Guidebook with a difference shines a light on hidden Dubai

Khalil Abdulwahid, visual arts manager at Dubai Culture’s projects and events department, stresses that the Soul of Dubai, is a guide book not just for tourists but also residents who want to better know the city. Jeffrey E Biteng / The NationalShow less

DUBAI // A new guide to Dubai aims to show residents and tourists alike that there’s more to the emirate than mega malls, glistening skyscrapers and sun-kissed beaches found in holiday brochures.

Soul of Dubai is a collection of more than 100 interviews with Emiratis and expatriates who reveal their favourite, and often unseen, corners of the city.

Little-known attractions such as the Heritage House, built in the late 19th century, and Bin Lootah Mosque, which dates from 1910, are just a few of the recommendations from people in the know.

Focusing on culture, art and the best places to eat, the book divides the emirate into districts with maps to help people navigate a route off the beaten track.

Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum, vice chairman of the board of directors of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, writes in the foreword: “Within the hustle and bustle of the city lies a layer that is imbued with diverse cultural nuances, traditions and heritage.” These hidden gems are what she calls the heart and soul of Dubai.

Khalil Abdulwahid, visual arts manager at Dubai Culture, said he hoped to spread the word about the free guide, which will be available in hotels, Dubai International Airport and book shops.

The Emirati said the book, created by the Dubai-based publishing house Brownbook, brought back many childhood memories, although he stressed it was not just for visitors. “For those of us living here it’s really interesting. For me there are places of my childhood which I’d never thought to go back to see.”

Mr Abdulwahid said he hoped the guide would dispel some of the misconceptions people had about Dubai, which some have labelled the Vegas of the Middle East.

“One spot that’s very special for me is the Creek,” he said. “That’s the heart of Dubai, the heritage, the arts, the culture. You see how Dubai came up so I do encourage people to come to the Creek.”

An art lover, Mr Abdulwahid also recommended Dubai International Financial Centre for its array of galleries and Al Serkal Avenue in Al Quoz, in particular.

“The Al Fahidi neighbourhood I love too because of the history, the galleries and art. It has the city’s first gallery, Majlis Gallery. I went there with my grandma, so there’s a big difference between then and now.”

He remembers visiting Deira as a child and taking an abra across the Creek when the boats were still rowed by hand. “I would pay Dh2 to row the abra, which was expensive as it was only 25 fils to go on it. Now there’s nobody rowing. For me these are great memories.”

Emirati Noora Al Jamea, assistant projects manager at Dubai Culture, admits she too learnt things about her city by contributing to the guide. “As Emiratis we’re used to seeing it in a certain way and going to the same places so we find it interesting to see how others see our city as well.

“It was an interesting process. We really take pride in showing off our city. It’s been criticised as a plastic city without a soul, so that’s why we wanted to show this side through the city’s own people.”

Mouza Al Abbar said Dubai was able to become the city it is today only because of “our culture, our people”.

The Emirati picked out the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding as one of her highlights, particularly the cultural breakfast sessions and tours.

“There is an Emirati speaker, it’s very casual and you can ask any questions you want. It’s the chance to meet locals and I recommend everyone goes there.”