Attracted 153,807 visitors during 2021

Al Fahidi neighborhood, the heart of old Dubai and the “railroad” of creativity

• Sikka Art and Design Festival is the most prominent seasonal cultural and artistic event in Al Fahidi District.

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Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, formerly known as Al Bastakiya, the heart of old Dubai, represents a heritage and cultural center that pulsates throughout the year with activities, cultural and artistic activities.

This made it top the list of the most visited heritage sites in the Emirate of Dubai, attracting 153,807 visitors during 2021.

Al Fahidi neighborhood extends along the creek for a distance of up to 300 meters, a depth towards the south of about 200 meters, and covers an area of ​​38,000 square meters, embodying the other side of modern Dubai and its modern high-rise buildings, through its old buildings with traditional designs consisting of one or two floors.

The place, thanks to its strategic location on the creek, has served for centuries as a center for trade and reception of ships from all over the world.

The history of the establishment of the area dates back to about 1890, and it is considered one of the oldest areas of old Dubai, and through the neighborhood’s buildings, aspects of the old Emirati architecture are reflected, and its buildings highlight the distinctive features of neighborhoods, buildings and homes, as well as the lifestyle that prevailed in Dubai in the period from the mid-19th century Until the seventies of the last century, the visitor touches the characteristics of ancient architecture, through the narrow cobbled streets and alleys, and buildings made of traditional materials, such as coral stone, teak, plaster, sandalwood and palm trunks.

The “barajeel” or wind towers also stand out clearly in the neighborhood’s buildings, as one of the most prominent features of the old Emirati architecture, as it represents a unique model of the ideas that the residents of the region used to overcome the weather, especially in summer.

While the scarcity and height of the front windows in the houses reflects the extent of the residents' keenness to achieve privacy, in addition to their keenness that the buildings point towards the direction of prayer.

Currently, Al Fahidi neighborhood hosts a wide range of cultural and artistic activities, including art galleries, specialized museums, associations and cultural and artistic centers, most notably Al Fahidi Fort, which is the oldest building in the city, and was built in 1787 to protect the area and its residents. Time is the seat of government and the ruler's family.

The Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Center for Cultural Interaction, which was established in 1998, aims to spread awareness of Emirati culture, religion, customs and traditions among residents and foreign tourists in the UAE.

The neighborhood also includes the Numismatic Museum, which displays a large collection of rare coins that were used in the region, India and the British Empire in the past, and the "Coffee Museum", which highlights the history of the most prominent faces of Arab hospitality, reviewing the stages of coffee manufacturing and all associated information. .

The Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood also witnesses many seasonal cultural and artistic events, most notably the “Sikka Art and Design Festival”, an initiative of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), as part of the art strategy in public places implemented by the authority, as the neighborhood’s walls and squares are transformed. To inspiring spaces for many artists to create murals that draw inspiration from the spirit of the place, and enhance the cultural, civilizational and aesthetic heritage of the Emirate.

The activities of the 10th session, which took place from 15 to 24 last March, witnessed the implementation of seven innovative murals in style and theme, executed by male and female artists from the UAE and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf. Creative booming in the emirate.

The neighborhood also hosts many other cultural and artistic events, including the "Residing Artist Program", "Heritage Week", National Day activities and religious events. Cafés, restaurants and inns with a picturesque and comfortable heritage are distributed in the neighborhood.

• Al Fahidi neighborhood hosts art galleries, specialized museums, associations and cultural and art centers.

• Al Fahidi neighborhood extends along the creek for a distance of up to 300 meters, and covers an area of ​​38,000 square meters.

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