Dubai Oldtown & Creek
The old town of Dubai right on the river.
At least I think it is the old town of Dubai. Having mostly just explored the mall so far, we’re looking for a cool spot — preferably outside — where you can walk around. I love walking around cities, passing cafes, restaurants and bars and then spontaneously deciding where to end the evening.
The mall of Dubai has a lot to offer, but I miss the cultural and local a bit. In the mall everything is very clean, neat, modern and extravagant. I would like to discover a few small local stores that show the real life in Dubai. Away from the glitz and glamour of the mall.
Our search for an old town or even a bar area on the Internet was unfortunately not very successful, so we then asked at the reception of our hotel for a tip. To my amazement, the concierge even knew German. He told us to try the stop “Al Ghubaiba”.
Al Ghubaiba — a place at the river
It took us only about 10–15 minutes to get there by train. From the Emirates Tower stop we went four stations to Burjuman. There we changed trains — after we got lost in the station — and went another two stations to Al Ghubaiba. Of course we left the station on the wrong side, so we had to walk around the outside to get to the river.
The first time we were in Al Ghubaiba was in the evening when it was already dark. It was very impressive even in the dark. Sandstone colored buildings, great decorations and squiggles in the walls and a very nice mosaic on the floor.
Through beautiful, small alleys we leisurely walked to the river. However, this looks more like a huge lake or even a small part of the sea. One ends up in a kind of bay. All around, the lights of the houses, restaurants and ships are reflected on the calm waters, creating a calming as well as magical atmosphere. You have a wide view and a light wind makes even the 42° outside temperature seem pleasant.
Walking along the shore, you automatically pass a few restaurants and shisha bars. Most of them are located directly on the water, so you can enjoy a romantic meal with a breathtaking view of the colorful play of lights. There is no lack of offers here. Every few meters you are approached by someone else. Menus are presented before you’ve even decided on a restaurant. Or probably exactly because of that.
Grand Souq-Bur Dubai
If you follow the street along the water, you will automatically come to the Grand Souq-Bur Dubai. This is a long, narrow street with many local stores. It is the typical tourist mile, I would say. All the small stores sell everything that makes the tourist heart beat faster. From more or less traditional Arabic robes and clothes to jewelry, souvenirs in all variations and a myriad of local spices, sweets.
Directly at the first store I am fascinated by the colorful Arabic dresses and robes. Of course, the owner of the store notices this immediately and so we are shown into the store. He presents us the many designs and asks us that both Marc and I try on a traditional robe once.
Without being able to say anything against it, he already hangs the clothes around us, drapes them accordingly and straightens them.
Within seconds Marc and I have changed from tourists in summer clothes to tourists in Arabic clothes. The man offers to take a few photos of us. I am skeptical at first, because most sellers insist on buying the goods after a photo. But he assures us that it’s all free of charge and we don’t have to worry.
In fact, we really didn’t have to buy anything. I tried on another long black traditional dress with a veil. However, I fell in love with the first black one with the silver and blue beads right away. We still got the map of the store and moved on.
Small spoiler: two days later we were here again to buy the black robe and a pale green dress for me. So I guess the strategy with the free photos worked terrific.
On the further way down the street we were approached by more sellers and also led into the stores. In a store full of spices and Arabic sweets, we were offered various treats to try. Since these were so delicious, we bought there directly a small bag with a colorful selection.
Besides chocolate made from camel milk, there are dates in all possible combinations. Covered with dark or light chocolate, filled with almonds or caramel, with coconut and also many things that I do not even know. But all of them are incredibly delicious! The camel milk chocolate looks like it’s little colored stones but it’s super yummy too! I can’t get enough of all these sweet things.
After strolling around the alley a bit more, we made our way back home. We will definitely come back to eat, take some photos and also test more Arabic delicacies.
