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Your Guide To Dubai Creek: What To Do And Where To Go

01-Mar-2023

5 min read

Dubai Creek is a saltwater creek that flows through the city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The Creek is an important part of Dubai's history and development. The Creek has served as the city's natural port and trade route for centuries.

Now, Dubai Creek is also a popular tourist attraction. You can take a dhow cruise along the Creek or ride on the Abra, traditional wooden boats. The Creek is also home to the iconic Gold Souk, where you can find jewelry and other precious objects, among many other tourist attractions.

Panoramic view over the Dubia Creek with traditional dhows lined up.

Exploring the Creek

Today, the Creek is still an important part of Dubai's economy and is a popular tourist destination. The area is home to numerous attractions, including the historical Deira district and the modern Bur Dubai district. Exploring the Creek is a great way to experience the history and culture of Dubai.

You can explore the area on a traditional Abra, a small boat that can be used to navigate the Creek and its surrounding waters. There are also numerous sightseeing options and Dubai creek tours, such as dhow cruises and boat trips that take you to various points along the Creek.

You can explore the area on foot, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling city. There are plenty of sites to explore, including the wind-towered houses of Deira, the traditional souks or marketplaces of Bur Dubai, and the historic Dubai Museum.

You can also take a cruise along the Creek to enjoy the views of the surrounding area. Popular sights to look out for include the iconic Burj Al Arab, the World Islands, and the Atlantis Hotel. The Creek is also home to various wildlife, including birds and marine life, making it a great place for bird watching at the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. Or visit the Dubai Dolphinarium to watch dolphin shows at the creek park.

While in Dubai creek, you can visit Dubai Creek Park, which is an exceptional place for families. It is the second-largest park in Dubai and gives you lots of space for any outdoor activities. Around Dubai creek park, you can also visit the Children's City to let your kids enjoy their freedom while you can relax.

However, when exploring the Creek area, you should take care to follow safety guidelines, especially in the Deira. The Creek is a busy area, so staying alert and aware of your surroundings is important. It is also wise to carry a map and to plan your route ahead of time. Additionally, you should dress appropriately, as this area is more conservative than the new Dubai.

You can easily spend an entire day exploring Dubai creek and its surrounding areas. So start your trip early morning and end by looking over the sunset in an Abra on the waters.

Dubai creek - view from above.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Dubai Creek is a saltwater inlet located in the Persian Gulf, running between Dubai Creek Deira and Bur Dubai. It has been an integral part of Dubai's history and development since the city's inception, allowing the city to become a major trading port in the region.

The Creek was originally used as a safe harbor for fishing and pearl diving, as well as a means of transportation for merchants in UAE's olden times. The Creek also provided a source of fresh water for the city and was home to various animals and plants. This is now the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.

Later in the 20th century, the Creek was developed to improve the commercial activities around the harbor. This was when the development started, and the Creek was expanded for easier passage of the ships and loading and unloading cargo.

Dubai Creek is a vital part of Dubai's culture and history. It has served as the central hub of pearl diving and trading for centuries. In addition, it is home to many traditional architectural landmarks, including the old souks and museums or the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. Here you can experience local customs and traditions related to Dubai Creek, such as the dhows and other traditional watercrafts plying the waters.


Modern Developments

As Dubai's economy grew and its population increased, the Creek became an essential part of the city's development. It was the main source of income for many of the city's inhabitants, who used it for commercial activities such as trading and fishing. The Creek was also used to transport goods from the city to other parts of the world.

In recent years, Dubai Creek has experienced a great deal of development, with projects such as the Dubai Creek Tower, the Dubai Creek Harbour, and the Dubai Creek Waterfront. These projects have helped support the Dubai economy and attract many tourists to the area.

Around the Creek, you can also visit the biggest tourist attractions of Dubai, such as the BurjhKhalifa, the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Miracle Garden, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. In addition, recently, new luxury developments have started around the Creek harbor. One of which is Creek Beach, where man-made beaches will be created alongside luxury apartments. Moreover, there are plans for further development of Dubai Creek in the future, potentially making it even more of a destination for locals and tourists alike.

Souvenirs at Arabic Souk in Dubai, UAE.

Conclusion

All in all, Dubai Creek is a fascinating place full of cultural and historical significance. It is a place that should be visited by anyone who wants to experience the unique culture and history of Dubai. And you can visit Dubai creek with a Dubai tourist visa, which you can apply for on Atlys.

Get your Dubai tourist visa on ATlys with a few easy steps using only your smartphone and your passport. Then, let the app do all the work for you so that you can spend your time planning for the trip. So that you can enjoy everything that Dubai Creek has to offer.

Written By: Nikhita Rathod
Fact Checked By: Richard Dettmar

Frequently Asked Questions

What is special about Dubai Creek?

Dubai creek is the first major port of the UAE, and it served as a center for pearl diving, fishing, and trade for the early settlers.

Is there any entry fee for Dubai Creek Harbour?

No, there is no entry fee for Dubai creek harbor. However, you might have to pay relevant fees if you want to visit other attractions or join any activities.

What area of Dubai is best to stay in?

Some of the best areas to stay in Dubai are:

  • Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Resort
  • Deriba
  • The Palm
  • Downtown Dubai
  • Jumeirah Village Circle
  • Jumeirah Village Triangle
Does Dubai Creek have a beach?

No. Dubai creek doesn't have a beach. However, there is a new construction started to build a man-made beach.

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