Al Shindagha historic neighbourhood is located on the shore of Dubai Creek, bordered on the south by Bur Dubai and on the west by Port Rashid. As part of Dubai’s Historic District, Al Shindagha is currently undergoing major conservation and renovation work to turn the district into a prominent cultural destination.

The Story of the Creek Museum forms part of X Architects’ renovation initiative for Dubai’s Historic District, alongside the Shindagha Welcome Pavilion and the Perfume House. The design approach originates from studying Al Shindagha’s heritage and context, aiming at reviving and restoring the neighbourhood’s identity in a contemporary setting. Designing a museum within a context of many historic layers was a challenging experience that was overcome by creating a coherent synthesis between the old and the new. X Architects steered the design in a direction that revisits the past and reinterprets it in an innovative methodology while remaining rooted in the rich cultural heritage. The Story of the Creek Museum serves as an introduction to the vibrant history of Dubai and provides visitors with an excellent understanding of the context in which Dubai grew and developed into the thriving metropolis it is today. It also shows how the city’s leaders, both past and present, were essential in providing the vision behind this extraordinary expansion. Through interactive exhibits, archival material, and immersive multimedia experiences, visitors are taken on a journey that traces the Creek’s role as the lifeblood of trade, commerce, and community. Visitors will leave the museum with an in-depth understanding of how Dubai Creek has been a generator of trade, wealth, and success.

The Perfume House forms part of X Architects’ renovation initiative for Dubai’s Historic District, alongside the Shindagha Welcome Pavilion and the Story of the Creek Museum. The design approach originates from studying Al Shindagha’s heritage and context, aiming at reviving and restoring the neighbourhood’s identity in a contemporary setting. Working within an existing historic house presented both the challenge and the opportunity of creating a space where the building itself becomes part of the narrative. X Architects steered the design in a direction that honours the heritage of the structure while allowing a new layer of cultural experience to unfold within it. The Perfume House explores Emirati culture via scent and the heritage that stems from its fabrication and use. Visitors are invited to explore scents via stations that allow them to compare and experiment with the different fragrances that are unique to Dubai. Housed within a building that was once the residence of Sheikha Shaikha Bint Saeed Al Maktoum, a renowned perfumer and aunt of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the pavilion carries a deeply personal history within its walls. Scent is an integral part of Emirati hospitality, and a well-balanced combination of tangible and intangible heritage comes together here to create a compelling and unique story.