A heritage village set up at the Global Village comes alive every evening with traditional Emirati hospitality, with handcrafters making pottery and weaving Sadu (a traditional form of weaving practised by Bedouin women), showcasing their age-old skills.

Old housing models and traditional designs reflect the ancient culture and heritage of the country. Bedouin tents, homes made of palm leaves, stone houses that were built on the coast and abodes that were used in mountainous areas, have been reconstructed providing a stark contrast to the architecture in the modern era. It is a throwback to the simplicity of life in a nomadic age and portrays the origins of summer and winter homes in the UAE.

Mohammed bin Huraiz, CEO’s office manager at the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre (HHC), said that the village represents an open museum. “The HHC is keen to preserve the local culture and display them to the public. Museums around the world play a pivotal role in raising awareness about the culture of countries, history and attracts visitors of all ages. The centre has organised the Heritage Village without compromising details that reflect the same atmosphere as in the past.”

He explained that the materials and tools used to recreate traditional houses was the same as used in the past and it was constructed in cooperation with specialised companies.

“We can see really how the people have lived years ago. We can experience the real atmosphere. Traditions of how people lived, how they built houses and especially how they lived in tents and life with the camels,” said Moeen Ali, a Sri Lankan banker visiting Dubai for the first time.

A Dubai resident from Pakistan, Zahid Khan, was a keen observer of the construction materials used in the past. “This home is built of stones not blocks. This is original stone,” he said pointing to one of the houses while noting that cooking was done in the open using wood.

Don’t miss these at heritage village

> Al Hathira: This building is named as such because it is built from stone and has a hollow interior. This architecture allows the natural air circulation, making these kinds of homes ideal during summer. They were typically built near mountainous areas.

> Kirin tents: These homes are located closer to the coast and were used during winter seasons. Cone-shaped, these structures are built from palm fronds and resemble tents.

> Bait Al Sha’ar: It is the house of the Bedouin, made from sheep’s wool. It is a shelter, where the Bedouin relaxed from the harsh life.