A hangout spot in Dubai I’d really recommend is Al Seef and the Fahidi Neighbourhood. Al Seef is this culturally rich promenade by the Dubai Creek. It is a very photogenic location best visited during the cooler months, when one can enjoy a windy walk by the water or take a trip in the AED 2 Abra across the creek. You can get to Al Seef by an 8-10-minute walk from both the Al Fahidi Metro Station and the Burjuman Metro Station. If you have a thing for mind-bending illusions and puzzles, The Museum of Illusions at Al Seef is just the place for you. Or you could take a dhow cruise from across the creek to enjoy a 2-hour long entertainment-filled dinner on water.
Al Seef has a couple of impressive budget-friendly dining destinations like the Starbucks café, London Dairy for ice-cream and milkshake cravings, Five Guys for fast food and Bikanerwala for some savoury Indian chaat, which along with a chic ambience, also provide indoor and open-air seating options. If these don’t interest you, you could head over to Meena Bazaar with a 10-minute walk, which houses numerous economical shawarma stations, juice joints, cafes and eateries. Fun fact, the bustling marketplace, Meena Bazaar, is renowned for having the biggest gold and textile stores in the city. So now you know where also to head to if you wish to go on a cost-efficient shopping spree.
The Dubai Shopping Festival that further enriches the Al Seef experience commences on 17th December this year and is totally not to be missed! It will include mega sales, raffles, night souk, live entertainment, fireworks and much more. Additionally, the festive spirit brought by the Christmas and New Year decorations and events around Dubai during that time is just blissful!
The Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, also known as Al Bastakiya, superbly displays the rich Arab heritage and traditional artefacts with its art exhibits, specialised museums, tea houses, and cultural and artistic societies. Keep an eye out for a number of cultural and artistic events hosted by the neighbourhood such as the Sikka Art Fair, Artists-in-Residence Programme, Heritage Week, National Day Events and religious celebrations open to all. You could also pay a visit to the Dubai Museum located in the Al Fahidi Fort which has an entry fee of AED 3 per head.
This was all about the Fahidi district located in Old Dubai, that provides an experience which is a perfect blend of traditions with the contemporary.
Written by Sonali, BSc Computer Science
I had an experience of virtual tour to all happening places at Dubai …. WORDS ARE PICTURISED SO WELL …. would like to travel more ….. VIRTUAL BUT AS GOOD AS REAL.