Going to Bur Dubai Felt Like I Travelled Back in Time
I have to admit, I always wondered what Dubai looked like before all these massive buildings sprouted like mushrooms. Gladly, I can still go back in time when I visit Bur Dubai.
Bur Dubai is a historical district located by the Dubai Creek. With the name that means “Dubai Land,” this area is where it all started for Dubai when it was just a fishing and pearling village.
Now, you may haven’t heard of Dubai yet, but after reading this guide, I’m sure you’ll not only want to visit but actually move in!
Where Is Bur Dubai?
Bur Dubai is located on the western side of the majestic Dubai Creek. Here, you’ll find most of the city’s historical landmarks including the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, the Dubai Museum and the Grand Mosque.
Bur Dubai is bordered by Mina Rashid on the northern side, the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) on the southern side and Al Jafiliya on the western side.
This area is also home to the city’s top souks and it’s also one of the biggest residential communities in Dubai.
Bur Dubai is home to several neighborhoods including Al Kifaf, Al Mankhool, Culture Village, Oud Metha, Al Jaddaf, Al Raffa, Umm Hurair and Al Karama.
What is the Main Street in Bur Dubai?
Sheikh Rashid Road, one of the main highways in Dubai extends to Bur Dubai as D75. This road runs through Bur Dubai until Port Rashid.
Bur Dubai also has D92, an intra-city coastal road that runs through the neighborhood and connects it with Jumeirah and Deira through the Infinity Bridge.
How to Get to Bur Dubai
Trains: Bur Dubai is well connected by the Red and Green Lines of the Dubai Metro. If you’re taking the Red Line, stop at the Burjuman Station and either walk to the heart of Bur Dubai or switch to the Green Line depending on where you’re going.
Buses: A lot of bus lines pass through Bur Dubai with stations across the neighborood. But the Al Ghubaiba Station is a good stopping point since it has a metro, bus and water transport station.
Taxis: You can hail a taxi from anywhere in the city to Bur Dubai. Taxi drivers are also quite familiar with the area, so you can ask them to take you to Bur Dubai’s top landmarks. Be aware, however, that traffic can get quite slow in this area during rush hour since the streets are narrow.
Car service: Bur Dubai is well connected by different roads. If you’re coming from Garhoud Bridge, take the E11 to enter the neighborhood. But if you’re taking a car, make sure to go to Bur Dubai early since the area can get quite busy and parking may be challenging.
What to Do and See in Bur Dubai
Travel Back in Time at the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
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Address: Al Fahidi – Bur Dubai
Phone: +971 800 33222
If you want to see and experience what life in Dubai was like before it became a modern city, you have to visit the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood in Bur Dubai.
Most of this heritage site has been preserved including the traditional wind towers that were used to promote good ventilation around the houses, especially during the summer.
Al Fahidi has more than 50 traditional houses to explore, so you’ll surely have a grand time here, especially if you love history.
Explore the Majestic Queen Elizabeth 2
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Address: Port Rashid – Bur Dubai
Phone: +971 4 526 8888
One of the lesser known landmarks in Bur Dubai has to be the Queen Elizabeth 2 – and yes, it’s worth a visit.
Located in Port Rashid, this magnificent ship was one of the last few transatlantic ocean liners to be made and it has since been converted into a five-star luxury floating hotel, the only one of its kind in Dubai.
Now, if you don’t have the budget to stay in the hotel yet, you can still enjoy being on the ship by dining at the Lido Restaurant or enjoying some snacks and drinks at the oldest pub in Dubai, the Golden Lion.
Bask in Rich Emirati Culture at the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding
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Address: Al Musallah Road – Al Fahidi
Phone: +971 4 353 6666
Located within the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood is the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Center for Cultural Understanding, a structure created to help visitors learn more about the UAE’s history and culture.
Here, you get a glimpse of local life in Dubai, go on a guided tour around the area and even enjoy a traditional Emirati breakfast or lunch.
Admire the Architecture of the Bur Dubai Grand Mosque
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Address: 67 Ali Bin Abi Taleb Street – Al Fahidi
Phone: +971 800 600
The Bur Dubai Grand Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in the city that can accommodate up to 1,200 worshippers at a time.
This magnificent structure is designed and furnished following Arabic architecture and it also holds the tallest minaret in the city standing at 70 meters high.
