When people think of Dubai they perhaps only imagine shopping malls, skyscrapers, expensive hotels, the glitz and the glamour ..... but there is a very different, quieter, more subdued side of Dubai....Let me take you there....
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (formerly known as Bastakiya) was built in 1859 and is situated near the Creek (where wooden dhows are loaded and unloaded with goods from exotic locations)
The area has been restored and preserved and gives a glimpse of life in old Dubai ..... Many of the buildings have been converted into art galleries and interesting little shops....
The wind towers of the traditional Emirati homes created an early and effective form of air conditioning trapping the prevailing wind and funnelling it down into the house.
Last month we were fortunate to be there during Art Dubai and the annual Sikka Art Fair ......
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| A collection of painted skateboards |
Wandering around, it's easy to be transported to a bygone era and tucked away down one of the narrow alleys is a hidden gem, ...... XVA Café (also home to a boutique hotel and art gallery)
The inner shady courtyard is so serene and typical of the style of the houses in this area.
The food is deliciously fresh and they serve a particularly tasty mezze, mouth-watering desserts and their legendary mint lemonade.
There are so many charming areas to sit and relax ....
Of course there's stunning art everywhere .........
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It's a world away from the nearby busy souks and the skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai. The XVA shop has so many unique and beautiful pieces......
XVA is without doubt one of my favourite cafés in the world!
This is an area of Dubai to which we return time and time again and not just for the brownies and mint lemonade!
Your take on Dubai is SO more interesting and fun that those awful shopping malls!
ReplyDeleteMary
I would enjoy visiting here. Good thing the area was preserved. I would like to explore the art galleries and the Cafes. Those little nooks look so comfortable.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great place representing art of many kinds. Love the skateboards, how cool is that! I have to admit that I always think of skycrapers and malls when talking of Dubai but this place is totally worth visiting! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteyou are so right--i love seeing this other side of dubai!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for showing us another side of Dubai. What a serenely charming area.
ReplyDeleteRowena @ rolala loves
The mint lemonade sounds so refreshing! I'm glad you are featuring a different side of Dubai. Yes, mostly what's featured is the glitzy stuff ;) Old Dubai has lots of character and looks very charming. I love the old world feel. As always, such beautiful photos! xxleslie
ReplyDeleteMiss B...it is fantastic to see the "real" Dubai - who would know with the images we usually see. Thanks for sharing this! Have a wonderful weekend! xoxo
ReplyDeleteLooks so amazing! x
ReplyDeleteohhh miss b! i am loving the quieter side of Dubai. i find it just as luxurious! hahaha those pillows and couches are so beautiful. i love that straw handbag with the hand on it. love that. the food looks so delish. you travel to the best places.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.averysweetblog.com/
Gorgeous photos! The art is amazing... I love all the vibrant colors!
ReplyDeleteHi Miss B, thanks for showing me the calmer more serene side of Dubai, I am far too often bombard with the commercial glitz of this golden city and I much prefer the former. I was pretty impressed by the art and the XVA cafe. I love mint lemonade, its a Middle Eastern must, so refreshing. I appreciate your kind words, Have an awesome weekend doll!
ReplyDeleteHow interesting! It's good that they've still got an old town. I love the concept of channelling winds into the houses. x
ReplyDeleteThis is probably what I would like most if I ever visited Dubai. Thanks for showing a different view of this amazing city.
ReplyDeleteThis is actually one of my favorite posts of yours. That courtyard just has my heart, it's lovely!
ReplyDeletexo Mary Jo
This is so unique and interesting. I love how some of the buildings have been converted into shops and galleries. It's nice to see this more calming side of Dubai. Beautiful post miss b. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHave a marvellous weekend. xx/Madison
These photos are fascinating and it's amazing to see such a different side to Dubai that is shown to us usually - I like these but I think I like the glamorous side to Dubai too just as much! :)
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Hi Miss B! This area is so different from how I am used to see about the city, more peaceful and quiet, for sure is worth to pay a visit there. The mint lemonade and the brownie look appetizing and is surrounded by awesome art. Btw, the painted skateboards are too cool!:) Happy weekend! xo
ReplyDeleteNice place!! the art is very interesting!!!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend, Miss B!!! my g+ for you!!!:)))
Besos, desde España, Marcela♥
I've got to agree with this. Most of my impressions of the city are based off of Sex and the City 2. But i like what you're saying here!
ReplyDeleteI'd love it if you could check out my blog as well:) http://afashionneverland.blogspot.com/
Wow. You share some amazing places. I love seeing the 'old world' Dubai. amazing. x Rigel @ www.peachmacarons.com
ReplyDeleteWow didn't even realize that there is an area like that. Looks better than the concrete jungle Dubai is known for.
ReplyDeleteWww.thoughtsospaps.com
Que bonito post, me he paseado por tu bloc y me ha encantado, te invito a ver el mio, estamos celebrando el dia de la madre, y si te gusta y no eres seguidora espero que te hagas ahora, gracias por visitarme. FELIZ DIA DE LA MADRE💐Elracodeldetall.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThis is very interesting What an great post You are educating me on areas where I probably will never get to visit Thank you!!
