Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

Al Fahidi, still often called Bastakiya, preserves the low-rise Dubai that existed before oil money arrived. Its houses date from the mid-19th century to the 1970s and are built of coral stone, gypsum, teak and palm wood, many topped with barjeel wind towers that once cooled the rooms below.

Today the restored courtyard homes hold art galleries, specialist museums, cultural associations and cafés, and the quarter hosts seasonal events such as the Sikka Art Festival. Wandering is free and the alleys are shaded, but the lanes are most pleasant in the early morning or after 5pm outside the summer months. Combine it with an abra across the creek to the Deira souks, which leave from the nearby Bur Dubai waterfront.