The Best Cultural Experiences in Dubai
- Bastakiya. This restored historic neighborhood of meandering lanes, traditional Gulf houses, and ornate wind towers characteristic of early Dubai also has a number of restaurants, shops, and galleries.
- Dubai Museum. The Al Fahidi Fort-turned-museum represents Dubai life in its pre-oil days with re-creations of a souk, early Arabian homes, mosques, and date gardens. There are also exhibits of desert and marine life.
- Jumeirah Mosque. Although non-Muslims are typically not allowed to enter mosques in the U.A.E., the beautiful Jumeirah Mosque is an exception. Cultural tours are offered four mornings a week through the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding.
- Spice Souk. This traditional market close to the Gold Souk offers a glimpse of Dubai as it once was, a place with winding alleyways of stalls packed with exotic fragrances, Arabic seasonings, herbs, perfume oils, and other delights.