Al Fahidi's canvas, where the vibrant bougainvillea weaves a tale,
Winding through lanes, the proud Wind Tower's whispers prevail.
The moral arts and calligraphy unfold Dubai's cultural sails.
The neighborhood by the creek side of Bar Dubai was built in the late 18th century as a locality of 60 houses by the affluent Persian merchants drawn to Dubai. It was named Al Bastakiya after the Iranian town of Bastak. It is a living tribute to the Emirati’s rich culture and history.
After a decade of contemplation on this historical place, I have prepared the following “Things to Do List in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood.”
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1. Visit Al Fahidi’s historic landmarks and experience Emirati Culture
The neighborhood will greet you with a traditional racing boat and a Bedouin tent where you can spot the camel show. Start exploring the charming old hamlet, encircled by trees and iconic wind towers that captivate visitors. You will notice some fishing boats near the serenity of Al Fahidi Mosque. As you approach the vibrant Moral, you will see the oldest wall of Dubai preserved. As you explore this picturesque oasis haven, you will have the opportunity to photograph an Emirati falcon and a variety of exquisite calligraphies.
2. Exploring Arts & Crafts and Antique Shops in Al Fahidi
Within the Al Fahidi heritage, there are many shops where visitors can shop for antique products, paintings, and locally produced crafts.
3. Eat the Art at the XVA Hotel and Café
The XVA Art Hotel and Cafe is a hidden gem in the Al Fahidi neighborhood where tourists can feel the vibe and eat the art. The premises are designed and decorated with various plants, books, morals, and massive banyan trees. The hotel offers an art gallery for visitors. Interestingly, the hotel name XVA was derived from the Romanic number, meaning house number 15A.
4. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding
SMCCU is located in the Al-Fahidi neighborhood of House 26. It was founded in 1998 to help visitors better understand Emirati culture and customs. The center offers guests the opportunity to experience local cultures and traditions, primarily Arabic language, Bedouin-style seating, heritage tours, and guided tours to the mosques for religious understanding with the slogan ‘Open Doors, Open Minds.’ You can ask any question, regardless of how sensitive it is. It requires pre-booking to facilitate all the activities along with the guided tour.
5. Coin Museum
Within the Al Fahidi neighborhood is a coin museum displayed in eight rooms, which opened in 2004. the oldest coin in the museum goes back to the 7th century and contains 470 different coins
Room 1 displays an exploration of historical significance
Room 2 displays coins from the Arab-Sasanian period
Room 3 displays coins focusing on the Umayyad Caliphate era
The remaining 5 rooms display coins from the Abbasid Caliphate era and the coins of Egypt, the Levant, Turkey, North Africa, Andalusia, Iraq, and the Arabian Peninsula.
6. Cooffe Museum
A coffee museum concealed in Al Fahidi’s historical neighborhood takes up to 30 minutes to see. Numerous coffee grinders, kettles, and pots are used to brew coffee. Visitors can learn about coffee and its significance in Arabic culture. You will also receive two tiny coffees (one traditional UAE and one classic) and dried dates for sampling.
7. Arabian Tea House
If you want to have a cup of tea while exploring the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood, Arabian Tea House serves over 150 different teas and drinks. The best places in the city to try authentic Emirati cuisine. Remember to try the Emirati traditional sweet, Lukaimat.
8. Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant
Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant, with its courtyard setting, lanterns hanging from the walls, and thatched palm tablecloths, is more than a lovely place to eat. The visitors enjoy the authentic traditional dining experience, finishing with the best Um Ali in town.
9. Local House Restaurant
Ever tried a camel burger? Visit Local House, the first Dubai restaurant to popularize the Arabian delicacy as an element of Emirati cuisine. Located in one of Al Fahidi’s neighborhoods, it has been offering Arabian hospitality since 1997. Dubai’s oldest buckthorn tree shades the restaurant, serving traditional Emirati cuisine.
10. XVA Cafe
The award-winning XVA Café is well-known for its artistic blend of Arab and Western ambiance and vegetarian menu. XVA also hosts exhibitions with other galleries and international events such as Art London, SH Contemporary, and Art Basel Hong Kong.
People also ask:
Is there an entry fee to visit the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood?
There’s no fee to explore the Al Fahidi historical district, except for the SMCCU guided tour, which requires booking in advance. However, please note that various restaurants, cafes, and hotels have their own charges.
How do you get to the Al Fahidi historical district via Metro?
To visit the Al Fahidi historic neighborhood by Metro, take the Green Line to Al Fahidi Station, now known as Sharaf DG Metro Station. After exiting, follow the signs for Exit 3 and walk right down Al Musallah Road for 10 minutes until you reach the Al Fahidi Street roundabout, where you can see the historical landmark as well as the lovely Arabian Tea House and Local House restaurants decked out with vibrant bougainvillea.
Find it on Google Maps.
Click here to see an interesting YouTube video of Al Fahidi Historic Neighborhood.