[2] In 1896, a fire broke out alongside Dubai Creek, a disastrous occurrence in a town where many family homes were still constructed from barasti – palm fronds.

The disaster was a major setback for Dubai, with many families losing their breadwinners and merchants facing financial ruin.

In a letter to the Sultan of Muscat in 1911, Sheikh Butti bin Suhail Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai at the time, laments, "Misery and poverty are raging among them, with the result that they are struggling, looting and killing among themselves.

It’s because these are some of the most historic quarters of the city and home to countless iconic structures, from centuries-old gold and spice souqs to ancient forts and fortresses.

[1] A large portion of its earnings come from the historic fish, gold, and spice souqs that have been essential to the district for centuries.