Bur Dubai: the historical centre of the city

Bur Dubai: the historical centre of the city

Nothing better than a walk through the old quarter of Dubai to rediscover the Oriental essence of the city.

Bur Dubai, the traditional district of the city once inhabited by Bedouins and fishermen, is nestled west of the Dubai Creek.

Start your walk at the historical heart of Shindagha and visit the palace of Sheikh Saeed, former residence of the Maktoum family, the dynasty that founded the city in the 19th century and still leads this small state, which has been part of the United Arab Emirates since 1971.

Then head to Bastakiya, the old commercial centre that has been impeccably restored. Persian merchants once settled here in traditional houses topped with windcatchers that were used in the 19th century to ventilate the interior.

Then walk through the various souks of Deira on the banks of the creek for an immersion in the Oriental world of yesteryear that will let you forget skyscrapers and artificial islands for a moment.

Finish the visit at the old Al Fahidi Fort, where you will find the Dubai Museum, which successfully illustrates the various phases of the city's development.

Burj Khalifa
1 Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard
P.O. Box 9440, Dubai

+971 (0)4 8888124