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I like this side of Dubai very much. I can imagine sipping Arabic coffee in that tranquil majilis seating outdoors. Especially the Heritage Village area at night during winter/cold season where everyone is enjoying Al fresco dining overlooking the creek, shisha's in the air and fresh baked Arabic bread and grills are served.
ReplyDeleteThis part of Dubai is so charming. I really enjoyed all of your pictures showing the different foods and shops. Mint lemonade.....how interesting. The painted skateboards are delightful. My son was really into skateboarding when he was little so these made me smile. The last picture is so lovely.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment on my "Jesse" post. It means a lot to me and Nel. She is heartbroken, and having blog friends like you to share our joy and sorrow makes all the difference in the world.
love,
~Sheri
I have to admit that this side of Dubai you show here thrilled me much more than the pictures recently my sister in law showed to us about Dubai :) It looks orginal and very clean what I like!
ReplyDeletexx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
www.dressedwithsoul.blogspot.de
Yes I would have been one of the people who only thought of the skyscrapers! But this side of the city is far more culturally interesting.
ReplyDeleteKrissie x - http://pearlsofstyle.blogspot.com.au
Good morning miss B
ReplyDeleteThanks for visit my blog. Right now i am enjoy your pictures in the Ave,
Have a good day!! See you soon again.
Luisa
I would never have guessed that this was Dubai! How beautiful… and intriguing! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete~Alexis Grace of North On Harper
c'est beau! je connais pas du tout, ca donne bien envie d'y aller!
ReplyDeletewww.letiziabarcelona.com
Lovely to see the more traditional Dubai with wonderful seating nooks
ReplyDeleteI'm always charmed by your posts on Dubai, and I especially enjoyed this one displaying the less deluxe part of the city!
ReplyDeleteBaci,
Coco
Coco et La vie en rose / Bloglovin / Facebook
It's definitely interesting to see Dubai from this perspective - perhaps a hidden treasure that they like to keep secret from us tourists ha ha. I can just imagine myself sitting in one of those seating areas right now.......
ReplyDeleteHope you are well, have a good week
Good evening Miss B! Now this is an enchanting place that holds an ancient beauty that I'd love to see. That tea house would be the first place I'd go!
ReplyDeleteThank you dear one for coming to see my post, and leaving a comment. I hope you are well and enjoying all that the season has to offer YOU! Anita
Thanks for the mini vacation...so exotic!
ReplyDeletexo
Sharon
Miss b. Lovely travelogue of this area. It seems so peaceful and quiet. Wow who ever heard of wind towers? What a cool idea. I am with you- adore that cafe and the outdoor courtyard. They had me at mint lemonade! It looks amazing as does all the food. Dubai seems so romantic. I'd love to get there one day. Thanks for my virtual visit. Always love all your travels. xx Kim
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing another side of Dubai, I adore the photos you took.
ReplyDeleteLittlePinkRainBoots.blogspot.com
This is an area of Dubai that I would love to visit. It is much more the type of place I like to explore. The shops etc are nice but in moderation. This is the true Dubai I feel. Another great post. Have a fun week.
ReplyDeleteI'm one who would spend a lot of time checking out the art galleries--the painted skateboards here look as interesting as the array of painted toilets and sinks I saw at San Francisco art gallery
ReplyDeleteOh how exciting to have traveled there. And the photos are wonderful really bringing it to life.
ReplyDeleteAllie of ALLIE NYC
allienyc.com
I love your blog, it's always like some wonderful, luxurious escape!
ReplyDeletemakes me want to go too :-) !
ReplyDeleteHave you seen my recent post ?
www.v-fashionwise.com
I so enjoyed seeing this part of Dubai. Thank you so much for enlightening us!
ReplyDeletewow! dubai is breathtaking! not many people think of vacationing there, but boy are they missing out! thanks so much for sharing :D
ReplyDeletexx Corinne
cateyesandthighhighs.com
You presented Dubai in such a fun and interesting take! Loved your photos, great post! XOXO
ReplyDeleteMaria
http://www.onestyleatatime.com/
I like this old Dubai much better! It has that old oriental vibe, big like!
ReplyDeleteOh, we are pretty much finished with the blog design. I wanted something clean and fresh with white side bars this time. There's just still a picture or two left to be put on the side bars. I don't know if I should have a design on the side bars. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like your blog is going to look very stylish. I suppose you will need to try it out with and without a design on the side bars to see which you prefer. You may not want a design if you are going for a minimalist look.
DeleteAmazing pics!
ReplyDeleteLove the skateboards!
xoxox,
CC
This is a place I would like to see. Have been putting off a visit to Dubai because of all the "shopping complex" that I keep hearing of.
ReplyDeleteLove that Sikka Art Fair.
What a very interesting post about a place I just thought of as a shopper's paradise ! Thank you for your lovely words on my blog ! xx
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, I always value your opinion on my posts.
ReplyDeleteI would be so excited to visit here
ReplyDeletegreat photos!
ReplyDeletehappy day!
i envy you! really, dubai is one of the places i really want to visit! theyre so rich with culture and history and the architecture's surreal!
ReplyDeletehttp://yanibonifacio.blogspot.com
I'm pleased that you all enjoyed seeing another side of Dubai. This is one of our favourite spots in the city. Thank you for your comments.
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