Bastakiya
Photo: Courtesy of Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
A glimpse into Dubai’s past
Talk of the town: Rumour has it that Bastakiya was slated for destruction – that is, until Prince Charles paid a visit and advised the rulers to preserve it.
Bastakiya is often touted as the oldest district in Dubai. Though some of the exquisite coral and limestone architecture does date back to the 1890s, when the region was first built, many buildings are simply supremely adept restorations. Still, the labyrinthine streets, traditional wind towers, and elaborately decorative grilles – not to mention the odd pockets adournded with Arabic calligraphy – make Bastakiya the most charismatic neighbourhood in the city.
The area also boasts several cafes and galleries, many of which make use of the old buildings’ traditional courtyards. The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding operates out of one of the more elaborate structures, and offers tours of the area. Visitors interested in art are advised to stop by the XVA and Majlis galleries, which both stock a good range of contemporary art.