Old Dubai

Deira, bordered by the Arabian Gulf, Sharjah and Dubai Creek, is a famous part of Old Dubai and its historical commercial centre. During the years Deira has been transformed into a bustling business locality that hosts many colourful  souks and markets, such as: the Gold and Spice souks and the Deira Fish Market. The Gold Souk in Al Dhagaya has more than three hundred businesses dealing in gold jewelry. Legend has it that more than ten tons of gold are present in the souk at any time.

Port Saeed is another locality in Deira that is home to a fleet of dhows and small merchant boats. Half of Port Saeed is occupied by the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. The club maintains an 18-hole golf course and a marina. The club house, a number of villas, several restaurants and the Dubai Park Hyatt hotel are also occupying part of the club grounds. Other important business places in Port Saeed are Deira City Centre and Dubai Shopping Centre.

Al Garhoud locality, bordering Dubai International Airport, houses the Emirates Airlines head office, the Emirates Aviation College and the famous restaurant complexes of Century and Irish Villages.

Last, but not least, Deira is home to the Festival City, a large Dubai Creek waterfront residential, commercial and entertainment development.

Bur Dubai, literally translating to “Mainland Dubai”, is the other half of the Old Dubai, located on the west bank of the Dubai Creek. Bar Dubai is home to several mosques, including the most famous of them, the Grand Mosque that has the city’s tallest minaret. Bar Dubai is known as Dubai’s historic and cultural centre. Al Fahidi Fort, built in 1787, is the oldest existing building in Dubai and houses the Dubai Museum. Bur Dubai also hosts the Al Bastakiya historic area, the Al Shindagha Museum that occupies the grounds of the historic location of Dubai Ruler’s residence and the Heritage and Diving Villages, both created to showcase the traditional life in old times Dubai.

Oud Metha locality is home to Wafi Mall and Lamcy Plaza, two famous shopping destinations in Dubai. Oud Metha also hosts the Creek and Wonderland Amusement Parks along with entertainment complex Al Boom Tourist Village and most importantly Dubai Healthcare City – a free zone health and wellness destination.

BurJuman, one of Dubai’s oldest shopping malls, is also located in Bur Dubai. The distinctive landmark comprises over 260,000 sq.m. of mixed-use space that includes a business tower, hotel suites and duplex residences along with the shopping mall itself.