Area Guide: Al Hamriya, Bur Dubai
Being the oldest part of Dubai, this area offers you a look into the 'real' culture of the city
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4 MIN READ
Overview
The district of Al Hamriya (oftern referred to as Bur Dubai) is the oldest part of the city, and in many ways still the most interesting.
Like Deira, it runs along the Dubai Creek, is built-up, very densely populated and has that buzz in the air. Many of the city’s older hotels, as well as a few more recent and more modern additions stand among shopping malls, consulates and embassies, as well as the unofficially-named 'Bank Street’ and 'Computer Street'.
Al Hamriya is home to the old-fashioned Textile Souq, by far one of the prettiest in the city, and the historic old quarter of Shindagha, an area steeped in history boasting traditional buildings, many of them now converted into low-key museums, including the engaging Shaikh Saeed Al Maktoum House and Dubai Museum.
The lively Al Fahidi Street is lined with neon-lit stores stacked high with phones and watches. It is a centre for cheap furniture and famous for its bargain shopping so don’t be embarrassed to haggle. It is Dubai’s very own ‘Little India’.
There is a wide variety of good and affordable restaurants offering authentic cuisine from India, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, China, Thailand, Singapore, as well as Arabic specialities.
Al Hamriya offers more affordable living for families and couples (school access is still good being ‘New Dubai’ side of the Creek), however, it might be a little stressful to find an apartment in this area if you’re single, because most landlords here prefer to rent out to 'families only'.
Where is it located?
Al Hamriya is located on the western side of the Dubai Creek, flanked by Al Raffa and Al Karama and across the water from Deira's Al Ras.
Rent
The average rent for a two bedroom apartment is Dh80,000 to Dh100,000. You can check rents on the Rera Calculator
Transport
Metro Al Fahidi, Khalid Bin Waleed Street (Bur Jurman Mall) and Ghubaiba serve the entire area from top to bottom. These stations also link to Deira and New Dubai. Ticket prices
Bus The 21, 33, 42, 44 and 61, as well as the C2, 3, 5, 10, 18, 19, 55 and the X23 all link from Khalid Bin Waleed station. Check out our Bus Route Timetables
Taxi Al Hamriya is just 15 minutes away from Dubai Silicon Oasis, 20 minutes from Dubai Marina, 10 minutes from the Dubai International Airport and 10 minutes from Mirdif depending on traffic. Taxis are easier to come by in this district than almost any other due to the busy streets and constant drop-offs. You can also call a cab on 04 2080808
Traffic and Parking
The grid street system and traffic lights means Al Hamriya tends to operate on a stop-start basis when it comes to traffic flow. Allow plenty of time in peak traffic and don’t be surprised at the horn beeps and road rage. It’s a more stressful part of the city to drive in. If you don’t know where you’re going, take a taxi. There’s nothing more frustrating than sitting in parked traffic looking at your destination on the other side of the road. Parking can be a challenge. Look out for small road-side sandy car parks, often charging just Dh5 per hour. It’s worth the cash.
Good for
Reasonable residential rent in close proximity to the hotspots of Dubai.
It’s the practical place to live based on rent, amenities and local transport links.
The phrase ‘everything is on your doorstep’ applies here. There isn’t much you can’t do in Al Hamriya.
A ‘no-frills’ outlook will be rewarded in Al Hamriya with great value living in every sense.
Most people have to trek to their local bank. In Al Hamriya almost all the major banks are represented on one street.
It’s a charming walk along the waterfront at any time of the day.
The busy backstreets and attractions give a sense of a more ‘real’ Dubai.
The old Iranian quarter of Bastakiya is nearby, home to the city’s Spice Souq and most impressive collection of traditional buildings, topped with dozens of wind towers.
The BurJuman Centre is a major mall located on the outskirts of Al Hamriya, although is technically in Al Karama.
Bad for
Traffic is an issue here. Don’t be surprised if you sit in jams at peak times.Al
Hamriya is a place that rarely sleeps so be prepared for late noise into the early hours
3 to try
Located in the Al Fahidi Fort it’s the oldest existing building in Dubai. The Museum received more than one million visitors last year. See artifacts from 3000 BC.You must also visit the Dubai Museum of Architecture close by.
Phone 04 353 1862
Hailed as one of Dubai’s ‘best kept secrets, Gordon Ramsay is among the restaurant’s biggest fans. Freshly-prepared vegetarian food as well as the legendary refreshing mint lemonade. Closed in August.
Phone 04 353 5383
Head for the No.7 abra station on Bur Dubai side of the creek and take in all the sights on board. It gives a great overview of the city and also allows you to take in some old Dubai ambience. Cost is Dh1 each way. Believe it!
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