Introducing Dubai Heritage and Diving Village

06/15/2025
ِD R Content Team

Introducing Dubai Heritage and Diving Village

The Heritage and Diving Village is one of Dubai’s must-see cultural attractions, offering a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich history and traditional lifestyle. Located in the historic Al Shindagha district, this village has been carefully restored to showcase the customs, craftsmanship, and daily life of Dubai’s past inhabitants.

The village comprises two main areas: the Heritage Village, which focuses on Bedouin life, traditional architecture, and local customs; and the Diving Village, which presents the history of pearl diving in the Arabian Gulf. Visitors can walk through old-style houses with wind towers, watch live exhibitions of traditional crafts, and enjoy performances of regional music and dance.

One of the most captivating aspects of the village is the live demonstrations of Emirati life, such as wooden boat building and traditional pearl diving techniques. These reenactments provide a tangible connection to the pre-oil era and allow visitors to understand the deep cultural roots of the Emirati people.

For anyone interested in discovering the historical origins of modern Dubai, the Heritage and Diving Village offers an unforgettable experience. It successfully brings the past to life and creates a meaningful link between tradition and the contemporary city.

History of Dubai Heritage and Diving Village

Heritage and Diving Village in Dubai is one of the most important cultural projects in the United Arab Emirates, established to preserve and showcase the history and traditional lifestyle of the local people. This village was developed in the 1990s in the Al Shindagha area—one of Dubai’s oldest neighborhoods—with government support and collaboration from cultural and tourism organizations.

The aim of establishing this complex was to recreate the way of life of Dubai’s residents before the oil era, a time when the city’s small population relied on activities such as pearl diving, fishing, farming, and maritime trade. The diving section of the village specifically highlights the history of pearl diving in the Arabian Gulf—a practice that played a vital role in the region’s economy for centuries.

Alongside that, the heritage section brings the past to life by reconstructing traditional houses, wind towers, local markets, and handicraft workshops. Cultural events, traditional music, and live performances are also held periodically within the complex.

Heritage and Diving Village is not only a popular tourist attraction but also a valuable opportunity for younger generations of Emiratis to connect with their cultural roots. Today, it stands as one of Dubai’s key cultural landmarks.

Architecture and layout of Dubai Heritage Village

The architecture and layout of Dubai’s Heritage Village are carefully designed to transport visitors back to the authentic past of the Emirates. Inspired by the traditional architectural styles of Bedouins and coastal inhabitants, the entire village is reconstructed to remain faithful to its original forms.

The houses and structures in the village are primarily built using natural materials such as coral stone, gypsum, palm wood, and reeds. Wind towers (Barjeel), which served as traditional cooling systems, can be seen on many buildings and represent the local ingenuity in coping with the desert heat.

The layout of the village resembles an open-air historical site, with different sections arranged separately but harmoniously to depict various aspects of traditional life. These include residential houses, local marketplaces, a small mosque, boat-building workshops, and spaces dedicated to performing local arts.

Dusty pathways, mud-plastered walls, palm-leaf shade structures, and the presence of local artists in traditional attire give visitors the feeling of walking through a real village from centuries past. The architecture of Dubai’s Heritage Village is not only visually captivating but also a reflection of the authenticity, simplicity, and cultural identity of the UAE.

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Dubai Heritage Village Attractions

Dubai Heritage Village is one of the city’s most captivating cultural and tourist destinations, offering a unique opportunity to journey into the traditional Emirati way of life through carefully reconstructed historical settings. This open-air museum presents a collection of cultural and historical attractions, each showcasing a different facet of the UAE’s rich heritage:

Traditional Houses with Wind Towers: The village features old-style homes equipped with Barjeel (wind towers), once used for natural ventilation. These structures provide an authentic glimpse into Bedouin architecture and how people adapted to desert life.
Handicraft Workshops: Local artisans demonstrate traditional crafts such as pottery, palm-leaf weaving, textile making, and wood carving. Visitors can observe the artisans at work and even purchase handmade souvenirs as a tangible memory of the experience.
Reenactment of Pearl Diving and Maritime Life: A dedicated section showcases the history of pearl diving, once a cornerstone of the Gulf’s economy. This includes displays of traditional wooden boats (dhows), diving equipment, and insights into the lives of seafarers and their families.
Traditional Market (Souq): This reconstructed heritage market features small stalls offering local food, spices, traditional clothing, and handmade gifts. It recreates the charm and atmosphere of old Arabian bazaars.
Live Performances and Local Music: The village regularly hosts cultural performances, including folk dances, live music, storytelling, and traditional activities like Arabic coffee preparation. These events immerse visitors in the rhythms and rituals of Emirati culture.
Traditional Mosque: A small mosque with simple, authentic architecture stands as a symbol of the region’s religious heritage. It offers a peaceful space for reflection and completes the cultural tapestry of the village.

Dubai Heritage Village is more than just a tourist attraction—it’s a bridge between the past and present, allowing visitors to appreciate the depth and resilience of Emirati culture in a rapidly modernizing world.

