Today, the entire knows Dubai as a bustling futuristic megalopolis. But this is not how Dubai always was. Till about 7 decades ago, Dubai was nothing more than a small town of a traditional emirate. And in that town, existed a thriving neighborhood called Bur Dubai – the oldest neighborhood of the city.
Bur Dubai is situated on the western shores of the Dubai Creek. This area has seen – and also been an active participant in – Dubai’s journey of transformation. It was also a commercial hub of old Dubai as the Arab dhows used to load and unload commodities on the shores of Bur Dubai. The dhows continue this practice to this day.
Best Things to do in Bur Dubai
Today, Bur Dubai is a wonderful blend of business & residential districts. The area bustles with activity all day long as it houses various shopping malls, offices, and cultural centers. You must spend time in Bur Dubai, checking out the various attractions here; it would be time well spent. Let’s have a look at what are some of the top things that you can do in Bur Dubai.
1. Dubai Museum
The Dubai Museum houses a host of exhibits, dating from prehistoric days to more recent times, which wonderfully capture Dubai’s colorful journey with time. It is located within the precincts of the Al Fahidi Fort that used to serve as the residence of Dubai’s ruling family at some point of time. There are also various exhibits here that give an insight into the lives of the Arab Bedouins. And last but not the least, the museum also has a gallery that showcases how the intrepid pearl divers worked, engaged in the then primary occupation of the country.
2. Al Fahidi Historic District
The din & bustle of the city would die down as you enter this marvelously restored – and preserved – traditional quarter. You would be fascinated to see the traditional sand-colored houses here, adorned by wind towers, which dot the lanes & by-lanes here. Multiple art galleries here conduct events that encourage budding artists. Buy yourself some excellent mementos from the craft shops here. And don’t forget to check out the various cafes here provide serve tasty snacks & beverages.
3. Children’s City
Among the first of its kind in the Middle East, Children’s City is a wonderful “fun-and-learn” initiative, aimed at kids between the ages of two & fifteen. They can explore, investigate, and discover many fun & interesting facts about space travel, climate, geography, the human body, global cultures, and so much more. Regular workshops are also conducted here that take kids through a rewarding journey about various aspects of the environment that they live in.
4. Dubai Gold Souk
Dubai & gold have been almost synonymous for a long time. So, a visit to a gold souk market dedicated to the yellow metal is something you should not miss out on. Eye-popping variants of gold jewelry on display here will take your breath away. Be awed with the fantastic craftsmanship & attention to detail that is visible in every item of jewelry here. And of course, after all the window shopping is done, do lay your hands on some item of jewelry from here.
5. Zabeel Park
A most welcome – and very popular – patch of greenery in the bustling locality, Zabeel Park is thronged by tourists & locals alike. This is a wonderful site to take relaxing walks or simply sit and chat with your companions or read a book. In the winters, you can visit the park even in the afternoon to soak up the sun. You may also do some boating in the beautiful lake here. Zabeel Park is also a very popular picnic spot where you can test your barbecuing skills. Health freaks can also utilize the jogging tracks here. And there’s also a miniature train here that can take you around the park.
6. Dubai Frame
For the last 6 years, Dubai Frame has carved a niche in the domain of the city’s attractions. This massive structure, designed like a frame, stands in Zabeel Park & has an imposing height of 150 meters. Right at the top, the viewing bridge provides magnificent views of old & new Dubai on either sides of the frame. The frame acts as the perfect bridge between the two versions of Dubai. There is also a gallery here that depicts Dubai’s colorful journey of progress.
7. Museum of Illusions
A place where nothing is like what it seems to be. A place where reality & magic seem to overlap each other. That’s the Museum of Illusions. There are multiple mind-bending zones here like the Anti Gravity Room & the Vortex Tunnel that would leave you wide-eyed. After getting the museum of the illusions tickets, there are various mind-boggling optical illusions in the Image Room would make you question your own sense of perception! And it’s a laugh riot at the Ames Room where normal-sized people appear like giants & dwarves in turns.
8. Abra Ride
Want to get a feel of traditional Dubai transportation? Then hop on to an abra – traditional Arabian boat. You can sail along the Creek and reach Deira on the other side, for just AED 1. Yes, it’s AED 1 only. You would be able to enjoy wonderful views of the Creek & also the striking Dubai skyline on either banks of the Creek. You may also spend a longer time in this ride by hiring an abra all for yourself.
9. Bur Dubai Souq
This is the oldest souq (market) in Dubai. a beautifully-crafted wooden roof covers a central arcade that serves as the marketplace. This market is a throwback to the traditional markets of the entire Arab world, much before shopping malls came into existence.Be it clothes, spices, perfumes, or crockery – you would find some real good stuff here. The shopkeepers are very friendly & would be more than willing to display their wares. However, you would need to bargain hard. But trust us – shopping at the Bur Dubai Souq is real value for money.
10. Saruq Al Hadid Archaeology Museum
Entrenched in the desert in southern Dubai, Saruq Al Harid was discovered just a couple of decades ago. Saruq Al Harid dates back to almost 3000 years and it used to be a thriving metal manufacturing site in the Iron Age. This museum displays an array of exhibits recovered from the site that include various metal weapons & other items of daily usage. These exhibits, and excerpts of interviews from archaeologists involved in the excavations, provide a lot of insights into the rich prehistory of Dubai.
So, these were the things to do in Bur Dubai. If you know any other good place to explore nearby area, then do leave your comment below.
