Attractions in Dubai for history fans – in the footsteps of the old city

The history and traditions of Dubai

The history of Dubai – the city's tourist attractions are closely intertwined with its evolution over the years. Originally, it was a fishing village whose inhabitants mainly engaged in fishing and pearl diving. It was not until 1833, when the Bani Yas tribe, led by the Al Maktoum family, settled in Dubai, that the city began to develop. Contemporary Dubai is a mixture of Arab, South Asian and European-American traditions, creating a unique cultural melting pot. It is this diversity, as well as the story of how Dubai developed from its beginnings into a commercial and tourist centre, that makes its culture and history so interesting.

In the footsteps of old Dubai – a guide to the city's historical attractions

To really get to know the history of Dubai, it is worth taking a trip to its historical corners. From areas such as Al Fahidi to the bustling old bazaars of Dubai and authentic heritage villages, the city offers many opportunities to immerse yourself in the past. This guide to Dubai's historical attractions will help you discover places that bear witness to times gone by and are inextricably linked to the identity of the Emirates.

A guide to Dubai's historical attractions is no substitute for a real guide who will tell you about the history and traditions of the city. You can book a tour of old Dubai at attractions in Dubai on the Two Continents website. You can choose just a tour of Old Dubai or combine a tour of the new and old parts of the city with the All Dubai tour.

Where in Dubai can you feel the atmosphere of the old city?

Modernity in Dubai is visible at every turn, but you only need to delve into the depths of the districts outside the tourist centre to discover a completely different side of the city. To experience the authentic atmosphere of old Dubai, be sure to visit traditional Dubai districts such as:

• The historic Al Fahidi district (also known as Al Bastakiya) is one of the oldest and best-preserved places in Dubai. Here you can admire the traditional architecture of Dubai, with buildings made of stone, mud, coral and wood, as well as the characteristic wind towers (barjeel), which served as a natural cooling system. As you stroll through the narrow alleys, you will come across art galleries, charming cafes and local workshops that showcase the heritage and culture of the Emirates.
• Dubai Creek is a natural waterway that divides Dubai into two historic parts: Deira and Bur Dubai. For centuries, it was a key trade route connecting Dubai with the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. You can take a traditional wooden boat called an abra to admire the views of the old and new parts of the city. On both sides of the creek are Dubai's bustling old bazaars, such as the Spice Souk and Gold Souk, where you can buy spices, gold, fabrics and souvenirs.
• The Al Karama district in Old Dubai is where Arab culture meets South Asian culture, offering unique culinary experiences and the opportunity to learn about the daily life of the locals. It is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Dubai, famous for its numerous independent clothing shops and the traditional Karama fish market.

The key to a comfortable visit to historical attractions is good accommodation. The solution is accommodation in Dubai from Two Continents. Comfortable accommodation in private apartments in a central location in Dubai, close to public transport and attractions of both new and old Dubai, is a hallmark of Two Continents accommodation. This is a particularly recommended option for families and larger groups of friends.

The most important monuments in Dubai

Dubai is not associated with the word ‘monument’. After all, most of the buildings in this city did not exist 50 years ago! However, this does not mean that the whole of Dubai was built from scratch. In the city, you can find fascinating monuments and historical buildings that testify to the city's long and incredible history. If you are wondering what the oldest buildings in Dubai are, here are some of the city's key monuments:

• Al Fahidi Fort is the oldest existing building in Dubai, built in 1787. It originally served as a defensive structure and later as a palace and prison.
• Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum's House is the grand residence of the grandfather of the current ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It dates back to 1896 and was inhabited until 1958. It now houses the Al Shindagha Museum with a collection of old photographs, including private photos of the royal family.
• Burj Nahar was built in 1870 as one of three watchtowers used to spot enemy tribes. Built of coral stone and mud, it is a perfect example of late Arab architecture. Today, it is surrounded by a picturesque park with date trees.
• Jumeirah Mosque is one of the most iconic mosques in Dubai, completed in 1979 in the Fatimid style. It is open to non-Muslims, offering guided tours that introduce visitors to Islamic faith and practices.
• Hatta Heritage Village is a reconstructed traditional mountain village located in Hatta, which showcases the life of settlers before the oil revolution of the 1960s. It contains over 30 buildings, including a mosque and houses built from mud, stone and palm leaves.
• Al Ahmadiya School was the first semi-formal private school in Dubai, founded in 1912. Today, it is a museum that allows visitors to learn about the history of local education.

