Ever thought about what Dubai used to be? You know, something more natural than tall towers and gigantic malls. Yes, The Dubai Old City is the place! It is a time machine that can take you to the earlier moments of this city.
There are many places in Dubai’s Old City like you can see the old buildings, walk in small streets and at the same time visit traditional markets. Through this, one can not only dwell into the historical side of the city but also get a strong Arab vibe which adds to the whole experience.
This will be your companion as you explore Dubai’s Old City. You will be informed about its location, the whereabouts of the tourist attractions, and the reasons behind its existence. Even if you are not planning to go to this historic site, the information will without a doubt give you a good clue of this part of Dubai.
Dubai Old City Location
The old city of Dubai is in Bur Dubai, right beside Dubai Creek. This is the place where Dubai developed as a trading city. If you want to get to the Old City, it is not difficult to reach. As you get there, you will notice that it is much different from the recent and modern parts of Dubai that border it.
Geographical Significance
The Dubai Creek, that goes through the old city, was largely responsible for the growth of the emirate in its early years. Its natural harbor that was created by the creek made business for the trading ships much easier, particularly dhows, to dock and carry out commerce. This geographical location was the topmost contributing factor to Dubai’s emergence as a commercial center.
Surrounding Areas
The Old City borders with several prominent places:
- North: Dubai Creek
- East: Deira, an area with its historical significance
- South: Al Karama and Oud Metha
- West: The modern downtown Dubai
This singularly advantageous site enables visitors to see, in a very compact radius, the vast differences that characterized the past and present of Dubai.
Old Town Dubai Souk
The souks are what draw people to and keep them interested with the area. These traditional markets are nothing less than a sensory tele adventure, with their collections of color and every bit of spice in the well-seasoned curry. Nonetheless, it is the bustle plus all other variables of poverty and indigo that combine to form a pattern of relationships of human sentiments ingrained in the word “souk”. During the time people spend at the souks, the visitors find out about the trading of practices that have been part of Dubai’s culture centurieslong.
Types of Souks
There are several special souks to be found in the Old City:
- Gold Souk: This is where the famous gold jewelry is displayed and sold
- Spice Souk: It has the best entire line of spices and herbs
- Textile Souk: Notable for the display of colorful fabrics and traditional clothes
- Perfume Souk: Places of origin and fashion trends are the main things on display in the local and imported fragrances
Shopping Experience
Shopping in the Old Town Dubai Souk is itself an experience that sets off multiple emotions. The participants get to:
- Wander through the narrow alley that has many a small kiosk
- Listens to friendly and talkative shopkeepers
- Test bargaining courage
- Choose among a variety of the traditional and modern goods
Old City Dubai Ticket Price
The sum of the matter is, a lot of attractions that tourists see in Dubai or anywhere worldwide charge people for visiting them. This instead, means, that when one makes a visit to Dubai Old City they are not to incur any expenses at the entrance.
Free Attractions
- Many of the Old City’s sites there could be free of charge viewing
- Guided walking tours of the historical village for tourists
- Roaming the souks
- Art of admiring the traditional architecture
Paid Attractions
Quite a few attractions within the Old City are only accessible through paying a small fee:
- Dubai Museum: Adults 3 AED, Children 1 AED
- Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding: It could be a day focus on activities, it could be a weekendlong, or it could several event-based activities
- The art galleries: They may have special exhibitions that charge
Dubai Old City Places to Visit
Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
Al Fahidi Historical Area is one of the oldest districts of the city preserved in its original image. Through their visits, guests can be able to look at:
- A typical house with a courtyard
- Art galleries displaying pictures by local artists
- Cafes and restaurants that serve Emirati food
- Museums that depict the history and culture of the UAE
Dubai Museum
The museum is located in Al Fahidi Fort, which is the oldest of all buildings in the UAE. Exhibits such as:
- Archaeological artifacts
- Dioramas that contain life of traditional Emiratis
- Interactive exhibits that represent Dubai’s quick progress through the years
Textile Souk
This is a wellKEpt Dubai creek sanctuary that specializes in cloth and clothing. People can find:
- Cloth of all colors and types from all over the world
- Arabish clothes
- Items and accessories that are embroidered
Dubai Creek
The waterway provides tourists with the opportunity to:
- Using abras is a popular activity as they serve as a traditional water taxi and make crossings on different points along the waterway.
- Dhow cruises
- Waterfront promenade walks
Grand Mosque
The maxi mosque can host up to 1,200 worshippers. Its impressive architecture and dominating minaret stand out as a significant landmark among the Old City.
Coffee Museum
The museum that is located in the old part of the city is the place where coffee culture and culture have been passed on to the new generations.
Old City Dubai Timings
It is generally possible to access the Old City area all day and night, but there are specific hours for individual amenities and stores.
General Timings
The souks are used as marketplaces in the day time when they attract clients. Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood is always open and it can be approached for fun 24 hours of the weekend. The Dubai Museum is open from Saturday to Thursday 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM and from 2:30 PM to 8:30 PM on Fridays.
Best Time to Visit
For visiting Dubai’s Old City the best plan goes as follows:
In the morning, for people who are looking for a calmer place and also would like to dodge the hot weather
Afternoon and evening, to participate in the market activities
During the winter months (November to March), these periods of the year are for relaxing and enjoying the quality of life conditions that prevail in Dubai
Conclusion
Particularly in the surrounding of the very modern, new glittering skyline that Dubai has obtained, differentiating which is the old town with its encircling wooden room, the one still holds it’s history around is Old City everyone must mention for a travel that is inflowing time.
Exploring the Old City of Dubai is not just a touristic privilege but an actual experience of the roots where the city started. It is known that when one goes there, one will have an opportunity to buy fabrics in the old markets, fish on the Dubai Creek, and roam the small streets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the old town in Dubai called?
Its various names such as Old Dubai, Bur Dubai, or Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood take its old town to reference the part of town along the Dubai Creek with all the historical buildings.
Is Dubai’s old city worth visiting?
Indeed, Dubais old city is a must. It offers a unique sneak peek into the emirate’s history and traditional culture, which is in contrast to the fast-paced modern Dubai.
What is the old name of Dubai?
Dubai’s original name “Al Wasl” has the connotation “the connection” and is the Arabic word for just that, as it was the meeting point for trade purposes between East and West.
Is Bur Dubai old Dubai?
Without a doubt. Present in the heart of Dubai, Bur Dubai is one of the most prestigious places that gives a historical landmark to the city. It lies along the west bank of Dubai Creek and it has that distinction because it is packed with a large number of historic sites.
