Al Fahidi Quarter, Dubai
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Al Fahidi - by Diana Gergeanu on Google
Description
The Al Fahidi historical neighbourhood of Dubai was created at the end of the 19th century by immigrants from the city of Bastak (Persia) - which is why the area is also known as Al Bastakiya - who were both fleeing religious persecution and were attracted by tax breaks offered by the Emirati government. One century later, most of it has been destroyed, but it underwent extensive renovation in the early 2000's and now comprises about 50 buildings including some galleries, museums, courtyard cafes and 2 hotels.
Access & Transport
The neighbourhood is within walking distance from various other attractions as well as the Al Seef and Al Shindagha neighbourhoods The Sharaf metro station (green line) is a 10mins walk away
Instructions & Recommendations
We recommend spending 1h to 2h in the area, stopping in some of the shops and galleries or one of the coffee shops and coupling this with a visit to the Dubai Museum (when it reopens) or the Grand Bur Dubai Mosque.
Environmental & Social
Now that the renovation work is completed, the carbon footprint and environmental impact is quite low. Also some positive impact in keeping a sense of community in a neighbourhood that was on the brink of extinction 40 years ago.
Conclusion
The area is in the center of Bur Dubai, so if you are interested in the city's olden days as a centre of trade, you are very likely to walk past this neighbourhood and it is certainly worth 90 mins of your time. Although it may have lost some of its charm and authenticity during the renovation process, the neighbourhood is still there to maintain a link with the past - this, in our view, is a positive outcome.
Key positive
Get to learn about traditional architecture such as the wind towers
Good photo opportunities
Key negative
Everything feels a bit staged
Prices in shops and cafes are high
Suitability
No restrictions
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:1h 30m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo