Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The compact area is easily explored on an aimless wander but for a more in-depth ex-
perience it's well worth joining a guided walking tour run by the Sheikh Mohammed
Centre for Cultural Understanding (
Click here
)
at 10am on Sunday and Thursday (Dh50,
reservations advised).
Dubai Museum
MUSEUM
( 353 1862; Al Fahidi St; adult/child Dh3/1; 8.30am-8.30pm Sat-Thu, 2.30-8.30pm Fri; Al Fahidi)
Housed in the 1787 Al Fahidi fort, the one-time seat of government and residence of
Dubai's rulers is now a low-key museum that explores Dubai's history, culture and tradi-
tions. Beyond a slick multimedia presentation charting Dubai's exponential growth from
tiny trading post to megalopolis, endearing freeze-frame dioramas recreate scenes from
old Dubai, including a souq, a school and a Bedouin desert camp. Geared more towards
adults is the archaeology section which presents locally unearthed vessels, tools, weapons
and other artefacts in artfully lit glass cases.
Shindagha Heritage Area
HISTORIC SITE
(Al Shindagha Rd; Al Ghubaiba)
The Shindagha waterfront, in the crook of the creek, is one of
the most historic areas in Dubai, with origins in the 1860s. It gained in importance when
the ruling family relocated here in the late 19th century. Many of the historic structures
have been rebuilt and now house small museums. A paved walkway with a few cafes par-
allels the waterfront and is popular with strollers and joggers. The nicest time to visit is
around sunset.
Sheikh Saeed al-Maktoum House
MUSEUM
( 393 7139; Al Shindagha Rd; adult/child Dh2/1; 8am-8.30pm Sat-Thu, 3-9.30pm Fri; Al Ghubaiba)
The
crown jewel along the Shindagha Heritage Area is the Sheikh Saeed al-Maktoum House, a
grand courtyard building that was the official residence from 1912 until 1958 of Sheikh
Saeed, the great-grandfather of Dubai's present ruler, Sheikh Mohammed. It was built in
1896 and, aside from being an architectural marvel, it now contains a museum of pre-oil
times, with fantastic photographs of undeveloped Dubai in the 1940s and '50s as well as
coins, stamps and documents dating back to 1791.
Deira Souqs
MARKET
