Private Tour - Dubai From The Ground Up

Private Tour - Dubai From The Ground Up Photo #1 of 2 Photo copyright ShoreTrips.com.

Overview

Dubai is not all modern. Its historic center is its true soul and must be experienced.

Records of the history of Dubai are hard to find before the 18th century, and though this might be called a 'rags to riches' story, there is evidence that even in the Stone Age there were trading groups that set up routes between Arabia, Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. Today, for most of us, its history began very recently. When you observe the sprawling desert city packed with gleaming high-rise towers that Dubai has become today, it is hard to imagine that this inspirational place started out as a tiny fishing village. While the discovery of oil in the 1960s was a turning point for the emirate’s development, Dubai does, in fact, have a rich history that actually began centuries before.

Amid the towering skyscrapers of downtown Dubai lies the Bastakiya Quarter, the city's historic district. This former fishing village earned its name from the numerous Bastak (Iranian) traders that settled here in the 19th century. The charming little neighborhood houses the popular outdoor café, the Arabian Tea House, and several art galleries that feature the work of local and international artists, among others. Some of the restored buildings also include wind towers, which was an early form of air conditioning. The Dubai Museum is also located here and is the best of them all. The Museum charts the city's turbo-evolution from Bedouin outpost to megalopolis in an interesting way. Just east of here, the Al Fahidi Historic District harbours a handful of free museums that focus on coffee, coins, and art as well as the Al Fahidi Fort, which was previously the residence of the ruler of the city.

From this point it is an easy transition to a lovely little abra that will glide you across the water to the areas of the souqs. You can entertain this as an plunge into the local culture as you mosey around the gold and spice souqs, the textile, perfume, produce and carpet souqs - all these markets using basic baskets and rods for displaying wares and competing with each other. And the shoppers that fill the streets are witness to the viability of this old way of business, bargaining and supporting your neighbors. It is wonderful to experience.

The famous Jumeirah Mosque is nearby and is one of the most beautiful of the mosques with its snowy-white and intricately detailed facade. There are restrictions for non-Muslims to visit inside but most days there is a one-hour period where non-Muslims can take a guided tour inside. It is operated by the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding and the tour is followed by time for questions.

This well-rounded experience will be a great base for you to learn more about the Arabic culture.

- If you wish to see the inside of the Jumeirah Mosque, please let ShoreTrips know in advance of your departure so it can be included. Modest dress a must.
- No food or beverages are included in this tour.

- This tour is perfect for all ages.
- The Jumeirah Mosque guided tour for non-Muslims must be requested in advance.
- The Dubai Museum is in the midst of restoration scheduled to be completed in 2022. You can take a stroll in the Al Seef district and have some time to watch the creation of a cup of coffee and enjoy it instead if you wish.

Days offered: 7 days a week

Departures:

• 09:00 AM, duration: 4 hours
• 01:00 PM, duration: 4 hours