In addition to these historic buildings, Dubai also has modern structures which, due to their significance and influence, are already considered contemporary landmarks of Dubai, such as the Burj Khalifa, the Museum of the Future and the Burj Al Arab. Tickets to visit these landmarks can be purchased on the Two Continents website.

What historical museums are there in Dubai?

Dubai is the definition of modernity and generational progress, but also of tradition and the preservation of local culture in a rapidly changing and globalising world. If you want to learn about the history of Dubai through artefacts and exhibitions, it is worth visiting the numerous museums:

• Dubai Museum, located in Al Fahidi Fort, presents the history and development of Dubai from pre-Islamic times to the present day. Here you will find models of traditional houses, boats, markets, as well as weapons and jewellery. Important information: The Dubai Museum is currently temporarily closed for renovation, so it can only be admired from the outside.
• The Etihad Museum is a modern museum that tells the story of the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. It features interactive exhibitions, documents and photographs illustrating the country's achievements.
• The Saruq Al-Hadid Archaeological Museum is an interactive museum dedicated to the Iron Age, displaying artefacts discovered on the edge of the Rub' al Khali desert.
• The Coin Museum, in the Al Fahidi district, displays a collection of coins used in the region, illustrating the economic and cultural evolution of Dubai.
• The Camel Museum, near Dubai Creek, is dedicated to the important role of camels in the culture and daily life of the Emirates.
• The Women's Museum (Bait Al Banat) in the Deira district celebrates the contribution of Emirati women to the history and culture of the nation.
• The Perfume House Museum in the Al Shindagha district offers a sensory journey through the history of perfume in the region.
• The Naif Museum, located in the historic Naif Fort, Dubai's first police headquarters, provides an insight into the history of law enforcement in the city.

What is worth visiting in Dubai to learn about its traditions?

If you are interested in the history of Dubai – tourist attractions related to its traditions and historical attractions worth seeing in Dubai, the city offers many possibilities for you:

• Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding offers traditional meals and lectures that allow you to learn more about the customs, religion and cuisine of the Emirates. It is a great way to explore the traditions and culture of Dubai.
• Heritage Village in the Al Sindagha district is an open-air museum that recreates traditional life in the Emirates, with Bedouin tents, craftsmen and exhibitions of ancient heritage. Here you can participate in craft workshops, enjoy cultural shows and taste local dishes.
• Al Marmoom Heritage Village is another place where you can experience life in the desert and meet local craftsmen.
• Quranic Park is a unique place designed to promote Islamic values of peace and tolerance by showcasing plants mentioned in the Quran.

The best way to explore Dubai and learn about the city's traditions is to start by planning your trip, specifically by searching for flights to the United Arab Emirates. Our cheap flight search engine will allow you to find cheap airline tickets every day, including great deals to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah Airport.

Explore historic Dubai on Two Continents tours

Dubai is a city that passionately celebrates its past while looking to the future. By visiting these historic buildings in Dubai and immersing yourself in its culture and history, you will understand how much it has to offer to lovers of heritage and authentic experiences. You will get to know Dubai from a historical perspective best during guided tours with Two Continents, learning how the inhabitants of Dubai lived and worked in the past.

After exploring historical sites, it is worth having a place to rest and eat traditional Emirati delicacies. Check out comfortable accommodation in Dubai and book your place in a private apartment with a view of the modern Dubai skyline. For those more interested in flats in Dubai: real estate agency offer in Dubai – check it out and invest/live with us.

Questions and answers (FAQ):

• Does Dubai have any historical sites to visit?

In Dubai, you will find many interesting historical sites to visit, such as the historic Al Fahidi district, traditional old neighbourhoods such as Deira and Bur Dubai, and museums such as the Etihad Museum or the Al Shindagha Museum.

• Where in Dubai can you learn about its history?

You can learn about the history of Dubai and life in the United Arab Emirates in interesting museums in the city: Al Shindagha Museum, Etihad Museum, Saruq Al-Hadid Museum or outside Dubai, for example in Hatta Heritage Village. You can also visit the Old Town of Dubai with a Polish guide from Two Continents on an organised tour.

• What are the most important monuments in Dubai?

The most important monuments in Dubai are: Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest building in Dubai, built in 1787, Burj Nahar Tower, Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House and Al Ahmadiya School. Also important are the modern landmarks, so called because of their cult status in the city, namely Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab and the Museum of the Future.

Cover photo: Domenico Convertini, Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0