WHILE THE UAE MAY BE ONLY JUST SHY OF 50

YEARS OLD, IT HAS A RICH HISTORY AND ONE

WHICH CAN BE REVERED THROUGH ITS MANY

CULTURAL LANDMARKS.

When we think of Dubai we think of shiny

skyscrapers, gigantic shopping malls and endless construction

sites which remake this desert metropolis day by day into a

modern-day spaceship-like construction for all things new. What

we don’t think of is the heart of the city found in such locations

as the gold souk, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, the Dubai

Creek, the Jumeirah Mosque, the old neighbourhoods of Deira, Bur

Dubai and Karama alongside the many other landmarks that can be

so easily forgotten amidst the city’s unending development. For it

is within such landmarks that the real spirit of Dubai can be found.

With old-fashioned dhows that criss-cross the glistening

seawater creek that cuts through the heart of Dubai, this was once

the centre of the city’s pearl industry, which was based primarily on

expeditions in the creek. Still one of the most blissful sites in Dubai,

this body of water winds its way from the trading port on the Gulf to

culminate in the Ras al Khor bird sanctuary. Some sources report

that the creek at one time extended as far inland as Al Ain and

that the Ancient Greeks called it River Zara. Historically, the creek

divided the city into two sections: Deira and Bur Dubai. Members

of the Bani Yas tribe first settled along the Bur Dubai Creek area

in the 19th century whereby they would establish the Al Maktoum

dynasty. During the 20th century the creek maintained an important

position in establishing Dubai’s commercial status, given that it was

the city’s only port or harbour in the city.

AN ARABIAN DREAM

B Y R E B E C C A A N N E P R O C T O R

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While Dubai Creek has now diminished

in importance with the development of the

Jebel Ali Port, the area still maintains itself

as one of Dubai’s most significant places

for history. It is now surrounded by glittering

high-rises such as the Sheraton Dubai Creek,

Dubai Creek Tower, the Deira Twin Towers,

and a host of embassies, consulates and

other high-rises. Yet, still for those that

desire a brief and otherworldly escape from

the city’s bustling centre, this is the place

where one can retreat, hop on a serene abra,

or water taxi and glide blissfully into the

encompassing waters.

Another Dubai site for heritage is the

engaging historical neighbourhood of Al

Fahidi. Now populated by cultural houses and

art galleries, the historical district of Bastakiya,

as it was called was originally named after the

Bastak region of Iran, from where many textile

and pearl traders from Iran immigrated to at

the end of the 19th century. Renamed last

year as Al Fahidi Historial Neighbourhood,

known as the Al Fahidi District, the area still

retains its narrow lands and tall wind towers

which provide a glimpse of what life was

like in early Dubai. A picturesque step into

Dubai’s past, visitors can attend a cultural

breakfast at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre

for Cultural Understanding, which is housed

in one of Al Fahidi’s most elegant buildings,

complete with a stunning courtyard, hanging

oil lamps and wooden lattice work on the

second floor. These breakfasts provide a

unique opportunity to meet other Emiratis and

learn about the local heritage and customs.

Near to the centre is the Old City Wall which

was constructed in 1800 from gypsum and

coral and served as a defensive wall that

surrounded the old town of Bur Dubai within

which was the old Grand Mosque and the

Al Fahidi Fort. A nearby art gallery of note

is XVA, which presents contemporary art by

international and regional artists. The gallery

also serves as a chic boutique hotel. Also

along the same path is Ave Gallery, a space

recently opened by esteemed Iranian artist

Fereydoun Ave, and also the Majlis Gallery,

which is the oldest commercial art gallery in

Dubai, located in the same place since the

1970s. Visitors can also relish in local culinary

delights at the Arabian Tea House Restaurant

& Café, which is also housed within a

beautiful courtyard, and Bastakian Nights, a

restaurant with traditionally decorated rooms

and stunning views of the Dubai Creek from

the venue’s rooftop.

