Jumeirah Archaeological Site: A Trip Back in Time
You look at Dubai with all its towering skyscrapers and you can’t help but wonder, “How did this city look like before all this?”
Well, you’re not the only one! Luckily, you can still see part of what’s left of the Old Dubai before it became a modern city at the Jumeirah Archaeological Site. It’s one of the city’s most important historical gems!
So, if your idea of a holiday involves a trip down history, then wear your trusty hat, pack your magnifying glass and let’s explore the Jumeirah Archeological Site together.
What is the Jumeirah Archaeological Site?
The Jumeirah Archaeological Site is a historical tourist spot where the remnants of a mosque, residential complex and caravanserai can be found.
The site was first excavated in 1969 where artifacts dating back as far as the 9th century AD during the Abbasid period were found.
Some of the treasures found in this site were pottery, tools and coins that are now displayed at the Dubai Museum.
The site spans over 860,000 square feet and it’s located between Al Wasl Road and Jumeirah Road in what used to be a caravan route that connected Oman and Iraq and India and China.
Best Time to Go
The Jumeirah Archaeological Site is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and you can visit any time.
But since this is an outdoor site, you might find it too hot to visit during the summer.
So, if you want to spend more time on this site, it’s best to go early in the morning during winter when the weather is cooler.
Things to Know
Get ready to explore the Jumeirah Archaeological Site by keeping these tips in mind:
- Head to the site early.
Since this is an outdoor location, it’s best to explore it right when it opens at 8:00AM, so you won’t have to worry about the heat, especially during the summer.
- Wear comfortable clothing.
You’ll do a lot of walking and exploring on this visit, so make sure that you’re wearing light and comfortable clothing and a good pair of walking shoes.
If you’re bringing the kids along, let them wear a hat since this area can get pretty hot as the day progresses.
- Take your time.
There’s so much to see and explore around the Jumeirah Archaeological Site and each area has boards where you can read about the history of the site.
You can even scan some QR codes to see 3D representations of what used to be the Jumeirah Archaeological Site.
So, take your time and make sure that you learn everything you can about this historical site.
How to Get Around
Trains: There’s no direct metro line to the Jumeirah Archaeological Site. But if you want to take the metro, stop at the Business Bay Metro Station and walk to the Business Bay bus stop where you can ride Bus 9 to Al Wasl. From the station, the site will be a 10-minute walk or you can ride a taxi if it’s too hot.
Buses: You can ride the bus and stop at the Wasl Road Box Park station where you can ride a taxi or walk to the site if the weather is good.
Taxis: Riding a taxi is the fastest and most convenient way to reach the Jumeirah Archaeological Site. You can book a ride through Uber or Careem.
Car service: If you’d rather travel privately or you’re going as a group, you can arrange for private transfers with your hotel or rent a self-drive car.
Where to Stay Near the Jumeirah Archaeological Site
V Hotel Dubai Curio Collection by Hilton
Address: Al Habtoor City – Sheikh Zayed Road – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 436 6666
Pricing: $$$
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A modern chic hotel overlooking the Dubai Water Canal, V Hotel Dubai offers both luxury and accessibility, especially with its ideal location.
You have the option between guest rooms and suites, and you can enjoy amenities like its on-site restaurant, an outdoor pool, concierge, valet parking and even pet-friendly rooms.
V Hotel Dubai is also near top attractions like Downtown Dubai, the Jumeirah Archaeological Site and Dubai’s famous beaches.
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai
Address: Sheikh Zayed Road – Business Bay – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 414 0000
Pricing: $$$
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The JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai is a sight to behold in Business Bay’s skyline. These two iconic towers have 1,608 rooms and suites offering unparalleled views of the city.
Each room is carefully designed and fitted with only the best fixtures including the most luxurious bedding. You also get to enjoy amenities like 24-hour room service, a fitness center and the world-class Saray Spa.
And if you’re hungry, you have 10 restaurants and lounges to choose from offering a wide range of international and local cuisines.
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira
Address: Jumeirah Beach Road – Jumeirah 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 777 2222
Pricing: $$
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A stunning oceanfront view combined with the best amenities that you can find in this part of Dubai, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle.
Designed by award-winning interior designer Jeffrey A. Wilkes, this luxury beachfront resort has well-appointed rooms, a stunning outdoor pool, Michelin-star dining and a relaxing spa.
So, if you want to treat yourself with the best accommodation on your trip to Dubai, you have to stay at the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira.
Rove City Walk
Address: Al Badaa Street – Al Wasl – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 241 9700
Pricing: $$
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If you want to be in the middle of the action, make Rove City Walk your home while on holiday in Dubai.
This modern hotel features a funky interior design that makes it unique and it also offers accessibility to tourist spots like the Jumeirah Archaeological Site, Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach.
Taj Dubai
Address: Burj Khalifa Street – Business Bay – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 438 3100
Pricing: $$$
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Taj Dubai has always been synonymous with opulence, and you can see it from the hotel’s beautiful interiors to its signature service.
Located near Downtown Dubai, you’ll wake up with views of the city skyline including the Burj Khalifa and enjoy amenities like its fitness center and restaurants.
