DK Travel : Dubai & Abu Dhabi : Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek

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Dubai Creek, fed by the waters of the Arabian Gulf, is the lifeblood of old and new Dubai – a vibrant mix of the past and the present. The contrast of traditional wooden dhows being unloaded at the wharf side against stunning modern architecture, such as the glass dome-fronted 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 enjoyable way to discover this multi-faceted city. Getting across the Creek is easy: the nearest bridge for cars is Maktoum Bridge but the cheapest and most authentic crossing has to be by abra.
The Creek by night is a spectacular sight with the lit up dhows gliding along. Stop for a fresh juice at the stall at the entrance to the textile souq, next to the abra station.

Top 10 Features

1. Abra Trips

1. Abra Trips

Abras are flat-bottomed water-taxis and are a great and breezy way to travel. Cram in with other passengers – the abras carry 40,000 passengers per day – and enjoy the great views.
2. Dhows

2. Dhows

The dhow is the traditional sailing vessel of the Emirates. These beautiful wooden boats are used for tourist rides as well as for trade.
3. Waterfront Heritage

3. Waterfront Heritage

In the Shindagha area near the Creek mouth 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. Wharf Walk

It’s worth taking an amble alongside the colourful painted dhows moored on the Creek on Baniyas Road. They arrive each day from India, Iran and Oman. You can sit by and watch their interesting wares being unloaded.
5. Bur Dubai Waterfront

5. Bur Dubai Waterfront

The historic architecture of “Old Dubai” stares back at you from the Deira side of the Creek: windtowers, minarets and the 54 domes of the spectacular Grand Mosque.
6. Bait Al Wakeel

6. Bait Al Wakeel

Built in 1934, this was Dubai’s first office building. It has been restored and now houses a museum devoted to Dubai’s fishing and maritime traditions.
7. The Diwan

7. The Diwan

With its imposing wrought iron gates, the Diwan, or “Ruler’s Court”, is an impressive sight. It is the seat of the government.
8. Creekside Park

8. Creekside Park

A wonderful expanse of parkland, Creekside Park stretches along the water’s edge. Walk its length and enjoy the watery vistas or take a fun cable car ride from one side of the Creek to the other.
9. Creek Cruises

Several tour operators offer creek cruises with buffet lunch or dinner and entertainment on traditional wooden sailing dhows. A sunset trip is a treat, especially if accompanied by live belly-dancing and Arabian music.
10. Bateaux Dubai

An evening on the Creek aboard one of the glass-topped Bateaux Dubai is a luxurious way to enjoy the views. Four-course dinners, white table linen and live piano music make this a romantic indulgence.

Practical Information

The Creek by night is a spectacular sight with the lit up dhows gliding along. Stop for a fresh juice at the stall at the entrance to the textile souq, next to the abra station. Abra Crossing AED 1 each way Creekside Park 336 7633 Open 9am–8:30pm Sat–Thu, 3pm–8:30pm Adm Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House Open 8am–10pm, Sat–Thu, 3pm–10pm, Fri Adm Heritage & Diving Village Open 10am–midnight Sat–Thu, 4pm–midnight Fri Bateaux Dubai 399 4994 Open 8.30pm daily www.bateauxdubai.com Al Mansour Dhow InterContinental Hotel, Baniyas Road 222 7171 departs 8.30pm Creek Cruises 393 9860 www.creekcruises.com www.dubaitourism.ae