubai Travel
Brief History of Al Bastakiya Dubai
The history of Al Bastakiya Dubai dates back to the 19th century when a group of Iranian merchants who traded pearl and silk came here. In the 1890s, these merchant immigrants belonging to an Iranian town called Bastakiya fled from their homeland fearing persecution and reached this region. They later continued to trade, as the Emirat government offered worker wages and tax exemptions to enhance their livelihood. They helped in the renovation process of this town by providing funds. This historical place was built in the 1890s by Rayner Otter, a British architect when the region was facing demolition. He made an elaborate renovation process with these funds and reconstructed the district.
Fast Facts of Al Bastakiya Dubai
- The region of Al Bastakiya was spread across a 300 square meter area and had about 60 houses, which were occupied by the merchants.
- It was a lazy seafaring port town that witnessed a humble beginning at Khor Dubai, now known as the Dubai Creek.
- The neighborhood of Al Bastakiya has several buildings flaunting a unique architectural style.
- The buildings in this area are constructed using authentic building materials, such as palm wood, gypsum, fronds, sandalwood, teak and stones, making them impregnable to heat.
- They used a distinct element from Persian architecture called Bajreels to create air conditioning, natural airflow and passive cooling effect inside the buildings.
- The higher the number of Bajreels in a building, the wealthier was its owner.
- The buildings have narrow shafts for capturing air and are aligned with public spaces, walkways and lawns.
- Al Bastakiya or old Dubai also has homes built with courtyards reflecting North African style, oil lamps of hanging type, wooden doors with intricate carvings, two-storied buildings, iron grills, alley houses and barrels.
How To Reach Al Bastakiya In Dubai?
The historical town of Al Bastakiya Dubai is well-connected through all means of transport, making it easily accessible from anywhere.
Air: Al Bastakiya lies at 8.2 km from Dubai International Airport.
Train: Since the Al Fahidi metro station is closest to this town, tourists prefer to use metro trains to reach here.
Taxi: Cab or taxi services are available from any part of the city.
Buses: Public and double-decker buses are available to reach Al Fahidi bus stop.
Weather of Al Bastakiya
Al Bastakiya has desert weather, which means the days are the hottest.
Winter Season: The ideal time to visit this place would be from November to March, which is a slightly cooler month. The day is mildly hot with blue skies, making it perfect for walking along with the shady pebbled lawns of Al Bastakiya.
Rainy Season: January to March months comprises of rainy season. Even though the rainfall is scarce here, the humidity levels are very high.
Summer Season: The months of April and May are summer months, which are filled with hot and humid days. Avoid travelling to Al Bastakiya during summers, especially on the middays.
Cuisine of Al Bastakiya
A special genre of preparing dishes known as Emirati cuisine was born out of old Dubai’s identity and heart long before the city palette was influenced by international cooking. People used a unique cooking method called zarb, which is similar to barbeque-style preparation that uses an oven with burning coals. The recipes of Al Bastakiya have camel meat, shrimps, salted fish or maleh and lambs. As the region had abundant date palm trees, dates became the major ingredient of nourishment.
Emirati cuisine became a blend of several culinary cultures, such as Asia, Turkish, Iranian, Indian, Mediterranean and Arabian, when it gained the key position as a trading port for pearls, boats, fish, spices and silk. Most of the local dishes use ghee and an aromatic spice blend, which includes cardamom, cumin, red pepper, cinnamon, turmeric and black pepper. Mandi is a renowned dish in the region, which is a huge meal made with rice and meat slow cooked to perfection using yogurt and tangy tomato paste.
Their traditional breakfast dish called balaleet prepared from vermicelli, saffron and fried eggs is very popular in Al Bastakiya. The visitors of this historic place are welcomed with a cup of hot Arabian coffee called Gahwa made with fresh cardamom and green coffee along with dates. Centuries-old signature dish like Emirati pancake called chebab is very popular among the tourists.
Best 11 Places To Visit/Things To Do in Al Bastakiya
1. Historical Buildings Section
This building measuring 400 square meters in area was built in 1931 featuring a two-storied style, linked by stone stairways. It is a perfect example of old Dubai’s architecture, which makes it a popular tourist destination. It was restored in 1999 and was named the headquarters of Historical Buildings Department belonging to the Dubai Municipality.
