Joanna James
Many tourists travel to Dubai to witness the city’s architectural spectacles, but in doing so they miss out on the many cultural experiences around them. Here are a few interesting ways you can cultivate an appreciation for the culture and history of this great city in the UAE.
Despite its modern advancements and futuristic skyline, Dubai still retains a piece of its history amidst all the skyscrapers. You can head to Al Seef where you’ll come face-to-face with heritage buildings that line the Dubai Creek. After your tour of Al Seef make your way to the nearby Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood where you can learn about Dubai’s past at cultural sites like the Al Fahidi Fort and the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding.
The neighbourhood of Deira is another great place to visit from hotels like Avani+ Palm View Dubai, but to reach it you’ll have to cross the Dubai Creek. Rather than get there by vehicle, why not hop on board an Abra and glide across the waters? The Abra is a traditional wooden boat and was, at one point, the only means of crossing the creek. It is the oldest mode of transport in Dubai but is still used to get across the creek. Crossing Dubai Creek in an Abra is one of the most historically authentic experiences you can experience in the city today.
Once you cross the Dubai Creek, make your way to Deira which can be considered the heart and soul of the city. What makes this district different from the rest is its chaotic atmosphere owing to its blend of cultures and traditions. The highlights of Deira are the several traditional souks that sell some of the best items in the city. The Gold Souk dates back to the early 1900s and is bright with over 200 vendors selling all sorts of glittering items and of course products of gold. Another option is the Spice Souk which has some of the most aromatic ingredients in the city.
If you’re on a cultural tour of Dubai, the city’s culinary delights cannot go unnoticed. The best place to visit for the best foodie experiences is Satwa, a humble yet atmospheric neighbourhood that has some of the city’s best restaurants. You can try a number of authentic dishes from various cuisines including Lebanese, Arabic, Sri Lankan, and Pakistani.
For a better understanding of the UAE’s history, pay a visit to the Etihad Museum which highlights how the seven emirates were unified and the stories of their founding fathers. You’ll find information presented in various forms, including historic artefacts, interactive displays, informative videos and black-and-white photos, The building itself is considered an architectural wonder with its unique shape standing out amidst the city’s skyline, not too far from Palm Jumeirah hotels.
Don’t forget to explore the deserts of Dubai where dwellers of the Bedouin village reside. The best way to do this is through a safari tour, during which you’ll get to visit the village and learn about Bedouin culture, lifestyle and history directly from the community members. You can also ride a camel through the sand dunes and witness a skilful falcon performance while learning about the importance of the birds to the Bedouin people.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
