 |
| Dubai Under Focus |
|
|
|
 Culture &
Heritage
A trip to Dubai takes you through early history, whereas in recent years,
archeologists have uncovered some artifacts, including weapons, pottery and
coinage, dating back to the third millennium B.C. which have been preserved and
housed in Dubai Museum. While modern Dubai traces its origin to the early 18th
century when at that time a small fishing village at the mouth of the Creek was
settled by a branch of the Bani Yas tribe, led by the Maktoum family who still
rule the emirates today. The emirate was reputed to have had the largest souks
in Arabia. Pearling was the mainstay of the emirate's prosperity for many
years, and later developing trade in gold and other commodities. Much of this
history is carefully preserved in myriad forts, mosques, palaces and other
historic monuments. |
|
| Archaeological
Sites |
|
Four main excavations have been taking place in Dubai uncovering
graveyards dating back 2000 years, and artifacts from 7th to 15th centuries AD.
|
|
|
Bur Bubai Creekside
The buildings lining the Bur Dubai side of the Creek provided the main view of
old district. These buildings have been restored to their original state with
its wooden windows and charming traditional domestic architecture. |
|
Clothing & Jewelry
 The high temperature of the region has reflected on
the Arab national dress worn in Dubai and adapted to it. The white
loose-fitting dress worn by men known as Dishdasha, and the women's black
long-sleeved full-length robe called abayah. Head coverings, are used by both
sexes for protection from sand and the midday sun. As for jewelry, women of
Dubai have a fondness for jewelry especially in gold and silver necklaces,
earrings, bracelets, anklets and rings for fingers, noses and even toes. Henna-
a reddish dye obtained from powdered leaves-is widely used to stain the palms
and soles of the feet for weddings and other special occasions. |
|
Heritage Sites
Historical buildings and sites are spread around Dubai showing the beautiful
domestic architecture of the emirate, such as Al Hamadiya School (1912), Bait
Al Wakeel (1934) which was the first office building in Dubai; Bin Muzaina
House which partially was dates back to 1890's; Burj Nahar, one of the many
watchtower that once guarded the old city (1870); the Heritage House; the
Heritage Village & Diving Village that feature potters and weavers
practicing traditional crafts, as well as exhibit and demonstrate pearl diving
showing Dubai's culture and heritage; the Majlis Ghorfat Um-Al Sheif (1955) in
Joumaira area featuring traditional palm tree garden and irrigation system;
Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort (1799) which is vividly depict daily life in
days prior to oil discovery, as well as artifacts dating back to third
millennium B.C.; Hatta Heritage Village which is nestled among Hajjar mountains
(16th century) a fine example of village architecture; Sheikh Saeed's House end
of Dubai Creek; The Bastakiya that provides a Hint of old Dubai district. |
|
Old Souks
The two main souks of Bur Dubai and Deira are being restored to highlight the
historical commercial roots of the city. Both markets are covered with
traditional roofing materials, with shops featuring old- style wooden doors.
|
|
| Round House
|
|
Located on the Dubai's Beach road. A replica of the Roundhouse has been
constructed to honor the site. |
|
|
Traditional Culture & lifestyle
Dubai's culture is rooted in Islam, providing inspiration that touches all
aspects of every-day life. Every neighborhood has a mosque; and one of the
largest and most beautiful is Jumeirah Mosque- a spectacular example of modern
Islamic architecture built in medieval Fatimid style, Hospitality is among the
most highly prized of virtues in the Arab world, and visitors will be charmed
by the warmth and friendliness of the people. |
|
|
|
