dubai al fahidi walking tour

Dubai: Al Fahidi Walking Tour with Photoshoot and Abra Ride

About the activity

Explore the Al Fahidi district and find out more about Dubai’s past on a city tour. Soak up the charm of the city on foot, ride in an Abra water taxi, and pose for photos taken by a photographer.

• Free cancellation Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Instant confirmation & Mobile tickets Receive your ticket right away. Use your phone or print your voucher.
• Live guiding English
• Start times - Available today 9:00 AM, 5:00 PM
• Duration 3 hours
• Local guide
• Professional photographer
• Abra water taxi ride
• Al Khayma Heritage House visit
• Arabic tea/coffee with dates
• Coffee Museum visit
• Bottle of water
• Smell the tantalising aroma of different spices at the spice souk market
• Find out more about the Emirati lifestyle at Al Khayma Heritage House
• See Dubai Creek and discover the charming gold and spice souks nearby
• Cross the Dubai Creek while riding in one of the traditional Abra water taxis
• Explore some of Dubai's hotspots and the historic Al Fahidi district in particular

Description

See the best of the historic Al Fahidi district on a walking tour as you learn about the culture and history of the UAE. Visit markets, museums, and charming neighborhoods, and take a ride in a traditional Abra water taxi. Meet your guide and begin by enjoying a welcome drink of Arabic tea/Coffee with dates at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant in the Al Fahidi district. You can also try out luqaimat, ragag, and samosa. Tour a traditional house and learn about the history of the UAE. See a traditional Emirati bedroom, a tent replica located at the restaurant, arish palm front houses, and also the megastructures. After admiring the buildings in the Al Fahidi and Al Seef districts, head to the Middle East's largest coffee museum. Enjoy a live Arabic coffee-making session and learn about how coffee has become a crucial part of the UAE's culture. Stop by a Mosque and check out the distinctive architecture as you learn more about Islam. Then, hop on a traditional Abra water taxi for a quick creek tour. Admire the old trading ships and take some photographs to show friends and family. Visit the gold souk, the area where the majority of Dubai's jewelry stores are to be found. Then, discover the spice souk, where there are all manner of aromatic spices, herbs, nuts, oil, saffron, and other things to excite the senses.

• This tour is not available during the month of Ramadan as restaurants will not be open
• The venues mentioned in the itinerary may close unexpectedly for special events. Their availability is not guaranteed
• This tour is not available on Friday and Saturday
• You must have a working phone so that you can be contacted easily

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A walking tour of Old Dubai, the city's historic heart

By Pearl Yan

A city of futuristic architectural wonders and grand ambitions, Dubai has evolved far beyond its origins as a fishing and pearling village, and trading port. An area on the banks of the Dubai Creek tells a different story, however; fondly referred to as Old Dubai, the heritage district is where you can retreat from the shining towers of the metropolis and journey into the emirate’s past. Take a glimpse into a more traditional way of life in the maze-like alleyways of this part of Dubai where surprises await. Here are the best places to eat, see and stay in Dubai's old town.

Take a walking tour

Bayt Al Khanyar or the Dagger Museum is dedicated to this traditional ornamental weapon

Start your exploration in Old Dubai with its plethora of museums. In Al Fahidi, a historical neighbourhood that dates back to the 19th century, you should start your journey at Bayt Al Khanyar Museum , also known as the dagger museum, where you can unpack the cultural significance of the Arabian dagger and linger over a collection of photographs portraying generations of UAE rulers proudly sporting their khanyar . Don’t forget to stop by the museum's cosy coffee shop that's decorated with wooden furniture, patterned tablecloths, and shelves filled with dallah (traditional Arabic coffee pots) of all shapes and sizes.

