Affecting a respectful yet functional balance between traditional and progressive architecture poses a significant challenge to all cultures. Dubai’s own response has been enormously successful in that the city relies on reflection in the fullest sense of the word to maintain aspects of its traditional identity in the post-modern world.
Old Dubai features many fascinating places to visit, offering glimpses into a time when the city was nothing more than a small fishing and trading post. Stroll through the Bastakiya area with its many distinctive wind towers and marvel at how people coped in Dubai. One of the most important historical monuments in Dubai, the Al Fahidi Fort located in the heart of Dubai. This magnificent Fort is believed to be the oldest architectural masterpiece in Dubai. The fort was converted into a renowned museum in 1970. It displays a rich collection of objects and artifacts showcasing the cultural richness of the region. At the entrance, tourists can encompass the old ways of the Gulf and the Emirates. There are the Arabian sailing boats, old weapons, pearl diving outfits and a range of military artifacts. Colorful life-size dioramas, sets of pearls, merchant weigh scales and a variety of other artifacts are exhibited for the tourist.
Exterior Photo of Jumerirah Grand Mosque
The Islamic nature of Dubai’s heritage is proudly displayed in the bewildering array of mosques that anchor its neighborhoods. Although newly built, theses mosques reflect some of the most spectacular, as well as functional elements of traditional mosque architecture. Together they represent an exquisite survey of architectural styles, designs and materials. With rising minarets, gentle domes and sonorous calls to prayer echoing near and far, one cannot fail to appreciate the beauty and timelessness of Dubai’s mosques.
Reflection- which simultaneously connotes reflexive self-scrutiny, as in reflecting upon one’s childhood and mirroring – allows new and old to co-exist harmoniously. Perhaps the emblematic Burj Al Arab demonstrates the process most clearly: although magnificently progressive and futuristic, the central vertical axis and the billowing architectural-fabric façade distinctly echo’s the lines of a mast and a sail. Given the historical role of the sea trade in the UAE and the shape of sails found on dhow trading vessels, the vertical references become even clearer and more apt.
Burj Al Arab, World’s Most Expensive Hotel
Located near the entrance to Dubai Creek, the Heritage Village focuses on Dubai’s maritime past, Pearl diving traditions and architecture. Our tour group was able to observe traditional potters and weavers practicing their crafts the way they have for centuries. Local women served traditionally cooked snacks, one of the rare opportunities to sample genuine Emirate cuisine.
Driving down Sheikh Zayed Road serves as a textbook study of various cutting-edge designs. By sculpting monumental structures out of steel, stone and glass, architects have integrated traditional Islamic elements into many of the structures. The result is a dazzling collection of buildings that serve as the public face of Dubai. Artists’ rendering s illustrating a few of the newest structures looks more space-age and unimaginable then anything previously designed. As they quickly come to fruition, there can be little doubt that even greater feats of architecture and engineering are forthcoming in the near future. Indeed, the Emirates Towers and the Burj Al Arab have already taken on significant roles as icons of Dubai. With its top-notch infrastructure, its strong efforts to cultural preservation and its willingness to experiment with architecture, Dubai is rapidly establishing itself as an international model for innovation. As the city expands and increases in every respect, the challenges will continue. But if the past thirty years are any indication, it seems more likely that Dubai will follow its present course of reflecting on the past whilst looking to the future. And what a future it shall be…
Located near the entrance to Dubai Creek, the Heritage Village focuses on Dubai’s maritime past, Pearl diving traditions and architecture. Our tour group was able to observe traditional
Interior Photo Burj Al Arabl
potters and weavers practicing their crafts the way they have for centuries. Local women served traditionally cooked snacks, one of the rare opportunities to sample genuine Emirate cuisine.
Exhibit of Dubai’s Maritime Past in the heritage Village
Driving down Sheikh Zayed Road serves as a textbook study of various cutting-edge designs. By sculpting monumental structures out of steel, stone and glass, architects have integrated traditional Islamic elements into many of the structures. The result is a dazzling collection of buildings that serve as the public face of Dubai. Artists’ rendering s illustrating a few of the newest structures looks more space-age and unimaginable then anything previously designed. As they quickly come to fruition, there can be little doubt that even greater feats of architecture and engineering are forthcoming in the near future. Indeed, the Emirates Towers and the Burj Al Arab have already taken on significant roles as icons of Dubai. With its top-notch infrastructure, its strong efforts to cultural preservation and its willingness to experiment with architecture, Dubai is rapidly establishing itself as an international model for innovation. As the city expands and increases in every respect, the challenges will continue. But if the past thirty years are any indication, it seems more likely that Dubai will follow its present course of reflecting on the past whilst looking to the future. And what a future it shall be…