Old Dubai and heritage: history up close
The other side of Dubai: the Al Fahidi historic quarter, the gold and spice souks, the grand mosques and heritage museums. What to see, how to dress and when to go.
Where to start
Behind the skyscrapers Dubai has an old town: quarters of coral and clay, an abra crossing over the creek, souks and mosques. It is the calm, affordable and atmospheric part of a trip, best in the morning and towards sunset when it is not hot.
Mosques require covered clothing, a scarf for women, often provided on site. Below are the spots by type, each a click through to a detail page with details and timing.
The old town and souks
Historic Dubai around the Creek: quarters, the crossing and the markets.
- 01Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
A quarter of coral and clay with wind towers, galleries and cafes.
- 02Dubai Gold Souk
Deira's gold market, gold by weight, haggle.
- 03Dubai Spice Souk
The spice souk next door: spices, saffron, dried fruit.
- 04Old Dubai walking tour + abra ride
A walking tour of old Dubai with an abra crossing over the Creek.
Mosques
From the grand Sheikh Zayed Mosque to the UAE's small oldest mosque.
- 01Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Abu Dhabi's snow-white mosque, free entry, a strict dress code.
- 02Sharjah Mosque
Sharjah's largest mosque with a free guided tour on weekdays.
- 03Al Noor Mosque
A white mosque on the canal with a tour for non-Muslims.
- 04Al Bidya Mosque
The UAE's oldest mosque, around 1446, on the east coast.
Heritage museums
How the UAE went from pearls and the desert to a modern nation.
- 01Etihad Museum
The museum of the UAE's 1971 founding, on the signing site.
- 02Qasr Al Hosn
Abu Dhabi's oldest building, a fort and rulers' residence.
- 03Heart of Sharjah
Sharjah's historic quarter with the Al Hisn fort and Souq Al Arsah.
- 04Heritage Village
A reconstruction of an oasis village with crafts.
Dress code and timing
For mosques and historic quarters dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees, a scarf for women at mosques, often provided at the entrance. Many mosques are closed to tourists on Friday morning, and museums on Monday, so check the hours.
The best time is morning or the hour before sunset, as midday in the old town is hot with little shade. The souks come alive in the evening. Send your dates and we will build a cultural route through old Dubai and the emirates with a guide and transfer.