Dubai Creek, Dubai Overview

This Saltwater Creek is one of the major ports of UAE and divides the city into two parts and connects the trading port to the desert. You can hop aboard one of the traditional boats or abras that runs every few minutes from 6:00 AM between four stations along Dubai Creek. One route runs from Deira Old Souk Abra Station (near the Spice Souk) to Bur Dubai Abra Station (west of the Textile Souk). The second route runs from Al Sabkha Abra Station (just southwest of Baniyas Square) to Dubai Old Souk Abra Station.

This is a popular place for an evening visit. Witness the lights and music shows, floating and moving dhows, yachts, boats, and vessels to get a glimpse of old Dubai during the trade times. Surrounded by the Deira Twin Towers, Dubai Creek Towers, and the Sheraton Dubai Creek, this port is a perfect amalgamation of traditions and modernized living and matches up with the overall architecture of the city.

Significance

Dubai's creek, also known as Khor Dubai is one of the most important ways to travel from one place to the other and has well-structured transport connectivity. The already existing small stream was dug up and unearthed and converted into a bigger canal to ensure that it could be used for trade and business purposes. It acts as a layover and enables loading, unloading and transporting of goods. The retro traditional vibe amidst the steel-concrete buildings and offices gives it an earthy feel and makes it a hotspot for sightseeing and tours. One can also go around the city, enjoy dinner cruises or roam around in Dhows, Souks and Abras that no other place has to offer. The Creek bridge has been a successful attempt to cut down the traffic and to increase the mobility all over.

Things to Do at Dubai Creek

Famous for its expanding pearl industry and diving, its warm-shallow waters provide a broad prospect to dwell and explore the fishing and maritime it has to offer.

1. Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club: 1993 established 'Dubai creek golf and yacht club' is also famous amongst the travellers because of its golf fields, clubhouses, residential properties and championships like Dubai Desert Classic.

2. Take a City Tour: A city tour in a waterbus or water taxis are a must when you visit this beautiful sight.

3. The Classic Abra Ride: Dividing the city into two parts and forming a canal- Deira and Bur Dubai, are an example of the authentic locale, and an Abra ride is all you need to discover the best of both sides.

4. Just a Peaceful Stroll: A lonely-quiet stroll by the waters is perfect for you to feel the soft wind and peace. It is the go-to place to fulfil all your entertainment woes as it gives you some room to enjoy the best live shows, plays, music, fireworks and horse shows and performances.

5. Go on a Dinner Cruise

6. Shopping: You get a variety of malls and shopping centres to spend your money on and buy something worthy. The old-style markets and heritage buildings with several spices, gold, electronics, perfume and leather assortments are something you wouldn't want to miss.

7. Maybe Experience the Nightlife Along the Creek: You can get several clubs to go to and have a great time as you go on club-hopping!

Dubai Creek Attractions

1. Ras Al Khor Sanctuary: Situated a couple of metres away from downtown Dubai, it is a wetland reserve famous for its flamingos, heron, egrets, ospreys, sandpipers and thousand of other migratory birds. Also known as 'Cape of the creek', it aims at preserving the biodiversity and maintaining the balance of nature and protecting the wilderness. Timings: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturdays to Thursdays.
Entry Fee: None

2. Al Bastakiya District: It is an appropriate representation of the evergreen historic and local art. Away from the glitz and attraction of the central city, this tiny district represents the lives of herders, fishers and farmers. Often called 'Al Fahidi district', this area is also known for its close-knit cultural groups, painting and sculptures, ancient art galleries, tea house cafes and museums. The speciality of the Bastakiya district is the fragrant-soothing Moroccan Tea.

3. Dubai Creek Park: It s the second largest and one of the oldest parks in Dubai. Located in Khor Dubai and on the periphery of the creek, this place is perfect for kids as well as adults. The park can be reached by boat and is an ideal picnic spot. You can rent bikes or hop on into the train to go around the park. It is different from many other parks in terms of its modern fittings and technological access. The lush-green botanical gardens and the flowers blend creek waters and the greenery perfectly.

4. Dubai Dolphinarium: It houses several dolphins and seals and lets you swim with them and see the creatures dance, swim and perform stunts. The cable car service presents a beautiful bird's-eye view and an exclusive planetarium and theatre add up to the structure and facilities of the park.