Al Bastakiya

Being one of the oldest residential areas in Dubai, Al Bastakiya is named after the 'Bastak' region of Iran, the origin of several emigrated residents. Located along the Dubai Creek, it includes narrow lanes and wind towers and the Al Fahidi Fort—one of the oldest existing buildings in Dubai. Al Bastakiya is marked by the presence of a wide array of old wind towers along the Dubai Creek. The traditional courtyard houses, decorated with tall wind towers intended to cool the buildings during the pre-electricity era, are separated by narrow lanes, called 'sikkas'.
The Dubai Museum, located in the oldest building in Dubai (Fort Al Fahidi), displays the traditional life of Bedouins. The Bastakiya also houses the first office building in Dubai (Bait Al Wakeel), galleries including the Majlis Gallery, small hotels, Calligraphy House, and Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. Every Saturday morning, there is an open-air market (souk) organised, with several artistic events happening, particularly during winter months. When visiting Bastakiya, it is important to note that it is closed to car traffic.