Cultural Tourism in Dubai

Visitors in Dubai usually come for shopping and entertainment. Sightseeing in Dubai does not only mean visiting museums, theaters and scenic spots in nature, but also a visit at what ostentatious modernity has to offer. These include Dubai’s showcase of infrastructure – from landmark edifices to commercial complexes – with their architectural wonders inside and out. The beautiful places in Dubai include the historical places where visitors get a glimpse of Dubai’s humble beginnings and how over time it has soared like an eagle. It is a sneak peek into both cultural development and economic development. It is also a visit to awesome shopping places fit for royalty as well as those interesting places of trade among commoners. Theaters and lounges in Dubai present nightly cultural entertainment for musical appreciation.

 

The old culture of Dubai can be traced by visiting places around the creek that divides Dubai into two – the Bur Dubai and Deira. There are buildings lining the Bur Dubai side of the Creek that provides the main flavor of the old city. Heritage Village shows the image representing old Dubai. Adjoining Heritage Village is a Diving Village that exhibits pearl diving and fishing. The Diving Village turns the entire "Shindagha" area into a cultural city, recreating Dubai’s way of life in the olden times.

The main places that exhibit Dubai history and past culture include the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, the Dubai Museum, and the Heritage Village.

 

The Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House is the official residence of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai for forty six years (1912-1958) and grandfather of the present Ruler, Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The house has been restored to stand proud on the Shindagha at the end of Dubai Creek which today houses a rare collection of historic photographs, coins, stamps and documents that record Dubai's history.

 

Never leave Dubai without marching into the museum where you can actually “feel” this city’s culture and share in its past with this emirates’ remarkable transformation. The Dubai Museum is one not to miss when visiting Dubai. It is one of the most ancient buildings in the creek that divides the Dubai City and the Old Dubai where you can find colorful dioramas in life-size figures, collection of artifacts, gallery of past scenes recorded in the history of Dubai, and many more. The museum aims to furnish a record of the emirate’s traditional life.

 

The Heritage Village is in the restored Al Fahidi Fort, The Heritage Village of Hatta, situated in the heart of the rocky Hatta Mountains, has a rich history dating back to 2000 – 3000 years. It consists of 30 buildings, each differing in size, interior layout and building materials used. Village restoration work was done meticulously, with great care taken to use the same materials in renovation as those used when it was originally built such as mud, hay, sandalwood and palm fronds. This place portrays the old buildings of Old Dubai many years ago.

The Sharia Mosque is also a must-see to visit for a short glance of the Islamic worship house. It is an old mosque built around 200 years ago maintained using the same building materials that consist of a large prayer hall, a court and courtyard, a minaret and other utility rooms. The Jumeirah Mosque, and the Grand Mosque are also religious places worth visiting.

 

The experience of the eyes and the mind will surely touch Dubai’s visitors. At the very least, visitors shall be impressed