Andre Sanchez

The Dubai creek area is great if you are looking for the real Dubai with the local markets or souks, and other aspects of Arabian life.  The side streets are bustling with merchants of all kinds offering textile, fish and even gold. 

At 14 kilometers long the creek is restricted to wooden ships so that its traditional nature is maintained.  It splits Dubai into two parts: Deira Dubai and Bur Dubai, and is a natural inlet that cuts into the center of Dubai. It is, in fact, the reason for the existence of Dubai.  Without the creek there would be no Dubai.  It was traditionally used as a trading port by small to medium sized boats from countries all over the Middle east, and in particular other Gulf countries and states. India, too, was a rich source of trade, and the creek was an ideal natural and safe harbor round which the city was built.

At one time Dubai was the center of the pearl trade.  It had been so for a long time, and was even visited and written about by Marco Polo in the thirteenth century. It has long been superseded by the cheaper Japanese pearl fishing industry, but laid the foundations of what Dubai is today.

A great way to see the creek, and all the landmarks that is visible from it, is to take a tour on a traditional dhow. You can relax and see the sights, and there is food and drink on board.  You can also take a water taxi, or abras, to cross from one side to the other.  This is a pleasant ten minute journey and well worth the small fee.  The creek itself is a great way to see the real Dubai and get the real flavor of Arabian daily life. 

Stop off at the wharfs on the Deira side and have a look at the wooden dhows loading and unloading, or check out the Creekside Park with its Children’s City and huge amphitheatre.  There are boat rides, a train through the park and a cable car that gives you a great view of the Deira area.  Stop off for a picnic or bring some food for barbecue.  There are special barbecue areas in the park. 

The original settlement of Dubai was in Shindagah in Bur Dubai.  Here you will find museums and the Dubai Heritage Village.  You can get the abra over from Deira after checking out the wharfages for the equivalent of only 30 cents, and the trip is fabulous in the evening.  The dhows are all lit up with lanterns and the old ruler’s court is impossible to miss when to approach the Bur Dubai side.  It really is a unique and wonderful experience, far removed from the modernity of the city center and the modern hotels.  No visit to Dubai is complete without a sail on a dhow and a trip across the water on an abra.

Of course Dubai Creek is more than just the dhows and the souks.  Opposite the Creekside Park is the Dubai Creek Gold and Yacht Club.  This has a championship standard challenging par 71 course, and visiting non-members are welcome to try to conquer it.  The clubhouse is designed to look like the wind-filled sails of an Arab dhow, and is one the favorite places for businessmen in the region. It is also a local landmark.

Further downstream towards the Gulf, you will see the Grand Mosque on the Bur Dubai side, across the creek from the Dubai bus station. This boasts traditional Persian features such as a beautiful blue mosaic, stained glass and domes.  It also has the highest minaret in Dubai from which the Muezzin calls the faithful to prayer.  The mosque is open to Muslims only.

The creek area is also home to many of the luxury hotels that Dubai is famous for.  The Dubai Hilton and Sheraton are here, and if you are looking for a mix of the old and the modern Dubai, the rough and the smooth, then book into one of these hotels.  You can look over the creek area from your room if you have it facing the right way.  Organize that when you book.

Nobody who visits Dubai should miss the creek area.  The main drag is very modernized and expanding rapidly, but the creek area is where you see the old Dubai at work.  The souks, the traders and merchants selling their gold, their fish but no longer, unfortunately, their pearls. It’s a great place to visit and make sure you get on one of these wooden dhows and take a look at Dubai from the creek.  It’s a fabulous sight to see the Dubai skyline from the creek and something you will never forget.