Types of Heritage Village Booths

Heritage Village Dubai is one of the most significant cultural and historical attractions in the UAE, built to preserve and showcase the traditional Emirati lifestyle before the discovery of oil. With its authentic architecture and immersive layout, the village offers an educational and engaging experience for both tourists and heritage enthusiasts. Here’s an overview of the various exhibition areas (or “pavilions”) you can explore within the Heritage Village:

1. Handicraft Pavilion

This popular section demonstrates traditional Emirati craftsmanship, including:

Pottery making
Sadu weaving (Bedouin textile art)
Palm frond weaving (e.g., baskets and mats)
Traditional dhow boat crafting

Local artisans work on-site, allowing visitors to observe or even participate in these time-honored techniques.

2. Coastal House Pavilion (Maritime Life)

Dedicated to Dubai’s coastal heritage, this section presents:

Pearl diving tools
Wooden fishing boats (dhows)
Fishing nets and traps
Traditional diving suits

This pavilion highlights the importance of fishing and pearl diving in the region’s economy before the oil boom.

3. Agriculture and Palm Grove Pavilion

This area showcases:
Traditional irrigation systems like the Falaj
Farming tools and methods
Date palms and harvesting techniques

It gives a close look at how agriculture was sustained in arid conditions.

4. Traditional Market Pavilion (Souq)

A miniaturized version of an old Emirati market featuring stalls that sell:

Spices and herbs
Traditional perfumes (e.g., oud and bukhoor)
Antique-style jewelry
Arabic textiles and garments

The souq recreates the lively ambiance of traditional trade centers.

5. Local Cuisine Pavilion

Here, visitors can watch and taste authentic Emirati dishes such as:

Harees (wheat and meat porridge)
Luqaimat (sweet dumplings)
Khabeesa (semolina dessert)

The aroma and opportunity to taste these dishes make this pavilion a must-visit.

6. Bedouin House Pavilion (Desert Life)

This area illustrates the nomadic Bedouin lifestyle, featuring:
Traditional tents (known as Beit Al Sha’ar)
Clay water jugs, leather containers, and cooking tools
Open fire setups and sand-covered living areas

7. Museum and Historical Photos Pavilion

This indoor area features:
Archival photographs
Historic documents
Models of old Dubai neighborhoods
Timelines of Dubai’s growth

It’s ideal for those interested in Dubai’s transformation from a small fishing village to a global city.

8. Live Performances and Cultural Demonstrations Pavilion

This open area hosts:

Traditional dance shows (like Al Ayyala)
Local music performances
Folklore storytelling sessions

This part of the performances is interactive, allowing visitors to participate in selected shows, adding both educational and entertaining dimensions to the experience.

Address and access to Dubai Heritage Diving Village

Heritage and Diving Village in Dubai is located in the historic Al Shindagha area near Dubai Creek and serves as an important cultural center showcasing the traditional life of Emiratis, especially in pearl diving and seafaring. To reach the village, you can use the metro and get off at the nearest station, Al Ghubaiba, or easily take a taxi. There are also several bus stops nearby, and if you are around Dubai Creek, walking to the village is possible.

The village is open from Saturday to Thursday, 8 AM to 10 PM, and on Fridays and Saturdays from 3 PM to 10 PM. Entry is free, and you can enjoy craft stalls, live performances, and traditional Emirati food there. It is best to plan your visit in the morning or evening hours to avoid the intense heat and have a better experience.

Important things to know before visiting Dubai Heritage Village

Before visiting Dubai Heritage Village, it is better to keep a few important points in mind to have a better and more memorable experience:

Visiting Hours: Follow the official visiting hours. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon to enjoy cooler weather and fewer crowds.
Appropriate Clothing: Heritage Village is a cultural and traditional place, so it is better to wear clothes that respect the local culture and environment. Comfortable and light clothing suitable for Dubai’s warm weather is recommended.
Bring Water and Snacks: Although there are food and drink stalls, carrying enough water is especially important on hot days.
Camera for Capturing Moments: Bring a camera or smartphone to capture beautiful and traditional scenes. Photography may be restricted in some areas, so please respect the rules.
Be Prepared to Walk: The village is an open and spacious area that may require walking, so wear comfortable and suitable shoes.
Respect Local Culture and Customs: When visiting the stalls and interacting with local artisans, respect the rules and culture of the area and avoid touching old items without permission.
Watch Live Shows and Programs: The live and educational programs are interesting; check their schedule before visiting so you don’t miss them.
Free Entry: Entry to Dubai Heritage Village is free, so there is no need to buy tickets in advance.

final word

Heritage and Diving Village in Dubai is a unique place to explore the authentic culture and history of the Emirates. By preserving traditions and showcasing the lifestyle of the native people from the past, it offers visitors a rich and captivating experience. Traditional architecture, diverse craft and seafaring stalls, live performances, and a warm cultural atmosphere all come together to make this village an important cultural destination in Dubai.

By following simple tips such as choosing the right time to visit and respecting local customs, you can make the most of this historical and cultural journey. Easy access and free entry make this place accessible and beloved by all tourists. Therefore, if you are seeking a cultural and distinctive trip in Dubai, do not miss visiting the Heritage and Diving Village.