If you had the impression that in Dubai, there’s nothing older than cheese, well you’re about to be educated. Not all of Dubai is new although during the last 5 years or so, Dubai has experienced an upsurge in infrastructure development, demolishing old buildings and communities and replacing them with posh, giant structures with blinding neon bright lights.
In the Bur Dubai side of the creek, you can experience a tour of Dubai’s past. The Bastakiya District gives visitors a tantalising change of scenery with its narrow lanes and tall wind towers. It is home to the largest concentration of traditional courtyard houses with wind towers.
I won’t get tired of visiting Bastakiya District and sit on these hidden corners, doing nothing but staring at the blue skies pondering about my life. Be prepared to ponder on yours when you visit. 
Contrary to the raucous rush in the streets outside the Bastakiya District, you can find peace and quiet and an unDubai-like laid back atmosphere.
Famous for its wind towers that lined the Creek, the district is a popular historical attraction for tourists. These wind towers were not purely decorative. They were the only means of cooling the citizens of the desert town in the past.
On Saturdays every week, there’s a Saturday Market at Bastakiya District that features the works of local artists.
There were lots of handmade jewelry, pillows, furniture but this fancy heart art caught my attention:
During the Saturday Market event, camels are available for your riding pleasure.
Some children were there. It was their first time seeing and riding a camel so the wide smiles on their faces!
The Dubai government is planning to renovate all the historic buildings of the Bastakiya area to open more museums, galleries, restaurants and traditional markets. Bastakiya is a district you will not want to miss, especially if you are interested in learning what Dubai is all about.
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{ 15 comments }
Ooh, now I really want to visit! Thanks for all the photos, Grace! What a beautiful place.
Thanks Kathy. Yes, it’s a beautiful place. One of my favorite corner in Dubai.
Thank you for the tour. Your photos are amazing. I really want to come for a visit. The tourism bureau should be paying you.
I hope the tourism bureau read this comment!!
Jinxys last blog post..Thank you, thank you very much
I stayed in Bastakiya when I was in Dubai last year and loved it.
Really!? Did you enjoy your time here? I hope it was not in the summer!
Wendy-Escape NYs last blog post..Street Scenes: Balloon Seller Mexico City
Wow! What an awesome place to visit! Thank you for sharing with us!
Thanks Jen, my pleasure. I still have lots of photos waiting to be posted. Sorry I haven’t visited you in a while. Will do now!
Jennifers last blog post..Uncaffeinated Thoughts
wow…nice photographs….
I stayed at the Orient Guest House, which was lovely. It was early April last year. Enjoyed my time there very much. Stayed in Dubai for about a week.
Wendy-Escape NYs last blog post..Tequisquipan Mexico
I think I would prefer exploring more of this part of Dubai; the “new, sparkly” Dubai doesn’t interest me.
This is so interesting, Grace. I hope the tourism board takes notice of your many posts and starts paying you, too!
Joyce T.s last blog post..Simple Woman’s Daybook
It’s beautiful. I can’t get over how clean the streets are. You can’t even go for a walk in nature here and not find a Tim Horton’s mug someone didn’t want to carry back.
Moes last blog post..Plus Size Levi’s at Torrid
Wow. What a beautiful corner of the world. I would love to visit Dubai, and your pictures made that desire even stronger!
Tara @ Feels like homes last blog post..My Favorite Picture from the Park
Your photos are beautiful!! OH, and I really like the heart art too!
Monicas last blog post..Menu Planning with Google
i agree! very beautiful photos.
makes me want to jump on a plane
and go there all of a sudden…
Setsus last blog post..If (!friendster) then (facebook)
Nice to see an article about my state. I love Dubai. In current scenario, when government has invested every thing in construction, and then we fall in a slump, I can see it is quite difficult for govt to re adjust the finance. Many people have suffered from the current situation, especially those who belong to foreign countries. I have seen many people going back to their homeland after selling their properties in Dubai. But I am against it. Recession is a thing which is always followed by a rise. So we should stay confident and wait for good time. May my state stay as beautiful as it is now.
researchs last blog post..Haleem Recipe
What gorgeous pictures!
Kristins last blog post..Bonbon Deal of the Day
Those are beautiful pictures. I especially like the one with the kids on the camel. Dubai looks like a pretty place. I love saturday markets in foreign cities; they are so entertaining.
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