2. Dar Al Nadwa
This beautiful building built in 1925 is spread across a sprawling 465 square meters. With its rich history dating back to the 19th century, this magnificent building was constructed by Abdul Rahman Mohammad Farooq. It hosts several important events, such as art expos, symposiums, local and foreign conferences.
3. Sheikh Mohammed Center for Civilized Intercommunication Building
Known as Dubai’s iconic building structure, it was built in 1944 and remains as a bridge of culture of different people living in the city. This 300 square meter building was renovated during 2004 and is the venue for many international conventions and social gatherings.
4. Mawaheb Art Gallery
This non-profit art studio located in Al Bastakiya is an impressive platform that helps people with disabilities aged above 18 years to develop their creativity, imagination and life skills. It aims at encouraging each individual to utilize their potential to the fullest through art to let others realize their skills.
5. Coffee Museum
This 150-year old museum for coffee is one of the popular heritage sites in Al Bastakiya. Emiratis’ love for coffee is not a secret and this museum rightly explains the reasons behind it. This two-storied tourist spot weaves beautiful stories on coffee, which makes it a paradise for coffee aficionados.
You can enjoy different coffee variants, such as Japanese, Ethiopian and Arabic styles. They also explain the history behind the humble coffee beans, the process of roasting and the art of brewing. Plus, the place has several artefacts ranging from the coffee grinders used during the First World war to the ancient coffee pots and cups.
6. Architectural Heritage Society
This quaint little building in Al Bastakiya slowly became one of the highly visited tourist spots with its stunning architecture and intricate designs while keeping the heritage intact. This place built in 1936 was later renovated in 2001.
7. Sahara Gate
Built in 1954, this ancient premises measuring 310 sq. m in area has beautiful interiors reflecting Emirati architecture. It was renovated in 2005 and is considered an integral part of tourism and culture of Dubai. The walls of this place have beautiful Islamic inscriptions and the large gate with Arabic designs are notable features.
8. Majlis Gallery
This gallery was constructed in 1930 across a sprawling 400 sq.m and underwent a renovation in 2002. It flaunts authentic Middle East décor and ancient architecture, which takes you on a time travel to the period when the antiques were heavily used. Today, it houses exotic paintings, traditional art pieces and unique artwork.
9. Coins Museum
This hidden gem is snugly nestled inside the cobble stone-filled streets in Al Bastakiya was opened to the public in 2004. The coin museum is a dream come true destination for the numismatists, as it houses coins belonging to several civilizations in different periods. Apart from Abbasid Caliphate and Andalusia Coins, you can also find the currency used by several nations like the eastern Islamic region, Iraq, and North Africa in this museum. The shimmering coins crafted out of gleaming metals of silver, gold and copper will keep you hooked.
10. Gold Souk
If you wish to learn how the trade in old Dubai took place in ancient years, walk along the traditional souks in the historic city. The Gold Souk is situated along the banks of Dubai Creek and has over 300 retailers selling earrings, necklaces and bracelets made out of yellow metal. This trading center of gold jewelry sells around 20% of total gold across the world. If gold doesn’t excite you, then head towards the souks selling silver, diamonds and platinum.
11. Spices Souk
Located near the Gold Souk in Al Bastakiya, this bazaar welcomes you with a pungent aroma of exotic spices that are sold here. The vendors sell an array of spices from cinnamon, cardamom, chili to ginger. Utilize your bargaining skills to the fullest while shopping for spices and perfumes at these souks to get a better deal.
Travel Tips While Visiting Al Bastakiya
- Carry identification proof and always have it with you.
- Keep some cash ready while shopping at souks, as some hawkers don’t accept credit/debit cards.
- As Al Bastakiya region is hotter during the days, opt for breathable and light clothes, such as cotton.
- Ensure your phone is fully charged before stepping out and carry a power bank, as the area doesn’t have several charging points.
- You can avail the services of a tourist guide to cover several areas in a couple of days.
- If you are a female and planning to visit a place of worship, then make sure you have a shawl packed to cover yourself
- Don’t forget to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and use a hat or umbrella while going out in the sun.