The first inhabitants of the Dubai area were famous for trading and the archaelogical finds date back to 3000BC and the Bronze Age Magan civilisation. Islam was brought to the area by the Umayyads, who came to Dubai in the 6th cenury AD. They also brought silks and porcelain to trade with the European and Middle Eastern markets, by establishing several trade routes with China.
In 1766, the waterways of Dubai were conquered by the British people and in 1833 the Bani Yas tribe moved in on Dubai. They founded the Al Maktoum Dynasty, that have ruled Dubai up to now. 1866 was the year when oil was discovered in this area. In 1871, Dubai entered the UAE, as the seventh emirate.
One of the main attractions in Dubai is the Museum in the Al Fahidi Fort. The Dubai Museum introduced to the public many archaelogical finds and antique daggers, but also nautical items. Modern things like multimedia and interactive diplays can too be sighted in the Dubai Museum. But the fact of most importance is that this museum housed the government and was the Dubai's rulers residence untill 1971.
Dubai is the city of Mosques, the tallest being the one built in 1990. The house of Shaikh Saeed and the ruling Al Maktoum family is another interesting place to see. It became a museum, that houses a collection of photographs on Dubai's history, but it also is a beautiful architectural achievement: corral coated in lime and plaster.
Indian wares are absolutely beautiful. You may choose a custom made saris or a souq, both equally wonderful. Taking a walk around Dhow Wharfage is a must when being in Dubai. A cruise or a small boat called an Abra might be the best choice for great moments spent on the waterfront of the city, called the Dubai Creek.
The Dubai cuisine is very different from the European one, gathering foods from over the Gulf and Middle East, that is Morrocan, Lebanese and Iranian.
A traditional dish that one must not miss is the one made of spicy lamb with rice and called Matchbous. Hareis is another excellent choice and consists of slow cooked lamb and wheat. But if you are not really fond of lamb, you can always enjoy a wide variety of delicious seafood.
The desserts are also fantastic in Dubai: Arabian bread pudding, to name just one. You should by all means try Mehalabiya, a pudding sprinkled with pistachios and rose water! |
