Dubai Old Town Architecture: 6 Striking Features You Cannot Miss

Curious about the architecture of Old Dubai? Wondering why it looks so different and unique? We have the answer for you.

Here’s my ultimate guide to understanding the architectural elements of Dubai’s Old Town.

From ingenious wind towers and latticed window screens to labyrinthine alleyways and coral stone houses, here are the six most striking elements that define Dubai Old Town Architecture today, making it a perfect desert town in the olden times.

We all know Dubai as a glittering metropolis filled with futuristic skyscrapers. However, it is also essential to understand that Dubai is in a desert, and the Emiratis have had to devise innovative housing solutions to avoid the summer heat.

The result was not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. Let’s examine these six architectural elements of Old Dubai.

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6 Distinctive Architectural Elements of Old Dubai

Here are the six distinctive architectural elements that give Old Dubai the harmony of form and function. A couple of them are pretty conspicuous, others not so much.

But they all combine to create beautiful, practical, and sustainable residential areas that coexist with Dubai’s extreme heat. As you read through my article, you’ll see how local materials, innovative designs, and a deep understanding of the environment contributed to the building of Dubai’s Old Town.

★ Read Next: Best Things to Do and See in Old Dubai

Barjeels or Wind Towers

One of the most iconic features of Dubai Old Town architecture is the Barjeel or Barjil.

Barjeel is a tall wind tower built on top of buildings in the Middle East to capture air from above and direct it to the rooms below. It was an ingenious method of passively cooling houses without electricity and modern-day air conditioning.

Also known as wind catchers, barjeels have four open sides through which air enters the building and is funneled down inside. As air moves down, it becomes cooler and displaces the hot air inside the building, making the inner space more pleasant. Research shows that barjeels can cool homes by more than 10 degrees.

Since the barjeels are multi-directional, they can catch wind from all directions.

It is debated whether barjeels originated in Persia or Egypt, but they were abundantly used in the Al Fahidi neighborhood of Dubai’s Old Town, many of which you can see even today.

Coral and Limestone Houses

As you walk through the streets of Old Dubai, you’ll notice that the houses are primarily constructed from a mixture of coral, limestone, shells, mud, and clay.

This porous mixture has excellent thermal properties and cools interiors by absorbing external heat and providing natural insulation against extreme temperatures.

Old Dubai’s coral and limestone homes are called Bait Morjan and were an improvement over Bait Areesh, or the palm-frond houses the local Bedouin population built earlier.

As people settled around Dubai Creek, Bait Morjans helped let go of the nomadic lifestyle.

Mashrabiya or Latticed Window Screens

Another striking architectural feature I noticed in Old Dubai was the presence of latticed window screens or mashrabiya in some mosques. They were not as abundant as the barjeels but still present.

Mashrabiya refers to the intricate latticework that adorns the stone and wooden windows of buildings. It is not just used for decorative purposes but also provides shade and privacy.

The biggest advantage of mashrabiyas in the Gulf region is that they allow light to pass through yet avoid the full glare of the sun.

They also allow the free flow of air (think of them as another type of wind catcher), resulting in lower temperatures inside the building.

Narrow Alleys

Now, this one is not that obvious. I only noticed it because my tour guide pointed it out to me.

Old Dubai has very narrow streets to walk on. The lanes that separate houses from each other are only about 7-8 feet wide and that’s like really narrow.

The narrow alleys of Dubai Old Town are not just quaint features like those in many European towns; they also serve a practical purpose. These tightly packed lanes are designed to maximize shade and minimize direct exposure to the sun, creating a cooler environment for pedestrians.

Look at the pictures above. See how shaded these alleys are.

The sun is kept away, but wind can flow freely through the streets. This clever design helps to keep the area cool and comfortable, even during the hottest months of the year.

★ Pro Tip: The narrow lanes of Old Dubai house many interesting museums, including museums dedicated to perfume, coffee, and coins.

Large Courtyards of Old Dubai Houses

Another impressive architectural element in Old Dubai is the presence of large courtyards that occupy a considerable area in traditional houses.

These courtyards are enclosed by high walls, offering both privacy and protection from the sun. The presence of palm trees adds an extra layer of shade.

These courtyards often feature water fountains or small pools, which further cool the temperature through evaporation.

Shaded courtyards are believed to have first appeared in the Central Jordan Valley around 6,000 BC and then rapidly spread across the Middle East.

Heritage Souks of Old Dubai

Deira neighborhood in Old Dubai is home to several heritage marketplaces called the souks. The Spice Souk and the Gold Souk are the most popular ones.

The souks of Dubai and the Middle East generally feature functional architectural designs, such as covered alleys protecting shopkeepers from the blazing sun and tall arches allowing air ventilation.

★ Pro Tip: The souks of Deira are the best place to shop for authentic souvenirs in Dubai. Don’t miss them when visiting.