New souq in Al Bastakiya

A new souq has come up in Al Bastakiya, one of old Dubai's most exclusive residential address at one point of time.

The Souq Al Bastakiya, which opened on Saturday, is an open-air street market lining the narrow alleys of its namesake district that was home to Dubai's richest community since the 1890s and where traditional architecture can be seen.

The souq comprises 50 outdoor vendors selling souvenirs, local handicrafts, books, carpets, clothes, accessories, jewelry and other goods.

The souq includes a children's play area with plans for regular and visiting street performances, while it is located in walking distance to Al Bastakiya's cafes, art galleries and preserved traditional homes.

It is however open only on Saturdays, and that too only till sunset.

In Al Bastakiya, the residents may have long gone but tourists keep coming in every day.

The old district was almost completely knocked down to make way for apartment blocks, corporate offices and government departments that mushroomed alongside Dubai's business boom.

In 1996, Dubai Municipality sealed off the neighbourhood from the encroaching city growth and started rebuilding what was left of the cultural nerve-centre.

Since then, half of its 100 buildings have been nourished back to health.

“Fortunately, wise leadership prevailed and said this is our heritage, a part of us – and it must be saved,'' said Mustafa Al Hashemi, project director of the souq, while taking the media on a tour of the newest shopping centre in the oldest corner of Dubai.

Today, Al Bastakiya crawls with tourists and residents looking for a piece of old Dubai. It has mostly retained its original look of sandy walls and wooden doors, though there are subtle breaks from tradition.

Electric air-conditioners have replaced the signature wind-towers that used to funnel natural air from the top of the roof to the rooms below for cooling.

The towers are still there, but have been closed from the inside to keep out dust.
Sandy tracks have been covered up with cobblestone walkways, while street oil lamps have been replaced by electric bulbs.

Security guards now patrol the alleys at night where residents once socialised.

And Al Bastakiya has only two residents today – an American dentist and an Emirati family, according to Al Hashemi. The other two dwellers include Swede and German artists, who are staying for six months under an art-exchange programme.

According to Al Hashemi, at least two boutique hotels and a local restaurant will come up there soon. “Many people don't know this historic area exists. We want to bring events to bring life here.''

Another project to revive the locality is an art competition for Emiratis – the winners will be given a year or six months free lease on gallery space.

“The idea is to get inspired by the historical face of Dubai,'' said Al Hashemi.