I traveled to Dubai to work at an art fair and get a taste of the local culture. When I arrived in Dubai I was excited to try local foods, meet local people, and discover some local artists. This proved to be a challenging task – as most of Dubai is heavily influenced by western culture. As one ex-patriot working in Dubai put it – Dubai is a lifestyle – not a culture. I almost believed these words until one day while working at the big commercial fair Art Dubai, a lone wanderer with a long beard and a wise old face tapped me on the shoulder.
He leaned in and whispered to me “This art is not local – you can see this anywhere, want to see the real Dubai? want to get a taste of the real local culture? Head to Bastakiya – there you will find what you are looking for.” Before I could ask any more questions – he was gone. but his words lingered in my ear – so I ran out of the fair, hopped in the nearest cab, and told the driver “head to Bastakiya.”
He dropped me off on a decrepit old street and pointed forward. I got out of the cab and headed into a cultural paradise – I had discovered the real Dubai.
Dirty fisherman gathered at a pier, their boats freshly docked from Iran. Across the canal their were clusters of old buildings many housing local merchants – woven into this mix were also several local art galleries who showcase local emerging talent.
wow you are getting better and better by the day… amazing pictures
Wow. Really, really nice.
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