Dubai Culture & Heritage: A Brief history of Dubai  A trip to Dubai transports you on a journey through time.
Although the early history of the area is not very well documented, archeological discoveries suggests that, as long as four thousand years ago, small fishing communities lived along the coast of the Arabian Gulf on the site of modern Dubai.
It is also believed that the natural sheltered harbour afforded by the Dubai Creek was a busy port of call on the ancient trade route between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley.
In recent years, archeologists have unearthedhundreds of artefacts, including pottery, weapons and coinage, that point to civilised settlements dating back to the third millennium B.C.
 These historic finds have been carefully preserved and are now permanently housed in the Archeolo- gical Section of Dubai Museum.
Modern Dubai, however, traces its origins to the 1830’s. At that time, the small fishing village on the Shindagha peninsula at the mouth of the Creek was settled by a branch of the Bani Yas tribe, originally from the Liwa oasis to the south, led by the Maktoum family who still rule the emirates today.
By the late 1870’s, Dubai was often referred to as the principal port on the Gulf coast and, by the turn of the century, was reputed to have had the largest souks in Arabia.
Pearling which was the mainstay of the city’s prosperity for many years, succumbed to the development of the cultured pearl in the 1940’s. But Dubai’s enterprising merchants bounced back, developing a thriving trade in gold and other commodities. Much of this history is carefully preserved in myriad forts, mosques, palaces and other historic monu-ments, which are on the itineraries of many organized tours.Archaeological Sites  There are four main excavation site in Dubai, at Al Qusais, Al Sufooh, Jumeirah and Hatta.
The first two are graveyards dating back more than 2,000 years.
The Jumeirah site reveals artifacts from the 7th to 15th centuries AD.
These sites are not yet open to the public. However tourist or tour operators may obtain a special permit from Dubai Museum to visit the digs.Bur Dubai Creekside
The buildings lining the Bur Dubai side of the Creek provided the main panorama of the old city.
The traditional facades of these buildings have been restored to their original state, with wooden windows, decorative gypsum panels and screens.
Clothing and Jewelry  The Arab national dress worn in Dubai is well adapted to the high temperatures of the region.
The white ankle-length, loose-fitting garment worn by men is known as the Kandoura or Dishdasha, while the women’s black long-sleeved full-length robe is also called an abayah. Headcoverings, are used by both sexes for protection from sand and the midday sun. Like women everywhere, the women of Dubai too have a fondness for jewelry and have customarily adorned themselves with gold and silver necklacee, forehead decorations, earrings, bracelets, anklets and rings for fingers, noses and even toes. Henna- a reddish dye obtained from powdered leaves-is widely used to stain the palms and soles of the feet for weddings and other special occasions.Occupations of the past  Life in Dubai was harsh in the old days.
Nomadic Bedoiun with their camel herds roamed the desert. Sheep and goat herders scratched a living on the arid mountainsides. And cultivators carefully tended date palms wherever a trace of water could be found.
Along the coast, traditional occupations included dhow building, fishing and pearl diving, the latter a major factor in Dubai’s rise to prominence as a trading center.Old Souks  The two main souks of Bur Dubai and Deira are being restored to highlight the historical commercial roots of the city.
Both markets are covered with traditional roofing materials, with shops featuring old- style wooden doors.Popular Sports  Among the many traditional pastimes still practiced, is the sport of falconry, a unique partnership between man and bird.
The ancient sport of camel racing also attracts sizeable following and substan- tial purposes for the champions.
Throughout history, the Arab has maintained a great love of horses. This tradition lives on in the rapid growth and development of horse racing in Dubai, and visitors are welcome to attend race meetings that take place throughout the cooler months. Round House
Located on the Dubai’s Beach road on the site of former ruler, H.H.Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s office.
A replica of the Roundhouse has been constructed to honour the site where docu- ments were signed in 1972.
for the formation of UAE, uniting the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain and Ajman. Ras Al Khaimah joined later.
Traditional Culture and Lifestyle  Dubai’s culture is rooted in Islam, providing a strength and inspiration that touches all aspects of every-day life.
Virtually every neighborhood has its own mosque, where the faithful congregate for prayer five times everyday.
One of the largest and most beautiful- Jumeirah Mosque-is a spectacular example of modern Islamic architecture. Built of stone in medieval Fatimid style, the mosque is particularly attractive at night when subtle lighting throws its artistry into sharp relief.
Ramadan, which commemorates the revelation of the Holy Koran, is the Holy Month of fasting when Muslims abstain from all food and drink from dawn to dusk.
Courtesy and hospitality, are among the most highly prized of virtues in the Arab world, and visitors will be charmed by the warmth and friendliness of the people.
Last updated at 8/6/2008 |