The Shindagha Heritage Village has seen a big increase in the number of tourists visiting.  Dubai officials say the village is oldest area in Dubai.   An Australian national, Diane Blackman, recently stopped in the emirate for two days and chose to spend her time at Shindagha Heritage Village instead of Dubai’s hotels and malls.  While browsing the traditional Souk with her family she said “We wanted to get a flavour of Middle Eastern culture while we were here.”  

There has been a 32 per cent increase in the number of commuters using the city’s water busses since last year, and this has resulted in a higher number of visitors to Heritage Village.   Director of Heritage Village and Diving Village said he has clearly seen the increase in visitors, although they do not record numbers.  The village gives visitors an idea of Bedouin life before the oil boom.