Mud and wood seem to be two materials that are rarely seen in the constructions of Dubai. However, mud exists in a destination where luxury and ostentation seem to be forgotten. Tourists in this magnificent place in the United Arab Emirates also prefer to step away from modernity to learn about the history of this territory, and there is no better place to do so than Al Fahidi.
This area is known as the historic district of Dubai, where the houses maintain traditional architecture, as well as their ancestral customs. In this space, visitors can stroll through typical streets and even discover regional markets where classic products have a different flavor.
Mud houses and little luxury: this is Al Fahidi
Clay, teak, gypsum, palm and sandalwood are some of the materials that abound in Al Fahidi, located on the shores of the sea in a canal known as Dubai Creek. This destination is one of the attractive points of Dubai where, in addition to delving into the ancient culture of the Emirates, one can also discover great art museums, special events, and traditional gastronomy.
To start the tour of this magical part of the city, it is important to make a stop at the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Center for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU), where a different tour can be enjoyed in this area. You can also discover the House of Symposiums, the House of Events, and the House of Calligraphy (Dar Al Khatt), which specializes in Arabic calligraphy.
Beyond the mud: all the treasures of Al Fahidi
This treasured sector of luxurious Dubai, built in the 1890s, was demolished in the 90s but reopened in 2005. At that time, maintaining a site of this style was not necessary for the city’s projection, although the need to preserve some historical enclave became essential for some business sectors.
In addition to the souk (market), Al Fahidi features various points of interest such as the ancient 18th-century fort, which now houses the Dubai Museum, where the history of the city is told and all kinds of ancient objects are displayed. In this space, tourism management is not a priority, and many visitors have claimed that there are no maps of the museums or schedules for accessing them. However, the magic of old Dubai remains, and everyone who has experienced it assures that it is worth visiting.
