Madinat Jumeirah

Madinat Jumeirah is a place that combines the magic of ancient Arabian cities with modern luxury. Walking through its streets, you can feel the atmosphere of the Middle East – low, sandy buildings, wooden balconies, the scent of incense and spices floating in the air. It’s one of those places in Dubai where modernity doesn’t overshadow tradition, and every corner holds something special.

You can’t miss the souk here – a charming market that resembles ancient Arabian bazaars. You can find beautiful handicrafts, aromatic perfumes, silk scarves, and many other treasures. The best part? Bargaining is not just a local custom, it’s almost a requirement! If you have some patience and a sense of humor, you might even get a price cut by half.

But Madinat Jumeirah is not just about shopping. Scenic canals flow through the entire complex, where you can ride a traditional wooden abra boat. It’s a great way to see the place from a different perspective – the water reflects the lights of nearby buildings, and in the background, you can spot the famous Burj Al Arab. The feeling? Like something out of the Arabian Nights.

Once you’ve had your fill of the views, it’s worth taking a moment to stop at one of the cafés by the water. Nothing tastes better than a cup of strong Arabic coffee in such surroundings. You can just sit, listen to the sound of the water, and admire this unique, peaceful corner of Dubai.

Madinat Jumeirah, known as the "Arabian Venice," began its history in 2003, when the Jumeirah group decided to create a complex inspired by traditional Arab architecture and culture. The project aimed to recreate the atmosphere of old Dubai, with its characteristic narrow streets, windcatchers, and traditional markets.

The construction of the complex was divided into several phases. The first phase, completed in 2004, included the opening of the Mina A'Salam hotel, whose name in Arabic means "Harbor of Peace." This hotel became the gateway to the entire complex and symbolically marked the beginning of the ambitious project.

In 2004, the traditional souk was also opened - a market styled to resemble the ancient Arab trading place. Special attention was paid to architectural details in its design, using traditional materials and decorative techniques. A characteristic feature of the project became the 3.7-kilometer-long water channels, along which traditional abra boats sail, serving as transport for guests.

In 2005, the complex was enriched by the Al Qasr hotel, whose name means "Palace." The building was designed to resemble a summer residence of a sheikh, with richly decorated interiors and impressive gardens. At the same time, the Dar Al Masyaf - a complex of exclusive villas inspired by traditional summer homes of wealthy Arab families was also created.

Traditional materials, such as sandstone and teak wood, were used in the construction of the complex. The designers spent months studying traditional Arab architecture to faithfully recreate details, from hand-carved doors to the characteristic windcatchers that once served as a natural air conditioning system.

In the following years, the complex was systematically expanded. In 2016, the latest addition - the Jumeirah Al Naseem hotel was opened, whose architecture, though modern, harmonizes with the rest of the complex. The name Al Naseem means "sea breeze," referring to the hotel’s seaside location.

The project employed over 2,500 craftsmen from all over the world, who worked on architectural details, from mosaics to hand-painted ceilings. Special attention was given to the gardens, where over 2,000 palm trees were planted and numerous green oases were created.