As someone who never shies away from history, I knew there was one spot in Dubai that I had to explore during my first visit to the iconic city. Dubai is world famous and renowned for its vibrancy, its impressive skyscrapers, and its luxury, but what I was interested in is how the city thrives in both being a beacon of the future and maintaining its preserved history. Dubai’s old town is a full of markets, cultural experiences, and historical architecture, and it is a tribute to the city’s beginnings as an important trading post. With Dubai known to be incredibly hot during the day, we chose to start our day with an early morning visit to Dubai’s old town.
Most shops and markets are not open that early, but our plan was to admire the architecture and history in the early morning sun before the heat and crowds descended upon the beautiful spot later in the day. Most of the old town was actually under renovation and preservation during our visit, so unfortunately a good portion of the area was closed off. However, we still got to have some bits of old town to ourselves before our stomachs began to remind us it was to indulge in an exceptional Arabic breakfast.
If you have the chance to spend the morning in Old Dubai, I highly recommend it. The best option would be to start your day with an Arabic breakfast before exploring the shops and markets. It’s least crowded in the mornings, and it’s less hot in the morning as well. It’s the perfect time to immerse yourself in Dubai’s history and embrace Dubai’s culture as you wind your way through the paths within the historic port. Don’t forget to pick up some elegant fabrics or indulge in some unique chocolate treats.
Also please keep in mind that wearing modest clothing is appreciated especially in Old Dubai. This means to please keep your shoulders and knees covered, no revealing clothing, and no inappropriately worded t-shirts.
