Being included in the list of the ancient districts in Dubai, Al Bastakiya is also famous by another name, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. The area is opposite to the other parts of the city which are iconic examples of craftsmanship, creativity, and innovation such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, etc. If you want to feel the essence of the customary Emirate environment as it was in the 19th century, just explore the streets here.
The district was created in the 1800s; however, it was re-established in 2005 so that tourists as well as residents can see how the fastest-evolving city used to look in the past. At present, Al Bastakiya is similar to a small Bohemian and is a great historical and cultural place, having several independent art galleries, some cafes, and museums. If you want to explore more about this historical district, just keep reading below.
How to get to the Al Bastakiya?
If you want to escape from the hassle of the bustling city for some time and want to know more about culture as well as history, then Al Bastakiya is a perfect spot for you. It is ensured that you will have a great experience here and get to know a lot about the tradition.
In case you want to go to this place, you can reach it by using any public transportation. But the simplest method is to take the metro. To take the metro, you will have to go to the closest station of the Metro known as Al Fahidi. Once you take the metro, the district is just a distance of walking.
There are no charges to enter the area, so is easily accessible for everyone. However, if you want to visit The Sheikh Mohammed Centre to learn details about its history, you will have to pay the fee to book it as well as to partake in traditional dining and several other activities. For booking, you will need to go to their website and check the details.
| Location | UAE, Dubai |
| Dining Options | Sheikh Muhammad Center for Cultural Understanding, Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Café |
| Popular Attractions | Coffee Museum, Grand Mosque, XVA Gallery, Dubai Museum |
| Activities | Art galleries, museums |
| Transportation | Water taxi, Walking |
| Type | Historical area |
Exploring Things at Al Bastakiya
If you are visiting this ancient district, do not forget to discover numerous traditional houses in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. However, most of these traditional houses are now changed into independent art galleries, restaurants, cafes, and small museums. You will also find several craft and spice stores as well.
If you want to spend some relaxed and quiet time with your friends or family, it is a decent spot for a peaceful walk while the sun sets. To get a deep understanding of the place, it is highly recommended to take a local guide along with yourself. The local guide will assist you in exploring the most wonderful places of the old district of Dubai, revealing to you the oldest corners of the area.
Let’s have a look at some of the places you should visit after going to Al Bastakiya:
1. XVA Gallery
One of the most popular art galleries in the city of Dubai, XVA Gallery has the masterpieces of experts and artists from all Arab nations of Arab, such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, and, of course, the vibrant city of Dubai. There is a famous café and also a restaurant which offers perfectly cooked vegetarian meals of Middle Eastern. However, the price of the food is a bit expensive, but the environment is so relaxed and peaceful.
If you want the go to this gallery, it is recommended to visit their official site for further details. Moreover, you can hire a local guide while exploring the old district including some of the popular areas Majlis Gallery, the Museum of Women, and the Cultural Center.
2. Coffee Museum
Another place you can explore while visiting the district is the coffee museum. It is a small museum that permits tourists to know the procedure for roasting as well as making coffee. At the coffee museum, you will see several equipment that are utilized at different steps of making coffee and then after that, the traditional coffee is given to the tourists once they end their tour at the museum.
3. Sheikh Muhammad Center for Cultural Understanding
Numerous visitors do not prefer to explore the actual side of the city, like its traditions, history, and culture whenever they visit here. Several activities are available at this non-profit place, known as The Sheikh Muhammad Center for Cultural Understanding.
Some of the activities include going to the Jumeirah Mosque or doing courses in the Arabic language. Moreover, while these activities are going on, they also arrange delicious traditional meals and dishes where the visitors can experience yummy lunches and learn more details regarding the local traditions. However, booking in advance is important here before visiting.
4. Dubai Museum
One of the most popular cultural spots that is a must-visit place for visitors is the Dubai Museum, previously called Al Fahidi Fort. The place was established in the 1700s and is referred to as the ancient place in the city of Dubai. Previously, it was used as a residence and office for the Dubai ruler. However, it was transformed into the Dubai Museum in the year 1971. At present, several oldest relics and artifacts showing the ancient culture are available here.
5. Grand Mosque
The well-known Mosque called the Grand Mosque is another spot that tourists can visit in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. In 1900, it was established for the 1st time and then in 196, it was destroyed and re-established in 1960. In the year 1998, it was reconstructed. This Mosque has acquired the attention of many people and can accommodate almost 1200 worshippers in it.
Dining Options at Al Bastakiya
After exploring several places in the district, you will want to eat something in the end. The Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood offers some good dining options for you to eat and spend quality time with your family.
Let’s see some good dining spots you can find here:
1. Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Café
The café is situated at the exact place of a rich pearl merchant. At the café, you will find different dishes of vegetables and meat from Middle Eastern and Arab cultures. Several options for healthy dishes are represented in front of you to choose from. Moreover, there are different options for traditional Emirati fish and meat dishes on the menu with a decent quantity of spiced rice. It is highly recommended to taste the grilled meals here.
For drinking, you will find delicious and fresh camel milk. If you want to taste their popular tea, you can visit the place in the late afternoon. However, you will not find alcohol in the district. The cost for their main courses lies in the range of AED 60-70. Normally, you have to wait a little to get the table at this place.
2. Sheikh Muhammad Center for Cultural Understanding
Visiting this great place is referred to as the most amazing experience you will ever get in the old district of Al Bastakiya. You will find a luxurious buffet with the local delicious meals here. The dishes are served normally while the local tour guide provides information regarding the culture and history of the Emirates.
This is the best chance to get to know about the unique culture of Arab culture and enjoy a good time. Despite the rich buffet offered in the lunch, you can likewise partake in the cultural breakfasts as well as the delicious brunch. It is a very famous place, so it is crucial to reserve your table in advance to ignore the hassle of waiting.