Raw and roasted Arabic coffee beans on display at the Coffee Museum

Next door, coffee lovers will rejoice over the Coffee Museum , a showcase of the treasured tradition, featuring local antiques such as coffee grinders used in the First World War and from an Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Upstairs, you will find a lounge and library housing a selection of coffee books from around the world. Then, continue walking in the direction of Dubai Creek, where you will find the Coin Museum on your left. Here, over 470 rare coins from the Middle East dating back to the 7th century are on exhibit in eight galleries. From here, follow the winding streets in the direction of the XVA Gallery , which plays host to an regularly changing calendar of art exhibitions, an artisanal boutique that supports small and local businesses, and a courtyard cafe serving freshly prepared vegetarian food.

Fresh bags of spices and herbs, at the Dubai Spice Market

After a stroll through the maze-like pathways and traditional wind towers, make your way to the banks of Dubai Creek and hop aboard an abra for one dirham ($0.27) or two dirhams ($0.54) if you opt for an air-conditioned cabin. With each abra seating 20 people on narrow wooden benches, the ride offers a unique perspective on the juxtaposition of the city’s modern skyline and historical waterfront buildings. Hop off at Deira Old Souk Abra Station and cross Baniyas Road, and you’ll find yourself in the Spice Souk, soaking up the atmosphere as you trail past shopfronts stacked high with bright and colourful herbs and spices, accompanied by the smell of burning incense. Vendors will call you by Hollywood celebrities' names to get your attention, and a friendly haggle is expected. For those looking to shop for souvenirs, a variety of fragrances are also on sale, from oud perfume and Arabian-style incense burners, to bakhoor , a more gentle way of enjoying the aroma of oud by burning agarwood chips soaked with jasmine and sandalwood.

Old Dubai's Gold Souk is busy from dawn til dusk

However, your souk shop is not complete without a visit to the Gold Souk - one of Dubai’s oldest trading spots. Whether you’re just browsing or looking to make a serious investment, the Gold Souk is renowned for its impressive range of gold, jewellery, gemstones and other rare metals, and what's on sale has been authenticated by the Dubai government for buyers' peace of mind.

Where to eat

When it comes to dining options in Old Dubai, you are in for some of the best Emirati restaurants in town. Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant is a culinary gem with an extensive menu which features authentic Emirati dishes, from local favourites such as machboos (Emirati spiced rice), sizzling grills and fried seafood dishes in a traditional courtyard setting. Everything is freshly made, with live cooking stations demonstrating the preparation of r egag (bread) and luqaimat (fried dough balls). You can also book a breakfast cooking class and try your hand at preparing your own Emirati breakfast including balaleet (sweetened vermicelli served with egg) and khubz tannour (Arabic flatbread) with the guidance of a chef.

Next door, Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) hosts a range of activities to promote the Emirati culture and traditions, including meals with a local to welcome you and answer any questions about the emirate. During the holy month of Ramadan, SMCCU also holds iftar, the fast-breaking meal held at sunset, which includes a visit to the Diwan mosque and an Emirati feast of specialty dishes, desserts and tea.

Arabian Tea House nearby is also a popular choice - it’s a quaint cafe in a courtyard setting with turquoise benches, white rattan chairs, lace curtains and an open-air thatched roof. The tea house proudly serves a wide variety of popular Emirati dishes, from saloona (Arabic stew) to its Arabian Tea House Special Wrap filled with roasted lamb. The desserts are just as tasty, ranging from ferni (rose water rice pudding) and khabees (toasted flour sweet) to date cake. Don’t leave without enjoying a piping hot cup of qahwa (Arabic coffee).

Mazmi restaurant in Old Dubai is a great spot for watching the river traffic

For casual food made with quality ingredients, look no further than Mazmi , an Italian-owned cafe that oozes Mediterranean charm. With an expansive terrace overlooking the waters of Dubai Creek, Mazmi provides an idyllic setting for a non-alcoholic sundowner as you watch the passing abras; even better, it serves freshly baked cakes and croissants filled with homemade jams imported from Italy.

Wokyo Noodle Bar serves excellent ramen

Japanese food might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re in Old Dubai, but Wokyo Noodle Bar is not to be missed - especially if you are a ramen lover. The restaurant features tatami-style seating indoors and wooden benches on the terrace perfect for al fresco dining. Its menu has a selection of specialty broths with ramen and sauces for stir-fried noodles to choose from, as well as matcha soft-serve ice cream and homemade iced teas for those with a sweet tooth.

