Tuesday 30 Jan 07

Tuesday 30 Jan
Took a taxi to the Creek to visit Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House and the Al Fahidi Fort, both of which have been converted into museums. The Sheikh’s House, built in 1896, is typical 19th century Arabian architecture with a large central courtyard surrounded by a two-storey set of rooms and 4 wind-towers for air-conditioning. The rooms were living quarters for the Sheikh and his family plus meeting rooms for the governing of Dubai by the Sheikh. The rooms now contain exhibitions of artyfacts going back to 3rd millennium BC; rare photographs of Dubai taken between 1948 and 1953; photographs and other exhibits recalling the pearl diving, fishing and boat-building industries which were the drivers of Dubai’s economy before oil; photos and paintings depicting the social and sporting life here over the centuries and, lastly, a coins and stamp display. All beautifully laid out with lots of explanatory notices.
The Fort was erected in 1799 to defend Dubai against invasion (they don’t mention by whom?) The ground floor now contained exhibits of boats, houses (shacks?) made from materials from palm trees, a well and, interestingly, cannons. Recently, they have added an underground labyrinth of static displays, hands-on exhibits, hologram movies, and information cases that lead you through the life and times of Dubai, its people and the environment they lived in. The sea and the desert are central to the history of Dubai, with lots about boats and camels. The Creek provided a safe harbour for trading vessels and the people of Dubai appear to have fully capitalised on this, becoming a major trading port for pearls, gold, spices, cloths, fish, boats and loads of other stuff. There are miles of back street markets, called souks, each specialising in one of the types of trade, much of which is wholesale as well as retail. Fascinating to stroll through and watch the bargaining with many of the locals in traditional dress.
Evening went to the pier leading to 360 degrees but too late for sunset, then to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel (the wave building) up to the 25th top floor - what a view (a bit high though, what must a 100 storey view be like?). Then to a hotel bar for a drink, saw a bit of the local cup final, which the Emirates won 1 – 0, lots of celebrations. Then to the Marina to an Iranian restaurant for a very interesting and enjoyable meal.
A full and great day.
All the Best to all, John