As one of Dubai’s oldest villages, dating back to over 400 years, the Dubai Heritage Village is an interesting and intriguing place to visit. Preserved in the manner that it used to be many years ago, the village gives the present generation an opportunity to appreciate the arts, crafts, cultures, industries and lifestyles of the past generation.
Walking into the village, one sees that there are over 30 – 40 houses preserved and maintained as it used to be. The houses are made with mud and palm leaves. The village is fortified with a fort with two towers on either end. Al Husen is the home of the governor where guests were received, and includes a living area, conference room and weapons room. There is also a mosque dating back to over 200 years as well as various industry zones where villagers still maintain a pottery, weaving centre, vegetable patch, cloth dying centre and farming areas. At the water front lies a pearl diving ship that takes visitors on a tour.
Signs in English and Arabic as well as guides who offer an album of pictures help to guide visitors within the Heritage Village. Visitors are able to appreciate what difficulties and ingenuities villagers went through when living in an oasis village. A palm tree house shows visitors the many uses a palm tree and its related products have and the method in which these products are abstracted.
Visitors are also able to purchase mementos and other handicrafts made in the village as well as make use of the studio in order to take a piece of the past back with them. After the tour visitors are gathered at Al Hadeera, an open green area, where they are offered dates and coffee.
For those visiting Dubai and admiring the modern wonders of the city and its extensive developments and renovations, taking some time out to visit the Heritage Village and experiencing Dubai’s heritage, culture and roots will be a valuable and enjoyable visit.
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