Bastakia Quarter

About

Dubai’s historic Bastakia Quarter harkens back to around the 18th century when it was settled by wealthy Persian merchants. Later, it became home to local Arab tribes and the first wave of foreign settlers. As the city grew and developed, the Bastakia quarter was left behind, many of its buildings being used for storage. Today, it offers a welcome escape from modernity Dubai. Wandering the winding alleys, you’ll see ochre-coloured buildings made from traditional materials like coral, mud, gypsum and palm wood, and topped with ingenious towers that circulate air inside. If you need a more directed experience, you can visit the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, which hosts tours and events promoting cultural awareness, so take a tour of the Jumeirah Mosque before tucking into a traditional homemade meal. The late 18th century Al Fahidi Fort is the oldest functional building in Dubai, and now houses the Dubai Museum.