Meaning ‘burning embers’ in Arabic,

Jumeriah is a coastal residential area in Dubai

whose early dwellers included fishermen,

pearl divers and traders. Since the 1960s it

has been inhabited by a wealth of expatriates

as well as fancy hotels and luxurious

residential centres. Within this area of Dubai

is the Jumeirah Mosque, one of Dubai’s

dominant landmarks. Built in the medieval

Fatimid tradition, the stone structure is a

tribute to modern Islamic architecture. While

strolling through the Mosque at sunset, you

will be washed in shadows from the intricate

design elements of its traditional structure.

Considered to be one of the most attractive

mosques in Dubai, the Sheikh Mohammed

Centre for Cultural Understanding organises

visits to the Jumeirah Mosque for non-

Muslims, aimed at promoting cultural

understanding and first-hand experience as

an insight into the Islamic religion.

For those seeking a peaceful desert

sanctuary, Dubai’s inland exclave of Hatta

provides refuge. The area is located in the

south-east of Dubai’s main territory and

cradled by the Hajar Mountains which was

traditionally the summer habitation of Dubai-

based families. Hatta has become a popular

destination for adventurous expatriates and

local families since the 1980s and is known

for its cool, humidity-free climate as well as

breathtaking mountain landscape. Hatta is

also the country’s most popular spot for wadi

driving – the driving in the natural water pools

found between the areas rocky crevices and

palm oases. Just an hour from Dubai, those

wishing to linger longer can take a dive into

the pools or peruse the nearby Heritage

Village, stop for lunch or an overnight stay at

the Hatta Fort Hotel or even spend a night

camping in a tent under the night stars.

While modern-day Arabia certainly

conjures up all sorts of notions regarding the

desert climate, glistening skyscrapers and a

bustling metropolis, these escapades reveal

the UAE’s rich heritage and stunning natural

landscape. Dubai and its desert surroundings

has many stories to tell. They are ones of

trade, culture and religion and of days gone

by that are still very much present within the

hidden gems of this modern Arabian city.

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FALCONRY AND WILDLIFE SAFARI

Practised in the UAE for centuries, falconry is an integral part of desert

life. It was originally used for hunting to supplement the Bedouin diet

with meat, such as hare or houbara. Through the Heritage Collection

escape, the interactive falconry experience will guide you through

both ancient and modern training techniques. Guests will have the

opportunity to observe the world’s best trained falcons and even

experience their hand at swinging the lure or flying a falcon. They will

also have a guided tour in a legendary vintage Land Rover through the

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve in search of native animals. An

opportunity to view the most carefully preserved wildlife area in the

UAE, on return to the camp visitors will enjoy a freshly cooked local

snack and have the chance to ride a camel.

HERITAGE COLLECTION ESCAPADES

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OVERNIGHT SAFARI & BREAKFAST WITH A BEDOUIN

An overnight stay at the Heritage Collection’s camp allows guests

to step back in time and experience Dubai as it was 50 years ago.

A professional guide will escort visitors in a museum-quality 1950s

Land Rover for an authentic desert experience whereby guests

can spot exotic local wildlife within the pristine Dubai Desert

Conservation Reserve. The Bedouin camp, lit with the gentle flames

of traditional lamps, is nestled inside a private royal desert retreat.

Also demonstrated will be cultural activities such as henna, music,

dance, bread-making and Arabic coffee-making before guests are

treated to a sumptuous dinner under the stars. After dinner, relax

beside a bonfire and enjoy the star-filled night sky. The camp site

features traditional Arabic tents complete with a mattress, pillows

and sleeping bags. At breakfast a local Bedouin will tell fascinating

first-hand tales about life in the desert.

PRIVATE NIGHT SAFARI

After the sun has dropped and the temperature cools, the desert

comes alive. Explore the desert at night with a professional Safari

Guide in search of nocturnal animals. Guests can use high-tech night-

vision binoculars to see into the desert landscape. The dark, fresh and

quiet desert air creates a relaxing ambience in contrast to the bright

lights, heat and noise of the city. After the nature drive, guests can

relax at an opened-aired camp and gaze at the stars above.

Platinum Heritage Office 123, 3rd Floor, Oasis Centre, Sheikh Zayed RoadDubai, United Arab Emirates

971 (4) 388 4044info@platinum-heritage.com

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