• In the 19th century, Kampong Glam was already bustling with rich Arabic culture, traditional food, and trading activity.
• In the early days of Singapore's colonisation, Sir Stamford Raffles designated this area as a settlement for Malays, Arabs and the Bugis people.
• Till today, the streets of this area are lined with shops associated with Arab culture, as well as import and export companies dealing with Arabian trade.
• Several roads in the Kampong Glam area are named after places in the Middle East, such as Arab Street, Haji Lane, Bussorah Street, and Baghdad Street. 

Jalan Besar is not as popular as Chinatown, Arab Street, or Little India among tourists. As a result, it retains a more grassroots and local vibe that highlights the diversity and characteristics of the old neighbourhood.

• The history of Sultan Mosque dates to 1824. The current mosque was rebuilt in 1932.