enjoy and explore the hidden secrets of al bastakiya in 2024

Ever wondered the land of Arabs, where every culture wanders caravans, camels roam, winding streets, fabled bazaars, cardamom, saffron, sandalwood-cluttered stalls, and every spice can be smelled, rich wares? Crimson, silver, and purple brocade tunics, silks, and shawls are displayed; the pleasant Arabian tune from Oud, Nay, and Qanun enters the ear; and Al Bastakiya gives an archaic, lavish glimpse of opulent and extravagant Dubai.

Read Also: 30 Days Dubai Visa

Al Bastakiya, originally Al Fahidi, was the living antiquated Dubai different from the modern-day famous Dubai. Apart from the skyscrapers, hustling cities, and gleaming glass towers, among those showrooms of brands like Gucci, Dior, Patou, and Al Bastakiya today is a maze of ancient awe holding authentic ethos and heart of Dubai. During ancient days, the pearl and gold harbour in Dubai was the stop for foreign traders like Persians, Britishers, and Portuguese.

Read Also: Dubai Visa Application Form

The oldest standing residential area of Dubai was established around 1890, in the 19th century, inspired by relaxed trade tariffs. Walking around the historical alleys takes you to the world of original Dubai, established by merchants from all around the world. The ochre-colored winding alleys made up of coral reefs, mud, gypsum, sandalwood, stones, and palm wood are architecturally rich. As soon as you enter Al Bastakiya, the Arabian music, the nostalgic insights from Aladdin, Arabian Nights and Sinbad, and the old Arabian tale books come into your mind The rich design of the building and the way they are distributed

History of Al Bastakiya

Dubai is the oldest living residential neighbourhood, named after the town of Bastak. Al Bastakiya was constructed back in the 1690s on the outskirts creek, or Bur Dubai, by Mr. Qasim Bin Abdullah Bastakiya. It consisted of 60 housing units in its prime, and most of them were owned by Persian (Iranian) merchants. The truth behind the development of the Al Bastakiya colony was the increasing trade and developing Dubai port under the influence of Sheikh Maktoum bin Hashar, the then ruler of Dubai. After the discovery of oil, Al Bastakiya was half-deteriorated and in 1989, Dubai Municipality schedules to demolish Al Bastakiya The visit of Prince Charles to Dubai and his love for culture and heritage were a boon, and Al Bastakiya was restored later in 2005.

Read Also: Do I Need a Visa For Dubai

The Architecture of Al Bastakiya

Architecture, of all the arts, is the one which acts the most slowly but most surely on the soul Buildings and Houses

1. Buildings and Houses

To travel the narrow alleys of Al Bastakiya is to travel back to the early days of Dubai, when low stucco buildings dominated the city space. The rugged, rough surface walls, one- and two-storeyed, ochre and amber buildings are made from coral reefs, shells, mud, gypsum, sandalwood, stones, and palm wood cemented together by lime. The houses used to have a similar layout with a central North African-style courtyard surrounded by rooms. The gates to the houses have antique decorations and elaborately carved decorations. Islamic calligraphy adorns the walls of buildings, Levantine decorations, and the Aran Hijazi Mashrabiyy.The ceilings and roofs of these traditional homes are constructed with hardwood from Zanzibar.

Read Also: How to Check Dubai Visa Status

2. Sikkas

The alleys of Al Bastakiya (Sikkas )were built narrow by building houses together to keep the alleys in shade and cool in a hot day. The area is full of beautiful ancient artefacts and paintings.

3. The Barjeels (Arjeels)

The Persian Windway of the Alley (winding tower) known as the Bajreels is a traditional Persian architectural element to create natural ventilation, air conditioning, and passive cooling in buildings. The towers in Dubai vary in design and sizes rising above the building's roof and open to all four directions, The shafts capture winds and redirect into the interior spaces of the buildings through narrow shafts. The more the number of Bajreeels in the house, wealthier was the family. In addition to North African style courtyards, barrels, two-story houses and narrow alleys houses in Al Bastakiya also display beautiful ethos such as carved wooden doors, decorative grilles, hanging oil lamps, and wooden lattice.

Read Also: Dubai Business Visa GUide

Designs of Ancient Houses in Ai Bastakiya

1. Barsati Home

The local tribe of Arabs used to live in the thatched huts called Barsati, lacking wind towers.

2. Al Kamiah House

The Palm Branch was the residence of early residents.

3. Al Arish House

A wind tower house made up of burlac loths made of jute and hemp. Al Bastakiya is a wonderful tourist spot and a place to fulfil your brooded dreams and desires. The go-to places in Al Bastakiya where you can eat in the middle of ancient Arabian culture, wander the land of ancient Arabs, and learn about their ethos are listed below

4. The Arabian Tree House

The Basta Art Caf, known as the Arabian Tea House, in the heart of Old Quarter offers the obsolete flavour of 150 different styles of teas from all over the world that could be found here. lavish, rich-in-spice Arabian meals and light western breakfasts.

