Bastakiya District

Bastakiya District, also known as Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, is one of the oldest and most culturally significant areas in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Established in the 1890s by affluent Persian merchants from Bastak, Iran, the district was originally built as a trading hub taking advantage of Dubai’s growing importance as a port city.

The architecture of Bastakiya reflects traditional Emirati design, featuring narrow winding lanes, coral-stone buildings, and distinctive wind towers that were ingeniously used for natural cooling in the hot desert climate. At its peak, the district contained around 60 housing units concentrated in a small but densely packed area along Dubai Creek.

In the 1980s, much of Bastakiya was demolished to make way for modern development, and the remaining buildings fell into disrepair, serving as warehouses or accommodations for laborers.

Threatened by further demolition in 1989, the area was saved through the efforts of British architect Rayner Otter, who campaigned for its preservation and enlisted the support of Prince Charles during his visit to Dubai.

Prince Charles’s recommendation led to the cancellation of the demolition plans, and the district was subsequently restored beginning in 2005 with support from the Dubai Municipality.

Today, Bastakiya is a vibrant cultural and artistic hub that preserves the deep historical roots of Dubai. It houses art galleries, museums, traditional cafes, and cultural centers such as the Dubai Museum, the Arabian Tea House, and the Coffee Museum.

The district hosts the annual Sikka Art Festival, transforming its lanes into a dynamic space for creativity and heritage. Bastakiya offers visitors a rare glimpse into Dubai’s past, highlighting traditional living patterns and architectural ingenuity amidst the city’s rapid modernization, and remains a beloved destination for history enthusiasts, artists, and tourists seeking to experience the soul of Old Dubai.