DUBAI CREEK
Dubai Creek, fed by the waters of the Arabian Gulf, is the lifeblood of old and new Dubai. The contrast of traditional wooden dhows at the wharfage against stunning modern architecture, such as the glass dome-fronted Emirates National Bank of Dubai and the giant ball-topped Etisalat building, is fascinating. The two sides of the creek are Deira (north) and Bur Dubai (south) and a walk along either is an ideal way to discover this multi-faceted city. Getting across the creek is easy: the nearest bridges for cars are Maktoum Bridge and Garhoud Bridge but the cheapest and most authentic crossing is by abra.
Map of Dubai Creek
NEED TO KNOW
Creekside Park: 04 336 7633; open 8am–11pm Sun–Wed, 8am–11:30pm Thu–Sat; adm AED 5; www.dm.gov.ae
Abra Crossing: Route 1: 5am–midnight, Route 2: 24 hours; AED 1 each way
Al Mansour Dhow: opposite Radisson Blu Hotel, Baniyas Road; 04 222 7171; departs at 8:30pm daily
Bateaux Dubai: 04 336 6768; departs at 7:45pm daily; reservations.bateauxdubai.com
Creek Cruises: 04 280 7860; 055 221 7040/41; www.creekcruises.com
Al Seef: open 10am–10pm daily (until midnight Thu & Fri)
- By night, admire the illuminated dhows as they glide along the creek.
- For refreshment, stop for a cooling fresh juice at the Textile Souk.
1. The Diwan
With its modern white windtowers and imposing wrought-iron gates (see Ruler’s Court (Diwan)), the Diwan, or Ruler’s Office, is an impressive and important building.
The Diwan
2. Bur Dubai Waterfront
The Diwan and historic architecture of “Old Dubai” are best enjoyed from the Deira side of the creek: here you can see windtowers, minarets and the domes of the Grand Mosque.
3. Shindagha Heritage
In the Shindagha area near the mouth of the Dubai Creek, you will find the restored house and museum of the late ruler Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum and the Heritage and Diving Village, which showcases Arabian culture.
4. Creekside Park
A wonderful expanse of parkland, Creekside Park stretches along the water’s edge. Walk its length and enjoy the vistas or take a half-hour cable car ride along the length of the entire park.
5. Dubai Creek Golf Club
The Dubai Creek Golf Club building is one of the city’s most unusual Modernist landmarks, with glass-fronted façades nestled beneath three spiky white “sails”.
Dubai Creek Golf Club
6. Dhow Wharfage
Stroll beside the creek along Baniyas Road, where colourfully painted wooden dhows are moored and boats arrive from Iran, Oman and the rest of the UAE.
Dhow Wharfage
7. Emirates National Bank of Dubai
One of Dubai’s very first Modernist high-rises (see Emirates National Bank of Dubai) is still one of its most memorable. The curved façade (inspired by the shape of a dhow’s hull) reflects the water below.
Emirates National Bank of Dubai
8. Abra Trips
Dubai’s open-sided, flat-bottomed water taxis are called abras. These provide a breezy way to travel the creek, and carry 40,000 people per day. Hop in with other passengers and enjoy the views.
9. Creek Cruises
Tour operators offer romantic dinner cruises along the creek each evening aboard traditional wooden dhows, often accompanied by belly-dancing and live Arabian music. The sleek Bateaux Dubai offers a more modern and luxurious option.
10. Al Seef
Sprawled along the Dubai Creek shoreline, Al Seef was once home to pearl divers, weavers and traders. It now offers a charming blend of culture and heritage, with shops, cafés and eateries tucked along the marina.
HISTORY OF DUBAI CREEK
Once a tiny fishing settlement sprawled around the mouth of the creek, Dibei, as it was known in the 16th century, owes its existence to the 14-km (9-mile) Dubai Creek, which led into a natural harbour and established itself as a flourishing hub for entrepôt trade.
