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How to find the “other” Dubai; Away from the skyscrapers

Glamourous Travel Destination

By Aurora GiannaPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
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أمين علوان, Al Fahidi Fort (Dubai Fort) (Dubai Museum) front view, CC BY-SA 4.0

The glitzy city of the UAE, Dubai, is often seen as a destination packed with mega-malls and man-made attractions. Skyscrapers are the main characteristic of Dubai, and they reflect the wealth of the city. Undoubtedly, this is among the consumerist capitals in the world, but if you look deeper, you'll see that there's another side to Dubai.

1. Dubai as a glamourous travel destination

This is one of the wealthiest cities in the entire world. Everything found here exudes glamour attracting the rich from around the world. Hotels Dubai Deira cater to the needs of travellers by offering them the highest level of comfort and convenience. Dubai is a renowned shopping destination, although shopping on a budget is not an option here. As for accommodation, Dubai has the likes of Avani Deira Dubai Hotel, serving its visitors. Things to do and see here vary from historical sites to religious sites to high-end shopping malls to rooftop bars. For those who want to see the other side of Dubai, the city offers various attractions.

2. Learn history at Dubai Museum

Al-Fahidi Fort is the face of the other Dubai; the fort was built centuries ago to fortify the city against enemy invasions. Dubai Museum is housed inside this building. The walls of the buildings are built with coral blocks, and lime is the substance that holds the blocks together. The ceiling is built using plaster, palm fonds and mud. In the past, the fort was a royal residence, a prison and a garrison. The building was revamped in 1995, and now it serves as the city's primary museum. At the entrance, you'll see a fascinating collection of old maps of Dubai. The left-hand hall, the right-hand hall and the courtyard are some of the key features of the building.

3. Admire traditional architecture at Sheik Al-Maktoum House

This is another facet of traditional Dubai. Sheik Al-Maktoum House belonged to one of the rulers of Dubai, who ruled from 1921 to 1958. The site is the former ruler's residence, but now it's been converted into a museum. The original structure was demolished; however, the current structure does justice to its old design.

4. Visit Jumeriah Mosque

One of the most stunning building structures in Dubai, the Jumeriah Mosque, is a reflection of Islamic architecture. The stone structure is inspired by the Fatimid tradition, and the two minarets display details of the medieval tradition. The best version of the mosque can be seen in the evening when it's lit with floodlamps.

5. Shop in the Souks of Deira

Lying on the bank of Dubai Creek, Deira is a melting pot of various nationalities that reside in the city. Old-style dhows are moored on the shore with a slew of modern buildings as the backdrop. For a traveller, the most interesting feature of Deira is its souks; the souks are crowded with shops throughout the day. Nothing compares to Deira Gold Souk, the largest gold market in the world. The Spice Souk has every sort of spice, including sumac, cumin, frankincense, thyme, paprika; the souk also sells incense and rose water. While in Deira, you should also visit the Al-Ahmadiya School and Heritage House.

6. Visit the Heritage and Diving Village

The Heritage and Diving Village showcases Dubai architectural and maritime history. It has exhibits related to dhow building and pearl diving – two of the leading enterprises in ancient Dubai. You can also witness the Bedouin way of life here. The village has a small souk, a traditional coffeehouse, Persian style homes and handicraft stalls. If you visit in the months of October to April, you can enjoy various dance and music performances.

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