Read Also: Dubai Visa On Arrival

5. The XVA hotel

The artistic world of Al Bastakiya XVA hotel and art gallery specialised in contemporary prominent artwork by Arab Artists The XVA hotel rooms provide insight into culture, heritage, and the ancient Dubai lifestyle.in 13 different room, some of them are Disdash room, Jalabiya room, Gallery room, and Turboosh room. To get the experience of art, tradition, and culture Locals and international artists come here. The antique, colourful art pieces and artefacts made from coral, jade, and amber are a beautiful blend of art, culture, history, and heritage.

6. Majlis Gallery

Dubai's oldest art space, named after cushioned meeting rooms, namely majlis in traditional Arab houses, with a beautiful Middle East theme, is perfect for art lovers. It features unique, antique, and of the highest quality artworks from all around the world.

Read Also: Dubai Visa For Jordan Citizen

7. The Souvenir Souk

The market alleys of Al Bastakiya were spotted and sprigged with tourists from all around the world, wandering around for souvenirs. From camel milk soaps to Emirati clothing, the finest silks and satins, and Pashmina stalls, The heap of spices like saffron, the aroma of spices and herbs, and the fragrance of exotic perfumes are in the air. The carpets, blue Turkish and Persian pottery, intensely saturated arts and paintings, idols, showpieces, and mirrors with panels of amber. Jewellery of gold and studded gems and crystals, musical instruments—everything is available in the shopping souk of Al Bastakiya, giving one the full experience.

8. The Dubai Museum

Inside the premises of Al Fahidi is the most popular Dubai Museum, dating back to 1787. Originally a monarchical residence, it held the roles of Arsenal and prison and provided an insight into the ancient Dubai, its heritage, culture, and the time voyage to the new Dubai. It is built of sea rocks, corals, palm tree trunks, palm fronds, mud bricks, and Saroj (mortar made from imported clay, manure, and water ).

Read Also: 14 Days Dubai Visa

9. Hindu Temple

The Krishna Mandir is located opposite Ali bin Abi Taleb Street. The Hindu alley is full of little shops selling items for pujas like fruits, garlands, and flower mils, and the shops sell idols of Hindu gods and worship items.

Architectural Heritage Society

It was constructed by Mr. Abdul Qadir Abdul Rahman Al Rashidi in 1936 with the main objective of maintaining and protecting the architectural heritage of the region.

1. Heritage House

Constructed by Abdul Razzaq Uztadi in 1925. It has two entrances, a wind tower, decorative pillars, and traditional ceilings.

2. Sheikh Mohammad Centre for Civilised Intercommunication Building

Constructed by Mr. Qasim Bin Abdullah Al Bastki in 1944, it showcases the traditional architecture of Dubai, a place to learn about heritage and tradition. SMCCU has an open door and an open mind policy where all members are encouraged and empowered to speak and ask religious and cultural questions. They also serve traditional Emirati food and eat throughout the day.

3. Baatakiya Nights Restaurant

The oldest building in Al Bastakiya was constructed by Mr. Abdul Razaq Abdul Raheem Al Bastaki in 1895.A two-story building with ancient-looking doors, windows, oriels, and ornaments.

4. Sikka Art Fair

Created by the Dubai Culture and Art Authority in 2011. It coincides with Dubai's annual art week, which happens every year in March. A range of exquisite paintings, arts, theatre, and visual art shows are organised.

5. Dar Al-Navda

Constructed by Mr. Abdul Rahman Mohammad Fain in 1925, it is a beautiful, extravagant place that hosts important and significant events like symposiums, art shows, exhibitions, and national and international conferences.

6. The Coin Museum

Covers the history of the coin in Arabic Era a great dream sight for coin collectors and ancient currency lovers.

7. The Stamp Museum

The Stamp Museum collects all the stamps in the history of the UAE postal service.

8. Al Fahidi Fort

Built in the 1700s, today the oldest functional building in Al Bastakiya is made up of corals, shells, palm woods, mud, and lime from limestone. It has served as a defence spot with storage prisons, offices, and residents for the ruler of Dubai.

9. The Coffe Museum

The muse destination for coffee lovers around the globe, The Coffee Museum brings relational and international flavours of Persian, Turkish, Japenese, American, British, Ethiopian, Arabian, and South Asian cuisine amid cosy, lavish, traditional Arabian architecture, admired artefacts, and displayed techniques of coffee roasting and brewing, as well as exhibitions and performances from artists all around the world.

Read Also: Dubai Tourism

10. Mohammed Shaerif Sultan Al Ulama's Heritage House

Constructed by Mr. Mohammed Shaerif Sultan, then commercial judge of Dubai. The house has two floors with spacious internal courtyards, wind towers, traditional columns, arches, decorative gypsum, and capitals.

Read Also: Dubai Visa For US Citizen