Dubai Creek: 5 Reasons Why You Need To Visit

Dubai Creek, the first major port in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is a natural saltwater creek that separates Deira and Bur Dubai. It’s surrounded by Dubai’s most famous tourist attractions and offers plenty of recreational options. Whether you have a...

Apr 30, 2024 - 21:01

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Dubai Creek: 5 Reasons Why You Need To Visit

Dubai Creek, the first major port in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is a natural saltwater creek that separates Deira and Bur Dubai. It’s surrounded by Dubai’s most famous tourist attractions and offers plenty of recreational options.

Whether you have a week to explore or are here for a short time, we’ve covered everything you need to experience. Here are the best things to do at Dubai Creek!

The Best Things To Do In Dubai Creek: Top 5 Dubai Creek Attractions

Dubai Creek Park

Sitting on the edge of Dubai Creek, Dubai Creek Park is the second-largest park in Dubai and is famous for its beautiful botanical gardens and views over the water.

The vibrant oasis offers a range of fun activities including go-karting, visiting the Dolphinarium — one of the best places to visit in Dubai, picnicking, and visiting the Children’s City (an activity center for children).

Abra Creek Crossing

📍 Address	32 3A Street. Get Directions
🤑 Ticket Price	AED1 per person for a one-way trip. AED2 for air-conditioned transport
⏱️ Hours	Begins at 6 AM, every day
🛏️ Stay Nearby	DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Residences Al Barsha \| Check Availability

Crossing the Dubai Creek is an affordable and fun experience — for just AED1 you can board a traditional ferry called an abra and take in the fascinating views of Old and New Dubai.

The ferry runs daily from Deira Old Souk Abra Station to Bur Dubai Abra Station and from Al Sabkha Abra Station to Dubai Old Souk Abra Station.

Al Seef

Located along the bank of Dubai Creek in Al Fahidi, Al Seef features a range of attractions, including stores, eateries, cafes, art galleries, and historical buildings.

Shop at House Of Niche, Zeneve, and Kashmir Emporium, or visit Mona Beauty Centre and Museum Of Illusions. Moreover, visit authentic restaurants serving Indian, Lebanese, vegetarian, and fusion cuisine.

Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club

A popular leisure destination for golfers and non-golfers alike, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club was voted one of the world’s Top 100 Must-Play Golf Courses.

It has an 18-hole championship golf course, a 9-hole par 3 course, a golf academy, several restaurants/bars, and a swimming pool. Through the Yacht Club, visitors can also arrange for boat rentals, fishing trips, and yacht charters.

Gold Souk, Spice Souk, Textile Souk

Dubai Gold Souk in Deira, one of the oldest traditional markets in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has over 380 retailers. Look for gold, silver, diamond-encrusted accessories, and strings of pearls. There are several hotels near Gold Souk offering comfortable lodging. To make full use of your visit, stay nearby to ensure a hassle-free experience.

Adjacent to the Dubai Gold Souk is the Dubai Spice Souk. It offers a wide variety of spices, including saffron, chamomile flowers, cardamom, dried hibiscus flowers, turmeric, cloves, cinnamon, sumac, chili, and thyme.

On the other side of Dubai Creek, in Bur Dubai, you’ll find the Textile Souk. This lively souk is well-known for its vibrant selection of fabrics, textiles, and unique clothing items. The shops here sell high-quality silk, cotton, cashmere, and wool in different patterns and colors.

Things To Do In Dubai

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some must-see sights around Dubai Creek?

Historical and Cultural Sites: The Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai Museum & Al Fahidi Fort, Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, and the Grand Bur Dubai Masjid are all great options for a glimpse into Dubai’s past. Souks: The Deira Old Souk, Spice Souk, and Textile Souk offer a vibrant shopping experience with traditional Emirati items. Abra Ride: Take a traditional wooden boat called an abra across the creek for scenic views and a touch of history.

What are some fun activities to do near Dubai Creek?

Explore Al Seef Street: This waterfront destination offers a mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Relax at Dubai Creek Park: Enjoy green spaces, playgrounds, and even a children’s zoo. Spot wildlife at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary: This protected area is a haven for migratory birds, including flamingos.

What’s the best way to get around Dubai Creek?

Abra: The most traditional way to experience the creek is by riding an abra. Water Taxi: A convenient option for getting around to different points along the creek. Metro: Dubai’s metro system has stations near the creek, making it a good choice for longer distances.

What are some things to consider when visiting Dubai Creek?

Dress modestly: Dubai is a conservative Emirate, so it’s best to dress modestly, especially when visiting historical areas. Weather: Dubai gets very hot, so plan your visit accordingly and stay hydrated. Bargaining: Haggling is expected in the souks, so be prepared to negotiate for the best price.

Is Dubai Creek Tower ready?

Dubai Creek Tower is a hyper-tall tower under development at Dubai Creek Harbour. It’s expected to surpass the height of Burj Khalifa (828 meters), the world’s tallest building, by approx. 100 meters.

The construction is scheduled to be completed in 2025. This breathtaking tower will be home to serviced apartments, top-notch restaurants, and a luxurious shopping center.

What’s the difference between Deira and Bur Dubai?

Both Deira and Bur Dubai are considered to be part of Old Dubai. Deira is bordered by the Arabian Gulf, Sharjah, and Dubai Creek (one of the longest inlets on the Persian Gulf). Moreover, Bur Dubai is located on the western bank of Dubai Creek across from Deira.