Bastakiya Quater, better known as Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, is a district in Dubai that preserves and showcases the culture and tradition of the ancient Middle East kingdom. As seen, Al Fahidi is a contrast to what people think of Dubai as a symbol of modernity and only admire the skyscrapers and modern architecture filling the area. If anyone who wants to know about the actual culture of the people living in ancient Dubai and nearby places must visit the Bastakiya Quarter to explore the traditional Emirati architecture, art, and history. This place has equal significance in telling the story of how Dubai was made into one of the most loving and best places on earth.
History of Bastakiya Quarter
According to historians, it is noted that the Bastaiya Quarter came to light around the 19th century, when it was established by the Persian merchants who came and settled in the place. As the living ancestors were merchants, they built this place as a trading hub and so-called the first district of modern Dubai. These merchants conduct all kinds of business in merchandise and store their goods in bulk.
As the souk (market) grew, the need for more sophisticated architecture came to be necessary, and we now see the barjeels or wind towers were made to cool off the place from the heat and scorching sun. The narrow alleys and thick walls made of mud gave a good and cool shade to the people who came here for business purposes from around the world.
In the early 2000s, the government initiated for restoration of the Bastakiya Quarter to preserve its history and its significance for future generations.
Things to do at Bastakiya Quarter
1. Explore the Traditional Architecture
Whenever a person visits the alleys of the Bastakiya Quarter, they feel that they have travelled back in time, as this place is astonishing to view. Its architecture reminds of the Middle Eastern days of ancient people, like in the stories everyone has heard, and it’s completely different from the other Dubai districts, which are so modernized with futuristic designs that this place looks to be stopped in time.
2. Visit the Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Fort
Anyone can visit the Al Fahidi Fort which is now converted into a museum to preserve and showcase some ancient artifacts and other collections that were excavated from the nearby places. This museum holds a lot about the city’s history and culture and exhibits every minute detail of how this fishing village became a global metropolis in two centuries.
3. Discover Art Galleries
Talking about history with any illustration is incomplete. Bastakiy also consists of several art galleries that promote local and international artists. Some famous art galleries in the place are the Majlis Gallery and the XVA Gallery, where tourists visit to see some immense artwork from around the world.
4. Enjoy a Cultural Experience
Travellers can see a lot of cultural programs and workshops held in the Bastakiya Quarter and be offered to be part of and engage with traditional crafts like pottery, weaving, and calligraphy. People can enthusiastically participate in these activities and experience a deeper understanding of the culture.
5. Attend Local Festivals
Bastakiya holds many festivals throughout the year, including various cultural festivals and major events in which foreigners can take part such as Dubai Art Season and Dubai Shopping Festival. In all of these festivals, tourists get to know more about the tradition and cultural importance and how these artworks, illustrations, performances and old markets play a vital role in making Dubai connected to its roots.
Why not consider our Dubai city tour cover that cover Bastakiya Quarter, Spice Souk and Gold Souk places too.
Best Time to Visit Bastakiya Quarter
For all the tourists who can’t bear tough heat and direct sun rays, it is recommended to visit the place in the cooler months of the year, between October to March. During this period, the climate is not too hot in the daylight which makes it feasible to roam and explore under the sun without any shade. The narrow alleys and still-standing barrels, or the wind towers, act as cooling systems for the locality. The best time to go to Bastakiya is early morning or late afternoon, in which people can enjoy and click amazing photographs, as these slots are called golden hour to get the perfect lighting for some memorable shots. The Bastakiya Quarter remain open 7 days a week.
How to Reach?
It is not difficult to Bastakiya Quarter here via public transport like a bus or a metro. The nearest metro station, known as Al Fahidi Station, is on the Green Line and has a walking distance from its exit. Any tourist who doesn’t want to wait or enter the metro can take a cab or ride-sharing service vehicles, which are widely used in the city. If someone wants to have a dramatic entrance while looking at beautiful scenes in the process, they can take an Abra, which is a traditional wooden boat across Dubai Creek, adding a unique touch to the journey.
Entrance Fee
There is no such entrance fee to enter Bastakiya Quarter.
5 Nearby Places to Visit
- Dubai Creek: Scenic Waterside
- Gold Souk: Traditional Market
- Spice Souk: Aromatic Market
- Al Seef: Scenic Waterfront
- Jumeirah Mosque: Sacred Site (Also listed in the top building of Dubai)
Conclusion
Bastakiya Quarter is the best place to explore and capture the aroma of Dubai’s rich cultural heritage. From historic architecture to art galleries, Bastakiya gives us a vibrant atmosphere to blend in and fly away from the modern designs and futuristic topics to a place giving the ambience of an actual Middle Eastern vibe.
