The Dubai Creek – The Waterway of Dubai

June 25, 2020 Jignesh Vasavada 2882 Views

Ancient Greeks called it Zara River. Waters of this creek used to extend as far as Al Ain. Once it was even extended to Wildlife Sanctuary Ras Al Khor and now due to the new Dubai canal it has extended to the Persian gulf. Dubai Creek is the new water life of Dubai, UAE.

The Creek, incapable of supporting large vessels was used by minor ports of Dhows going as long as India and East Africa. The Dubai Creek divided Dubai into Deira and Bur Dubai and it remained an important element in showcasing Dubai as the commercial capital. During the 19th century, members of the Bani Yas tribe initially settled along the Bur Dubai creek also establishing the Al Maktoum dynasty.

Before the cultured pearls in 1930s, the creek served the purpose of exploring the natural pearls. Besides this, the creek is home to a variety of marine life and also is a hub for fishing courtesy the shallow and warm waters. Later in 1955 plans to improve the creek led to dredging, building of breakwaters and creation of the quay for unloading and loading of cargo. This enabled the larger vessels to enter the creek.

The dredging started in 1960s and continued till the 70s enabling anchorage of about 500 tonnes leading to continuous merchandising, development and re-export giving Dubai and edge over Sharjah. Jebel Ali Port has reduced the impact on the Creek. Still Port Saeed continues its existence along the creek offering porting to traders from the subcontinent.

Among the important buildings along the Creek are Sheraton Dubai Creek, Chamber of Commerce, Deira Twin Towers, National Bank of Dubai, Old Dubai Creek Tower. On the other side of the creek is also the Dubai Creek Park, one of the largest parks of Dubai. If you are a golf enthusiast then the creek also neighbours the Dubai Creek Yatch and Golf Club. The golf course is an 18 hole tournament golf course.

Table of Contents

Best time to visit Dubai Creek:

Avoid May and August due to heat and Ramadan. It is just mad as far as the heat goes. One cannot stand for a few minutes due the heat and pressing humidity. Also due to Ramadan most schools and universities remain closed. Also best to avoid the Dubai Shopping Festival due to crowds.
Prefer November and early December or the first half of March with hot afternoons and cooler evenings.

Visit Timings of Dubai Creek:

The Dubai Creek Park timings are from 8 am to 10 pm on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
On Thursday to Saturday the Dubai Creek Park timings are from 8 am to 11 pm.

Location of Dubai Creek:

Quite Simply Dubai Creek is near the Dubai Creek Park, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Required time to explore Dubai Creek:

The approximate time required to visit the Dubai Creek is 2-3 hours

Things to Remember while you visit the Dubai Creek:

From a romantic Dhow Dinner overlooking Dubai to a simple walk across or hire an Abra to cross the Creek, stroll along the old souk or simply sit and watch the Dhows passing by.

Things to do near Dubai creek:

Go to the Dubai Museum

Visit the Al Baskatia district and Heritage Village and the Dubai Museum in the Al Fahidi Fort the oldest building in Dubai.

Swing in the Cable Car

Cover 2.3 kms in an hour at a height of 30m on the Dubai Creek.

Cruise-la-Creek

Simply get on to a wooden Dhow or a water taxi and feel the ancient Dubai charm. Cruising the Creek will be a great idea.

Dubai Dolphinarium

Take a picture with Dolphins, play with them and simply experience the fun with the mammalian encounters. It is just too thrilling to watch the live Dolphin shows.

Shop Spices

Wafting through the Creek, smell the exotic aroma of the herbs and spices from the shops laid alongside.

Explore the Gold Souks

Be a gold digger with your eyes. Window shop the Gold souks and watch the collection of the sparkles. Check out the most exclusive global collections of Gold. Make sure you bargain hard for your gold.

Walk on the Dhow Wharfage

Take one of the most appealing walks as your walk down the lane of Dhow Wharfage next to the Creek. You may even bump into sailors and their stories that may simply baffle you.

Enthralled by Street Performances

The Creek is a platform for fireworks, music festivals, plays. Even during the Dubai Shopping Festival, you can visit the Al Muraqabat, Al Seef, and Al Rigga streets in full glory.

Hop skip the Malls

You can never miss a mall in Dubai. Take a car ride or simply ride a metro and reach out to the Burjaman, Dubai Mall, or the Deira City Centre.

Watch the sunsets

Did you know the sun at Dubai sets in a very different way? Well find out, dine at the restaurants and simply watch the sun go down.