Bastakia


While entire blocks of the city were demolished and built up by skyscrapers , one district of Dubai - Bastakiya - remained intact in its original form. Previously, it was a fishing village located along Dubai Creek Bay. Later, traders from Iran began to settle here. Bastakia owes them her appearance. Quarter threatened demolition, but the English architect Rainer, with the support of Prince Charles himself, conducted a campaign to preserve it.

Architecture of Bastakia

The first thing that catches your eye is the wind tower. They were built on the roof to cool the rooms. It is a traditional Persian architectural element for creating natural ventilation and cooling in buildings. The air towers used in Dubai rise above the roof of the building and are open to all four directions. They capture airflows and redirect to the interior spaces of the building through narrow mines.

The houses are built of coral stone and plastered. In total in the area of ​​such buildings - about 50. They have patios where a family can gather. Currently, all the houses are restored and equipped with all kinds of amenities, they live in England and Australians.

What to see?

A tour of Bastakia is best spent in the following order:

  1. Gallery XVA. Specializes in contemporary art from around the Persian Gulf region.
  2. The Mejlis Gallery. This is the first art gallery in the UAE .
  3. Art Cafe. Here you can taste delicious salads and refresh yourself with mint and lime juice.
  4. Textile market . It is appreciated by excellent fabrics, which can be bought with rolls.
  5. Boating on the Creek Bay. You can hire a water taxi or your own boat for a scenic tour of the water.
  6. Museum of Dubai. It allows you to see how oil and human perseverance made this place a real modern oasis.
  7. Bastakiah Nights. Atmospheric Lebanese restaurant.

How to get there?

To get to Bastakia, you can take the metro and get to the station of Ghubaiba. There are also buses Nos. 61D, 66, 67, a stop called Wasl. The easiest way is to take a taxi.