The city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is one of the most prominent contributors to architecture. It has been a pioneer in the advancement of technology and infrastructure. The city is well known for its architectural marvels like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina Towers and Palm Jumeirah. From man-made islands, & star Hotels to record-making skyscrapers, Dubai has it all. The traditional architecture of Dubai dates back to the late 19th century. Influenced by Islamic designs, it reflects religious and social customs. The early settlements used materials which were found locally and designed houses which would facilitate a cool environment.
Dubai | Al Fahidi Historic District
The ultramodern city the world knows as Dubai began its journey as a humble fishing village on the harbour. The residents of the village were from the Bani Yas Tribe and indulged in fishing and pearling for their livelihood. The Al Fahidi historical neighborhood, also known as Al Bastakiya is a historic district which dates back to the 1890s. The Dubai Municipality had planned to demolish the old localities but later decided to preserve them. The neighbourhood houses many attractions for tourists. The Wall of Old Dubai is one of the two walls which define the city context. The Bur Dubai wall was built using coral stones and gypsum. It was 50 cm thick, approx. 600 meters long and 2.5 meters high. After demolition at the beginning of the twentieth century, the only remaining evidence of the wall stands in this neighbourhood. The neighbourhood also has traditional shops, markets and cafes. Al Bastakiya is characterized by courtyard houses that traditionally had wind towers to beat the heat with natural ventilation. The wind towers locally known as “Barjeel” are built with traditional materials like stone, teak, sandalwood, palm wood and gypsum.
The Al Fahidi Neighborhood gives the visitors a glimpse into the old lifestyle of Dubai. The design of the buildings reflects the traditional values of the community and how they are distributed. While the features of the houses in the neighbourhood are responding to the extreme climate of Dubai, they also speak about the values of the traditional Emirati culture, privacy and intimacy.
Souks and Bazaars: The Heartbeat of Traditional Commerce
Amidst the luxury of malls and fashionable boutiques, Dubai also has an array of Souks. Souks are traditional Arab markets which sell a variety of products. The souks are essentially temporary shopping stalls set up along narrow streets in the old settlements. Some of the Souks have covered passageways providing shelter from the heat.
Each Souk has something unique to offer, the Gold Souk in Deira is the best place to buy gold at reasonable prices. Located right next to the Gold Souk is the Perfume Souk. The shops have everything from traditional scents prepared from Oud and Bakhoor to modern branded ones. They also sell Attars, incense crystals and powder. The Spice Souk also located nearby offers the tourist a variety of traditional spices of Dubai while the Textile Souk offers an array of garments and accessories.
The Al Shindagha Heritage Village
One can witness the traditional way of life in Dubai at the Heritage Village. It was established in 1997 and retains the essence of Dubai by restoring stone structures and tents. Traditionally structures were built using coral stone from the sea, gypsum from the creek and wood imported from India. Early structures were made of stone, palm leaves and trunks with mud substituting for mortar. The Emirati architecture is known for its simplicity, functionality and climatic suitability. Buildings were erected close to each other to create shaded walkways for pedestrians. These alleyways, also known as Sikka, are a common feature of the traditional architecture of Dubai and can be found in many old districts. Another element of vernacular architecture was the traditional wooden doors. The doors had a simple design and were made from hardwood imported from India. The main door usually had a smaller door for privacy. Al Shindagha Historic District has undergone major restoration and rehabilitation works. More than 150 historic buildings, including the district’s traditional mosques, underwent restoration. These mosques have retained their original architectural details and remain in use today. One particularly renowned mosque is the Ibn Zayed Mosque, which offers a picturesque view of Dubai Creek. Traditional ornaments with floral and geometric patterns serve as ventilators.
Apart from the Historical significance, the Heritage Village also hosts the former residence of Dubai’s ruling family. The Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House has now been converted into a museum, showcasing artefacts, photographs and documents tracing Dubai’s history. The nearby Al Shindagha Museum also offers interactive displays highlighting various aspects of Emirati culture and maritime history
In the past decade, Dubai has experienced significant growth and development. Despite the rapid modernization, pockets of vernacular neighborhoods remain, serving as reminders of the city’s rich history. These neighborhoods, with their traditional architecture and cultural heritage, stand in contrast to the modern skyline, preserving a glimpse of Dubai’s past amidst its evolving urban landscape. They reflect the resilience and cultural identity of the city, offering a window into its diverse and vibrant history.
References:
- Holidify (2023) Souks in and around Dubai that will fulfil all your shopping needs. https://www.holidify.com/pages/souks-in-dubai-2657.html.
- WANDERON EXPERIENCES PVT. LTD (no date) The history of Dubai – from a fishing village to lavish town. https://wanderon.in/blogs/history-of-dubai.
- Dubai (2024a) Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dubai (Accessed: 07 April 2024).
- Dubai (2024b) Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dubai (Accessed: 07 April 2024).
- Al Shindagha Historical District – Google Arts & Culture (no date). https://artsandculture.google.com/story/al-shindagha-historical-district-al-shindagha-museum/_wVRmCMBjqxcKQ?hl=en.