Where to stay

Relax at the XVA Art Hotel which has an excellent cafe and gallery space

A day trip is enough to feel the charm of Old Dubai, but for those who want to take a slower pace and savour the stories behind every mud brick, a stay in one of the hotels in the area will render a true sense of place. XVA Art Hotel in Al Fahidi is a chic property with 15 rooms spread out around three shaded courtyards, each individually designed by established creatives and artists, such as Zayan Ghandour, the designer behind award-winning lifestyle concept S*uce. Breakfast is served at XVA Cafe, where well-executed vegetarian dishes meet Arabic influences.

Al Seef Heritage Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton makes a good base for your explorations

Another fantastic option is Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton , which combines traditional, bedouin-style design which draws deeply on the emirate’s rich heritage with thoughtful, contemporary service. Located in Al Seef, the hotel provides an ideal base to explore the area, from modern gift shops to waterfront restaurants from where you can take an abra just a few minutes away on foot. Sabaa is the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, offering authentic Middle Eastern fare in a homely setting.

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Dubai Creek, Al Fahidi, and Gold & Spice Souks Tour

• 9.50 / 10 163 reviews | 1,683 travellers Our exceptional guide, we have learned a lot about the history of this country. He has been very polite and kind, always attentive to our needs. 10 Araceli
• Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the service starts

Learn the fascinating history of Dubai on this tour of Al Fahidi and the Gold & Spice Souks. We'll also take an abra ride along Dubai Creek – unforgettable!

At the indicated time, we'll meet in front of the Al Khayma Heritage restaurant to start this tour in which we'll visit Dubai Creek, the old Al Fahidi neighborhood, and the Gold and Spice Souks. You'll love it!

First, we'll enjoy a delicious Arabic tea accompanied by dates – the perfect start to the day! Then, we'll go into the historic district of Al Fahidi to discover the oldest buildings of the city. We'll tell you interesting facts about these buildings and their architecture.

We'll walk through the narrow streets of Al Seef and enter the Coffee Museum . Here, we'll see how this product has played a fundamental role in the development of the city throughout its history.

Afterwards, we'll board a traditional abra to navigate Dubai Creek , an estuary that runs deep into the land and is said to have been the starting point for the construction of the Emirati city.

After a 10-minute abra ride through Dubai, we'll return to the mainland and visit the Spice Souk and the Gold Souk , two ideal places to soak up the aromas and richness of the city.

Finally, we'll end the tour after 3 hours of sightseeing, saying goodbye at the Gold Souk.

When booking, you can choose between 3 options:

• Tour with coffee : Includes a welcome coffee before starting the tour.
• Tour with coffee and snack : In addition to the welcome coffee, we'll stop at Al Fahidi and taste some typical Emirati street food.
• Tour with coffee, snack, and hotel pickup : In addition to tasting Arabic coffee and typical Emirati street food, this option includes hotel pickup and drop-off. Please note that pickup from Dubai hotels, apartments, and cruise ports is included, except for in the following locations: Silicon Oasis, Sharjah and Ajman, Al Maydan, Jabel Ali hotels, Al Maktoum area, Expo area, Production City, Sports City, and Dubai Investment Park.

More Information

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

Hotel pickup and drop

off (depending on selection)

Transportation by minibus (depending on selection)

English–speaking guide

Entrance to the Coffee Museum

Traditional abra boat ride

Lunch and drinks (depending on selection)

Henna tattoo

When to book?

You can book up until 12 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.

Oceanair Travels Show more

Corporate name: OCEANAIR TRAVEL & TOURISM LLC

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Frequently asked questions

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?

A - This activity requires a minimum of 2 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

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• Visit Dubai

Heritage walk in Old Dubai

Arts & Culture

Mon, October 16, 2023

Discover Dubai’s cultural gems wandering through the winding alleyways of Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.

Culture calling

What you'll see on your tour

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Old Dubai Tour

Tour Information

Old dubai highlights.

