Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (; also known as Al Bastakiya) is a historic district in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The construction of Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood dates back to the 1890s. In its prime, the locality was capable of 60 housing units, most of which were separated by narrow, winding lanes. The town of Al Bastakiya was primarily built by the affluent Persian Merchants drawn to Dubai by the rich trade opportunities and incentives offered by the Emirati government, the district was named after the southern Iranian town of Bastak. In the 1980s half of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood village was destroyed to make way for the development of a new office complex. The remaining houses were mostly used as warehouses or accommodation for foreign laborers. In 1989, the Dubai Municipality directed that the remaining parts of Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood were to be demolished. Rayner Otter, a British architect, came to the area and made extensive renovation in the house where he was staying. Rayner started a campaign to preserve the area and wrote a letter to Prince Charles, who was scheduled to visit Dubai that year. On his arrival, Prince Charles asked to visit Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood and explored the whole area with Rayner Otter. During his visit the Prince suggested that Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood should be preserved and the demolition was canceled. In 2005, a project was initiated by the Dubai Municipality to restore the localities of old buildings and lanes. Places in Al Bastakiya Al Bastakiya consist of several places which includes: Mawaheb Gallery Mawaheb meaning in Arabic is an art studio. The Dubai Based Art Studio is from beautiful people for adults with special needs. The studio is for the determined ones and above age or equal to age of 16. Mawaheb provides an opportunity to develop life skills through art, while demonstrating that everyone can be creative in their own unique way. Arabian Tea House Café The café is designed keeping in view the old heritage of Dubai people. It present the traditional Arabic food. XVA Gallery Established in 2003, XVA Gallery is one of the leading galleries in the Middle East that specialise in contemporary art from the Arab world, Iran and the Subcontinent. Our exhibitions focus on works by the region's foremost artists as well as those emerging onto the scene. The gallery's artists express their different cultural