Taj Dubai is also known for its sophisticated Indian-inspired interiors where you get to indulge in huge rooms with opulent beddings and furniture.
Where to Eat Near the Jumeirah Archaeological Site
Arabian Tea House
Address: Jumeirah Archaeological Site – Jumeirah 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 298 4559
Pricing: $$
Website
Arabian Tea House is a true institution in Dubai’s food scene offering authentic Emirati and Arabian cuisine.
Located at the Jumeirah Archaeological Site, the restaurant boasts both a relaxing vibe where you get to dine just like the old times and a wide range of food and beverages to choose from.
Here, you can enjoy classics like the traditional Emirati breakfast, salads, wraps and of course, the famous Arabic coffee.
Samad Al Iraqi
Address: Jumeirah Beach Park Plaza – Jumeirah Beach Road – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 342 7887
Pricing: $$
Website
Known in Dubai for serving traditional Arabic food for many years, Samad Al Iraqi pays homage to Iraq’s rich agriculture with dishes that are rich in flavor and character.
Here, you can enjoy dishes like the Maqluba, Patcha and Stuffed Chicken. Samad Al Iraqi takes pride in using only the freshest ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
COYA Dubai
Address: Restaurant Village Four Seasons Resort – Jumeirah Beach Road – Jumeirah 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 316 9600
Pricing: $$
Website
If you’re craving for good Latin American food, COYA is the ultimate place to be.
Honoring the cuisine of Peru combined with modern innovations, this restaurant has become the go-to spot for good Peruvian food in Dubai.
Stepping inside its doors, you’ll be transported to a modern yet eclectic space with lively music playing in the background.
COYA is also famous for dishes like Croquetas, Ceviche and Ensaladas.
Al Falamanki
Address: Jumeirah Beach Road – Jumeirah 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 55 300 4550
Pricing: $$
Website
Al Falamanki is a popular Lebanese restaurant serving authentic food that’s been loved by locals and tourists in Dubai for many years.
The restaurant is known for offering that village ambiance where you get to enjoy comfort foods that take you back to your childhood.
Here, you can enjoy offerings like Tabbouleh, Fattouch, Hummus, Labneh and Cheese and Meat Skewers.
What to Do at the Jumeirah Archaeological Site
See the Visitor Center
Within the Jumeirah Archaeological Site complex is the Visitor Center, a building that houses most of the items that were excavated from the site.
Here, you can see a huge collection of pottery, vessels, cooking tools and even jewelry that date back from the Abbasid period.
You’ll also see images and representations of when the site was excavated back in the 60s.
Explore the Different Areas of the Site
Outside the visitor center, you’ll see a board where you can get some brochures about the Jumeirah Archaeological Site.
Grab one and use this as your guide in walking through the different areas that comprise the historical site.
If you’re visiting with the kids, you can let them take the lead and use this as a fun exploration activity for them.
The Caravanserai is the largest part of the Jumeirah Archaeological Site spanning over 1,000 square meters.
A Caravanserais is essentially an ancient roadside inn where people traveling on the caravan used to stay for the night to rest and get food and water for their journey.
The remnants of the old Caravanserai in this site is divided into small rooms that travelers and pilgrims used to rent.
You can also see the remnants of a huge house with its beautiful stucco details and massive columns indicating that the owner was wealthy or in power at the time.
Where to Shop Near the Jumeirah Archaeological Site
Town Centre Jumeirah
Address: Jumeirah St. – Jumeirah 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 344 0111
Website
Town Center Jumeirah may not be the biggest mall in Dubai, but it has a good selection of shops, restaurants and cafes that you can enjoy after visiting the Jumeirah Archaeological Site.
Here, you can dine at the famous Cafe Bateel, get your nails done at the salon or just indulge in some retail therapy.
Sunset Mall
Address: Kite Beach – Jumeirah Beach Road – Jumeirah 3 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 330 7333
Website
Located on Kite Beach, Sunset Mall combines a great shopping experience with stunning views of the water.
This mall has a wide selection of local and international stores, restaurants, cafes and entertainment areas for you to enjoy.
What to Expect from Weather at the Jumeirah Archaeological Site
Winter: December to March is the best time to visit the city for its fair weather. Winter season means that temperatures are cooler, especially at night and you can explore outdoor tourist attractions like the Jumeirah Archaeological Site without worrying about the heat.
Summer: Summer season in Dubai runs from June to September, and it’s the hottest time in the city. With temperatures reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius during the day, it’s hard to stay outdoors for a long time.
Transition period: Between the two seasons are transition periods that run from April to May and October to November. During this time, the city experiences sudden rains or extreme heat.
Apps to Download When Visiting the Jumeirah Archaeological Site
Visit Dubai: Find information that you need about the different historical spots in Dubai including the Jumeirah Archaeological Site
iOs | Android
Uber: The most convenient way to book a car to take you to the top tourist attractions in the city
iOs | Android
Careem: Dubai’s local alternative to Uber when booking a private car service
iOs | Android
RTA Dubai Drive: The tool to use if you’re renting a self-drive car in Dubai because it offers detailed maps of the city and shows you the best parking spots
iOs | Android
S’hail: The app that has all the information you need about the public transportation in Dubai including the schedules and fares of buses, trains, trams and water taxis
iOs | Android