This historic district along Dubai Creek has traditional Arab houses, the Grand Mosque, and the textile souks. Local merchants sell spices and fabrics in its narrow lanes.
Walk through the wind-towered merchant houses of Al Fahidi, bargain for silk and cotton in the Textile Souk, or step into the 18th-century Al Fahidi Fort housing Dubai Museum. Bur Dubai, stretching along Dubai Creek's western bank, contains Dubai's oldest quarters. The area remains an active commercial center, with the Meena Bazaar and creek-side markets drawing traders and shoppers throughout the day.
Exploring Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Wind towers rise above sand-colored buildings in Al Fahidi's narrow lanes. These towers functioned as natural air conditioners in the 1900s merchant houses, many of which now contain art galleries, museums, and cafes. Join a cultural walking tour at Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding to learn about Emirati customs and try local food.
Crossing Dubai Creek
Dubai Creek connects daily life between Bur Dubai and Deira. Wooden abras leave every 3-5 minutes from two stations along the waterfront. The boat ride costs 1 dirham and runs 24 hours. Between Al Jaddaf and Dubai Festival City, motorized abras run from 7 AM to midnight for 2 dirhams.
Markets and Shopping Areas
A wooden roof shades the Textile Souk's walkways, where merchants sell cotton, silk, traditional clothing, and souvenirs. In the adjacent Meena Bazaar, you'll find shops selling gold jewelry, electronics, and Indian clothing. Both areas fill with local shoppers and diners after sunset.
Cultural and Historical Sites
Al Fahidi Fort, dating from 1799, houses Dubai Museum. Walk through underground galleries with dioramas and artifacts showing Dubai's growth from fishing village to modern city. The Grand Mosque's 70-meter minaret marks the skyline near the museum. The Iranian Mosque stands out with its facade of blue tiles arranged in intricate Islamic patterns.
Parks and Recreation
Creek Park runs between Al Maktoum and Al Garhoud Bridges, with walking paths following the waterfront. Children can play in designated areas throughout the park. At Dubai Dolphinarium inside the park, dolphins perform daily at 11 AM and 3 PM, with additional shows on weekends.
Food Scene
Small curry houses and restaurants line the streets, reflecting the area's South Asian influences. You can taste Emirati dishes like camel meat at Local House in Al Fahidi district. Several restaurants along the waterfront give you views of wooden dhows and abras crossing the creek.
