Al Shindagha historic neighborhood
A spit of land that protects the south side of the creek entrance holds a restored historic center that contains three key sites: the Diving Village, Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, and the Heritage Village. The Diving Village explores Dubai's pearl diving industry, along with other traditional maritime activities—you'll be able to see boat building, net making, and other handcrafts in action. Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House was built in 1896 and was the residence of Al Maktoum ruling family till 1958 and is now a museum displaying a rare photographic collection of the sheikhs and the changing times of Dubai. Most of the house can be explored, and its cool neutral interior is a reminder of life in the city before air-conditioning and designer labels. Heritage Village is a life-size diorama that takes visitors through the various buildings and traditions that have been historically common in the region. Walk through agricultural yards, stone buildings, barasti huts and tents, and observe traditional medicine, jewelry making, and blacksmithing. There are other monuments and buildings in the area to explore, and the creekfront is lined with Arabic restaurants.
