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The Creek: a natural sea-water inlet which cuts
through the centre of the city is the focal point
of Dubai life. A stroll along its banks evokes the
city's centuries old traditions. Visitors will be
captivated by the color and bustle of the loading
and unloading of dhows which still ply ancient trade
routes to places as distant as India and East Africa.
For more information, click here.
Archaeological sites: There are three main excavation
sites in Dubai, at Al Qusais, Al Sufooh and Jumeirah.
The first two are graveyards dating back more than
2000 years. The Jumeirah site reveals aretfacts from
the 7th to the 15th centuries. Though not yet open
to the public, tourists or tour operators
may obtain a permit from the Dubai Museum to visit
the digs.
Sheikh Saeed's House: Dating back from the late
1800s, this building was built in a commanding position
near the sea so the Ruler could observe shipping
activity from its balconies. With its wind towers
and layers of rooms built around a central courtyard,
it is a fine example of regional architecture. For
more information, click here.
Bastakiya: The old Bastakiya district with its narrow
lanes and tall wind towers gives a tantalising glimpse
of old Dubai. Immediately to the east of Al Fahidi
Fort is the largest concentration of traditional
courtyard houses within wind towers. In the past,
the city was famous for a mass of wind towers which
lined the creek on either side. These were not merely
decorative; they were the only means of cooling houses
in pre-electricity days.
Jumairah Mosque: One of the largest and most beautiful,
the Jumairah Mosque is a spectacular example of modern
Islamic architecture. Built of stone in medieval
Fatimid tradition, the mosque is a city landmark.
It is particularly attractive at night when subtle
lighting throws it artistry into relief.
Burj Nahar: One of the three watch towers guarding
the old city, the restored Burj Nahar in its picturesque
gardens in Deira is popular with photographers.
Bayt Al Wakeel: Built in 1934 by the late Shaikh
Rashid, Bayt Al Wakeel was Dubai's first office building.
At the edge of the creek near the abra landing, the
building has been completely restored and now houses
a museum devoted to Dubai's fishing and maritime
traditions.
The souks: on both sides
of the creek are attractive not just for their shopping
bargains but also as places for the sightseer and
the photographer. A huddle of alleyways has survived
on the Deira side despite the intensive building
in recent years. In the tiny lanes of the spice souk,
the atmosphere and scents of the past can be savored.
Bags of spices, incense, rose petals and traditional
medicine products are stacked outside each stall.
Along the slightly larger lanes of the gold souk,
each shop window is crammed with gold necklaces,
rings, bangles, ear rings and brooches. Gold prices
here are among the lowest in the world. The fish
souk in Deira is an attraction by itself. Early morning
and late nights, local fishermen unload mountains
of fresh fish which they then sell in a frenzied
bargaining session. King fish, red snapper, rock
cod, barracuda, tuna, lobster, crab, king prawn,
seabream, squid, pomfret, shark, mackerel, sardine
and
other species are available in abundance for most
of the year.
Dubai Museum: Al Fahidi
Fort which houses the Dubai Museum, is another imposing
building. It once guarded the city's landward approaches.
Built around 1787, it has served variously as palace,
garrison and prison. It was renovated in 1970 for
use as a museum. Colorful and evocative dioramas
complete with life-size figures and sound and lighting
effects vividly depict everyday life in the pre-oil
days. Galleries in the museum recreate scenes from
the creek, traditional Arab houses, mosques, souks,
date gardens, desert and marine life. One of the
most spectacular exhibits portrays the underwater
world or pearl diving. Also on display are artefacts
such as fine copper, alabaster and pottery objects
found in 3000 - 4000 year old graves at Al Qusais.
The main fort is a fascinating military museum.
Umm Al Sheif Majlis: The
summer resort of the late Ruler Of Dubai has been
restored and is open to the public. Built in the
early 1950s in the coastal Umm Al Suqeim area, the
majlis gardens featured a reproduction of the traditional
falaj irrigation system. The majlis provides an intriguing
insight into Dubai's rapid development.
Heritage and Diving Village: located near the mouth
of the creek, this village has been created where
potters and weavers display their crafts. Here the
visitor can look back into tha past and experience
some of Dubai's heritage.
Bani Yas Square: Dominating Bani Yas Square in the
heart of Deira is Deira Tower with its distinctive
circular 'cap'. An early example of the effort to
blend modern architecture with the older surroundings. |