The structure used to be a school dedicated to the study of Quran and it has since been converted into a mosque, the biggest in Dubai. The mosque is open for visitors between Sunday and Thursday and entry is free.
Where to Eat and Drink in Bur Dubai
Arabian Tea House Restaurant and Cafe – Al Fahidi
Media Credit: Arabian Tea House
Address: Bastakiya – Al Fahidi Street – Bur Dubai
Phone: +971 4 353 5071
Pricing: $$$
No visit to Bur Dubai will be complete without enjoying traditional Emirati food at the Arabian Tea House Restaurant and Cafe, one of the most iconic in the city.
Here, you can enjoy a traditional Emirati breakfast with Arabic coffee or some afternoon Arabic tea while admiring the beautiful surroundings.
Sallet Al Sayad Seafood Restaurant
Media Credit: Sallet al Sayad Seafood Restaurant
Address: Bin Abdulah – Al Shafar Building – 46 47C Street – Al Karama
Phone: +971 4 335 5722
Pricing: $$$
If you’re craving good seafood while visiting Bur Dubai, you have to visit Sallet al Sayad Seafood Restaurant, considered the best in the city for seafood.
Here, you can feast on a wide array of fresh seafood from within and outside the UAE – from lobsters to different types of fish.
Al Ustad Special Kabab
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Address: Metro Station – Al Mussallah Road near Al Fahidi – Al Hamriya
Phone: +971 4 397 1933
Pricing: $$
Al Ustad is an institution in Dubai when it comes to delicious, no-nonsense Persian kebabs that a lot of locals will point you to its direction if you’re looking for delicious comfort food.
This simple eatery has been visited by dignitaries and celebrities for its delicious food and the atmosphere within the restaurant is lively and vibrant that you’ll surely feel at home right away.
Where to Shop in Bur Dubai
Textile Souk
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Address: 57 Ali Bin Abi Taleb Street – Al Fahidi
Phone: +971 50 768 8512
The textile souk in Bur Dubai is the best place in the city to source vibrant fabrics and traditional clothing at budget-friendly prices.
Here, your eyes can feast on the wonderful colors, textures and patterns of different fabrics, buttons, stones, lace and other accessories that you can turn into wonderful creations.
After shopping for materials, you can bring them to one of the tailors within the market with your design and they’ll create your garment for you. How cool is that?
But if you don’t have the time to wait, you can always buy a ready-to-wear outfit from one of the stalls in the market.
Meena Bazaar
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Address: 26 43C Street – Al Fahidi – Bur Dubai
If you’re looking for authentic Indian clothing at affordable prices, Meena Bazaar is the place for that.
Located in the Al Fahidi district in Bur Dubai, this retail complex has been open since 1970 and it continues to be a go-to for locals who want to buy sarees, kurtis and even suits.
Many shops in Meena Bazaar also sell different products including clothes and accessories at cheaper prices than the mall, which is why it’s a favorite among bargain hunters.
Where to Stay in Bur Dubai
Mazmi Casa
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Address: Al Fahidi – Bur Dubai
Phone: +971 4 282 7252
Pricing: $$
Mazmi Casa isn’t your typical accommodation in Bur Dubai because this bed and breakfast is luxurious enough to feel like a hotel but homey enough to feel like home.
Located by the Dubai Creek near the Textile Souk, Mazmi Casa features different rooms that overlook the Dubai Creek and is furnished to make you feel like you’re living in a traditional Arabic house.
XVA Art Hotel
Media Credit: XVA Gallery
Address: Al Fahidi Street – Bur Dubai
Phone: +971 4 353 5383
Pricing: $$$
The XVA Art Hotel is defintiely one of the most beautiful hotels in Bur Dubai occupying the former residence of the Seddiqi family.
This hotel blends the old and new seamlessly with each room decorated with works of art from different artists within and around the UAE.
XVA also has a cozy cafe where you can enjoy a great afternoon with friends. It also has an art gallery that rotates different exhibits regularly.
Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk
Media Credit: Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk
Address: Wafi – Sheikh Rashid Road – Umm Hurair 2
Phone: +971 4 324 9999
Pricing: $$$
Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk is not only a five-star luxury hotel, but it’s also a landmark, especially with its unique shape of an obelisk inspired by the Luxor Obelisk in Paris.
The hotel combines Egyptian and French designs with touches of art deco for a truly unique aesthetic.
And if you want the best views of Old Dubai and the city skyline, book a hotel or suite from the 19th floor above.