Al Bastakiya

Bastakiya quarter is an integral part of Bur Dubai and one of the first residential areas in Dubai, going back to the 1890s. Many of the original residents of Bastakiya were Persian merchants hailing from the Bastak county in modern days Iran, hence the name Bastakiya. The wind tower design was created by the architects of that era to provide the necessary cooling and ventilation for the house interior areas. Buildings in Al Bastakiya carry rich cultural flavor with artistic design and architecture that enable visitors to witness the difference between Old and New Dubai. In the late 1990s Dubai Municipality, through its Historic Building Section, started redeveloping the area. Old historic buildings were renovated or rebuilt and a number of art galleries and cafes were opened up. Al Bastakiya is home to several well-known buildings and organizations, such as:

Al Fahidi Fort – dating from the 1780s, it is the oldest building in Dubai.

Bayt Al Wakeel – housing a marine museum and an old style restaurant.

Dubai Museum – a highly recommended destination to visit.

Majlis Gallery – A focal point for artists and art enthusiasts alike.

Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU).