Dubai Textile Souk
[5] The Maktoum families rule began in the nation in 1833, and they situated themselves in Shindagah, which had easy access to Dubai's source of wealth, which at the time was pearls and fishing within the creek and the Persian Gulf.
[7] The pearl industry continued to bring wealth to the Creek and increased the population greatly, coupled with the progressive, liberal lead of Maktoum bin Hashar in 1894, who thoroughly encouraged commerce and trading, the Old Souk begun and was constructed during this time.
[9] Although Dubai quickly recovered from the second world war as oil is discovered in the Trucial States, sparking a major economic boost for the region where immigration, trade and general business flourished.
The discovery of oil was a game-changer for Dubai, and is what ultimately sparked the rapid globalisation of the city.
The old Souk's actual trade use was eradicated by the globalisation, hence vendors altered what they were selling to be more popular with tourists whilst also keeping some traditions.
[13] This has formed what is now known as ‘Hindi Lane’ which consists of little Indian shops selling arrays of bindis, bangles, flowers, saris and other religious items.
[18] The general architecture of the souk consists of covered alleys lined with small vendors displaying their products.
The alleys, which are traditionally known as sikkas are covered by very tall wooden arches that are designed to allow for air ventilation to keep cool in the heat.
[19] This is achieved through the gaps between the wooden arches and the walls of the buildings, firstly for hot hair to rise out and wind draft to come in.
To further reduce temperatures in the souk are the barajeel, which are wind towers perched on top of traditional merchant house, which was effective throughout history as technology and electricity were not around.
Post 1960s, immigrant levels increased, oil wealth was found and Dubai was globalising into a major world city.
UNESCO World Heritage nomination aimed at ‘preserving and enhancing the traditional Dubai Creek harbour and its surrounding historic souks’.
Although, whilst Dubai was swiftly advances, the souks were being preserved and construction within them was only for restorative, functional purposes.
The animated sikkas and shops in fact still bear the names of ancient merchant families who immigrated from places such as Persia and India.
This historic centre is a lively urban sector and active economy based on the free trade principles established in the beginning of the 20th century.