• Al Fahidi Courtyard Houses in Al Bastakiya
• Dubai Museum
• The Ruler’s Court
• Dubai Old Textile Souk called Mina Bazar
• Traditional Abra Ride (wooden boat) to ride across the creek
• Dubai Creek

This two-hour walking tour is the perfect introduction to the history and culture of the UAE.  

You will learn first hand about unique Gulf Arab traditions and you will see the historic buildings and souks that pre-date modern times.  Specifically, you will see:

• Historical neighborhood Al Fahidi District
• Coffee Museum and Dubai Museum
• Textile, Spice, and Gold Souks
• Traditional Abra Ride (wooden boat) across the creek

Tour Information:

Old Dubai Heritage and Souks Walking Tour

When:   Offered throughout the week - please click on Book Now to see the calendar.

Price:    AED 175 per person for a group tour. Book a private tour for AED 275 per person (use Book Now link below).

Duration:   Approximately 2 hours

Departure Point: Meet outside Arabian Tea House Restaurant in Al Fahidi District, Bur Dubai

Book the Old Dubai Tour

Reservations Required! Click here to reserve…

Our Old Dubai and Souk Tour begins on the Bur Dubai side of the Dubai Creek outside the Al Fahidi District. Guests can easily get here by Metro or by taxi.

After walking through Al Fahidi Courtyard Houses, we walk by to the Dubai Museum (currently closed for renovation), pass by the Ruler's Court and then experience the famous Hindi Lane. After learning about the Old Textile Souk, Meena Bazaar and the Indian community's influence on Dubai, we get to the Creek Waterfront Abra Taxi Stand.

We look out onto Sheikh Saeed's House and Heritage Village as we enjoy a traditional boat ride to get to Deira. Here we learn about the historic trading activities that go on even till today in the Spice Souk and the Gold Souk. The tour ends at the Gold Souk. From here guests can enjoy a traditional Emirati meal if they choose.

The Al Ras Metro is close by and provides connectivity to the rest of the city.

Built in mid-1800s, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood was once a bustling trading hub for merchants. It was conveniently situated near the banks of the Dubai Creek and furthermore is protected from attack by ancient forts and watchtowers. Traditional Emirati architecture is characteristic in these restored and preserved houses.

These have now been restored to serve as boutique hotels, art studios and cafes. We will walk through these houses, and understand their simplicity in design, functionality and relevance to the seasons.

The larger Old Dubai area plays host to traditional architecture, multiple museums, gorgeous street art, in addition to ancient fortifications. Our Old Dubai Tour delves into the city’s heritage and explores what early life was like in this desert trading town. It’s a great way to learn about the traditions of Dubai.

Dubai Gold Souq, Spice Souk and Abra Ride

Dubai is particularly famous for its Gold Souk. Most visitors come here out of curiosity and eagerness to purchase some very high quality gold jewelry at very fair prices.

The styles of jewelry offer a range from Western modern designs to traditional eastern sets. You can find pearls and precious stones and furthermore the helpful shopkeepers can help you choose something from their vast choices of ingots to intricate jewelry designs. The elaborate displays of gold are a sight in themselves.

Savory spices, fresh fragrances, glittering gold and silken shawls.

Old Dubai boasts a cluster of traditional marketplaces ( souks ) with a variety of wares on offer. Whether you a looking for a souvenir knickknack or a diamond necklace, you’re guaranteed to find something to suit you here.

Our world-famous guides will give you the history and significance of the souqs and the role they played in the growth of Dubai. Furthermore, during our walking tour, we tell you all about Dubai’s history as a trading hub as well.

We’ll guide you through the various goods on offer, from agarwood to zaatar and mouth-watering Shawarmas.

Video Courtesy: Gulf News Tabloid

In order to get a deeper sense of some of the attractions covered on this tour, you can read our blog on Heritage Attractions of Dubai.

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Not sure which Dubai Tour to take? Shoot us an email on [email protected] and let us know of your interests. We’ll be happy to help you find the walking tour of Dubai that is right for you.

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