As opposed to the common belief that Dubai is known only for sparkly high-rises and advanced technology, it also has an interesting past behind it. Some have even gone through renovations so as to serve as reminders of their former glory like forts while others remain almost untouched displaying different times in history from where visitors can catch glimpses into Dubai’s eventful past. These are some of the top ten sites you can visit in Dubai if you are interested in visiting historical places in Dubai or just want to know more about where it all started.
At one side of Al Bastakiya (another name for Al Fahidi Historic Neighborhood) lies an opportunity for anyone who wants to get back to those good old days when lives were less complicated than they are these days. It is an area that has been restored well and has preserved its originality with ancient Arabian architecture that consists of wind towers and courtyard houses since 19th Century.
If you are visiting Dubai, you must pay a visit to the Dubai Museum which is located at Al Fahidi Fort. It takes tourists through the evolution of this city from being just a small fishing enclave to being one of the most impressive modern cities in the world. The museum has different things such as models, AVs and many others that explain various aspects of UAE life like pearl diving, trade and traditional crafts.
Al Seef District is nestled alongside the Dubai Creek and has a blend of modernity and olden time charm. Proceed with a leisurely stroll along the water-front promenade as you take in the serenity offered by this place. The traditional homes, souqs, aromatic coffee shops are all lined up along Al Seef district, while cultural performances, heritage tours and interactive exhibits highlighting Dubai’s maritime past will help to get a feel of the Emirati heritage.
Perchance, you like historical places in Dubai; then visit Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House to explore the architectural beauty and historical implication of this house that was once home to the Al Maktoum ruling family of Dubai. This beautifully restored Arabian-style architecture building and its design date back to the last part of 19th century. The House is beautiful and has royal courtyards inside its walls. You can peruse through exhibits that talk about the political as well as social history of the city.
Should you fancy history and archaeology, then Jumeirah Archaeological Site is one of the historical sites in Dubai that you should never miss. At Jumeirah Archaeological Site, expose traces of earlier people by looking for things from before Islam was introduced in Dubai. This archaeological site goes back over thousands of years and pottery findings, coins found during excavation process, and tombs used as burial sites can give an outline about life before Islam was introduced into this region.
To understand what life was like in the past, you should visit the Al Mamzar Archaeological site. Visiting these historical places in Dubai will enlighten you on the people who lived here during the Iron Age. You will find exhibits of artifacts and relics belonging to the societies that settled here hundreds of years ago. Some ancient structures and some pottery remnants can provide you with a picture of the old Emirati civilization.
At Heritage Village, visitors encounter living Emirati culture and traditions in open-air display featuring Bedouin-style tents, age-old crafts and cultural performances. The village also covers the old local trade of pearl diving, falconry and the beloved sport of camel racing, that was a major source of entertainment in the eras gone by here in Dubai. There is a lot more of Dubai’s rural past to be learned from the Heritage Village and it is definitely worth a visit as one of the best historical places in Dubai.
For centuries, this significant waterway has served as the city’s lifeline. It also used to serve as one of the major trade routes for Dubai and today it is a recreational facility too. Experience some Emirati culture by taking a slow abra ride along Dubai Creek. As one goes farther down this busy waterway, there is curiosity about how wooden sailboats loaded with fruits are merged with almost touching skies high-rises. It is among historical places in Dubai which you should not miss when in Dubai
The architectural beauty of Bastakiya Mosque, also known as Al Fahidi Mosque, is mesmerizing with its intricate geometric patterns. It is among Dubai’s oldest mosques that dating back in the 19th century. Marvel at its traditional design with wind towers and intricate patterns, and learn about its religious significance to the community when you take a tour of this gem amongst historical places in Dubai.
When you go to Al Ahmadiya School in Dubai that has long been redundant, you will see what it was like many years ago. It became the first public school in Dubai back in 1912. Dubai has preserved a piece of its past by carefully maintaining the classrooms from yesteryears together with its library and courtyard. You feel like you have stepped back in time when you step through the doors of this institution. Walking through his mystical place you soon realise what early education was like in Dubai and understand why this facility has become a cultural milestone.
Embark on a journey through historical places in Dubai and explore the rich tapestry of its past, from ancient civilizations to modern-day marvels. Each site is an opportunity to observe one’s heritage from a different perspective, revealing its continued position as a melting pot of cultures and a meeting place for civilizations. These top ten historical places in Dubai are likely to enthral you with their deep connection with UAE’s diversity that inspires all of us. Discover the stories behind them as well as explore their architecture while trying to uncover secrets of old times, wandering around these distinct places across Dubai.
Check out our Blog for insights on the top vintage shops in Dubai.
