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DubaiInterview

by Barbara Yakimchuk

“Goodbye Old Jumeirah”: Walking Through the District Of Love

2 Aug 2025

I recently came across a relaxation trick: when your brain feels overloaded, focus on something small you have never noticed before. Pretty cool, actually — and it sparked an idea.
With the help of "Goodbye Old Jumeirah", the Instagram project by Maryam Saqer Almarri, we are taking a walk through her neighbourhood — a place layered with personal landmarks, quiet nostalgia, and forgotten corners. But this isn’t your usual guided tour.
The map I am sharing is emotional rather than exact. The pins mark only places where you can pause, breathe, maybe grab a coffee — everything else comes with no fixed address, just gentle hints. So consider this as a free therapy. All you need to do is wander, look a little closer, and notice something you have never seen before.
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What is "Goodbye Old Jumeirah" about?

Before we start our walk through Jumeirah, let’s stop for a moment — who is showing us around?
"Goodbye Old Jumeirah" is a photo archive made by Emirati artist Maryam Saqer Almarri. Launched in 2021, it has built a loyal following online — people drawn to its nostalgic look at a neighbourhood that is slowly disappearing. So how did it all begin? We asked Maryam.
— Do you live in Jumeirah yourself? What made you choose this specific area to focus on?
— I actually grew up in Jumeirah and still live here today. I am staying in an old, traditional one-storey villa — and I am still completely in love with its charm. So choosing the area to focus on wasn’t a difficult decision.
— What was the very first place you photographed?
— The very first place I photographed was actually my neighbour’s house while it was being demolished — this was in July 2021, mid-pandemic. I remember wondering if the family would come back to collect their trees and potted plants before everything disappeared. But they never did. That is when I realised I had to start documenting what was left behind — the architecture, the memories, the texture of the space.
Soon, I noticed other houses around Jumeirah meeting the same fate. And as someone who has always loved photography and research, I felt an urge to archive these changes before they were gone for good. The project really picked up after I posted the original "Goodbye Old Jumeirah" graffiti — that seemed to strike a chord. People started noticing, remembering, and even sharing their own photos of homes before demolition. That was the turning point — when it shifted from a personal archive to a collective memory.
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— How do you discover new places to shoot?
— To be honest, they are everywhere — almost on every corner. It is easy to spot a demolition sign. I always joke that I don’t know if I find the houses or if they find me. I just feel the need to give them a voice, a bit of recognition.
Another thing is the people — as the project grew, they started inviting me over or sending me pins. So it’ i not just my page anymore; it really became a community space.
— Have there been spots that made you want to dig deeper into their history?
— I get this question a lot, especially from followers. But the truth is, I don’t go out looking to uncover backstories. I let the houses speak for themselves.
What I try to capture is the spirit — the architecture, the atmosphere, the quiet presence of the home itself. And often, that is more than enough. So many people message me saying a photo reminded them of their childhood home or sparked a wave of nostalgia — and that, for me, is the most meaningful kind of history.

The small Jumeirah tour

Location: La Plage Residence, Al Athar Street
This little café sits right by the Dubai Canal — a place close to my heart, as my childhood home once stood where the water now runs. These days, I often find myself back at "To the Moon and Back Coffee" — a local, very Arabics spot.
What to try? The summer Apple Crunch Salad — the perfect balance of sweet and sharp. And don’t leave without a slice of their Piña Colada Pie.
Hidden gem nearby: Search for the roots — the wall at the very start of the neighbourhood. You will recognise it quickly, as it is the one that inspired this project's name. The place where the story began.
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Location: 31A St, Umm Suqeim
I love everything here — from the quiet, cosy atmosphere to the name itself. “Moy” actually means "wave" in Emirati dialect, which makes it feel all the more local.
What to try? If you have got a sweet tooth, the Oreo milkshake is the perfect pick. But if you are a coffee lover, like me, go for the cappuccino — the real test of a proper cup.
Hidden gems nearby: First, take a stroll and look out for the blue-and-white houses. At first glance they might look a bit Greek, but when you look closer, they are unmistakably local.
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Then, head towards Jumeirah Beach, just before the Burj Al Arab, you will spot a beautiful old villa frozen in time — a great spot for photos.
Third stop: Hapi
Location: Al Khazan Park, Al Safa St
Tucked inside Al Khazzan Park, HAPI is known for its burgers — while the real star here is the ice cream. They serve it in all sorts of forms: sandwiches, balls, pops, and sorbets.
What to try? Everything is really cool, but the one that really stood out for me was the Raspberry Iced Hazelnut and Chocolate ice cream, covered in marshmallow.
Hidden gem nearby: In the same park, you will find a striking old water tank painted in white and blue — a lovely little landmark still standing in the middle of modern Dubai. And then there is something simpler, but just as special: a beautiful old Ghaf tree.
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