Architecture of the United Arab Emirates
Bastakia in Dubai
There are few historic architectural structures in the United Arab Emirates. As a primarily deserted country not many people have lived in the country in the past and few structures were built to last. The best place to go to see early style is in the Dubai Khor (creek) region including Al-Shindagha and the Bastakia district. The buildings here are not old, but they are authentic to the historic style of the region. Of the buildings, perhaps the oldest is the Dubai Museum, which was built in about 1800 and houses exhibits on other architecture from that time period.
It was not until the 1900s when oil was discovered that buildings were constructed with materials strong enough to last for years. Since that time modern skyscrapers have arisen all over the country, most particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Dubai has become such a haven for these new constructions the city refuses to build anything that can't be distinctively defined as unique and innovative. There are dozens of buildings that would stand out in any other skyline, but here are just another building.