As the UAE marks the 53rd Eid Al Etihad, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the rich cultural heritage that makes the nation so uniquely special. Beyond the glitz and glamour of modern UAE, Emirati culture is rooted in centuries of history, tradition, and the stories of its people. As we celebrate this milestone, let’s take a step back and dive deeper into the heart of Emirati culture, exploring its past, present, and future through experiences that offer a window into its soul.
Explore six spots in Dubai that offer a glimpse into the history and rich culture of the Emirates.
VISIT THE AL FAHIDI FORT
Though currently closed for renovations, Al Fahidi Fort remains an essential stop for anyone looking to uncover the roots of Dubai’s story. Built in 1787, this fort is the city’s oldest surviving structure and has lived many lives — from a ruler’s residence to a weapons arsenal, a prison, and finally, a museum. In 1971, fittingly the same year the UAE was born, it reopened as Dubai Museum, chronicling the city’s transformation from a humble trading port to a global metropolis. While its doors may be temporarily shut, the fort’s historical significance endures.
GRAB A BITE AT ARABIAN TEA HOUSE
Located in the heart of the historic Bastakiya district, this quaint tea house offers more than just an afternoon pick-me-up. It’s a slice of old-world charm, serving up Emirati favorites like “khameer” bread and traditional Arabic coffee, offering a taste of culture that goes beyond the food. With its cozy, heritage-rich courtyard, Arabian Tea House makes the perfect stop to grab a bite on your Dubai historic tour. While you are there, take a quick stroll through the Bastakiya district.
TAKE AN ABRA RIDE ON THE CREEK
For a scenic and serene view of old Dubai, there’s no better way to experience the city’s waterways than on an abra ride. This traditional wooden boat gives you a glimpse into the old trade routes that shaped Dubai’s early economic foundation. It’s a breezy, peaceful way to soak up the city’s essence.
VISIT THE SHINDAGHA MUSEUM
Set along the iconic Dubai Creek, Al Shindagha Museum is a fascinating portal to the UAE’s past. The highlight, Dubai Creek: Birth of a City, is an immersive multimedia experience that showcases the area’s transformation from a modest fishing village to a bustling trade hub. With interactive videos, touch displays, and rare artifacts, the museum paints a vivid picture of Emirati life along the creek, from raising families by the waterways to the maritime trade that sustained their livelihoods. Don’t miss the Perfume House, where you can dive into the fragrant history of Emirati scents. This aromatic journey reveals the cultural and historical significance of perfumes, which once played a crucial role in trade and tradition.
VISIT THE OLD SOUKS
Take a stroll through the bustling lanes of the old souks, where you can haggle for spices, gold, textiles, and perfumes. These vibrant markets are the epitome of Dubai’s trade roots, and they offer a sensory overload of scents, colors, and sounds that will immerse you in the emirate’s timeless charm.
GET THE BEDOUIN EXPERIENCE
For an authentic taste of desert life, a Bedouin experience in the desert is a must. Step into the heart of Emirati heritage with Platinum Heritage’s Bedouin experiences. Set in a private, royal desert retreat within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, these excursions showcase the rich traditions of Bedouin life alongside the beauty of the natural landscape.
Explore the rolling dunes in a vintage Land Rover or glide through the sands on a camel convoy, just like the Bedouins of old. For an extra layer of magic, the evening experiences deliver unparalleled moments: dining under the stars, learning falconry techniques or marveling at the constellations with a professional astronomer.
ALSO READ: HERE’S WHAT SHARJAH MUSEUMS AUTHORITY IS DOING FOR THE UAE’S 53RD NATIONAL DAY.
