Dubai Creek, Dubai

While Dubai has creeped southwards along the coast, the old centre was always here, divided in two by the creek - Bur to the south and Deira to the north. While the centre of gravity has shifted, and new ports have taken away much of the traffic, the creek is still an endearingly chaotic channel of water. Great dhows, laden with goods for the stores, still chug down the creek with diesel smoke coughing out of their smoke stacks. Wooden Abras, that defy all modern safety regulations, still ferry people from one side to the other, just as they did a hundred years ago. A walk along the banks of the creek will cleanse a palette dulled by the endless steel, concrete and tarmac that makes up the vast majority of Dubai.

No matter what it builds, invents, creates as far as I am concerned the Creek is by far and away still the loveliest part of Dubai. This time we visited by night and enjoyed the lit up buildings and the lights on the water.

this will be my night view tips and pictures of the famed dubai creek, of which Dubai Started when in the 18th century.

Dubai Creek Comes Alive with People at Night.

Dubai Creek is a shallow saltwater creek that winds its way from the trading port on the Gulf to the Ras al Khor bird sanctuary on the desert edge of Dubai. Along the both sides of the creek lie the deira corniche and the bur dubai corniche and lots of mini docks that berths assorted dhow and speed boats and yachts. there are no Big Boats here as the creek is shallow. Activities to do at the creek include riding the old-fashioned boats called dhows criss-cross the water from Bur Dubai on the left bank to Deira on the right or catch a water taxi, which is a small dhow, called an abra, to get from Bur Dubai to Deira and back or sign up for a romantic sunset dhow cruise traveling further upstream. The Creek winds for 14 km (8.5 miles) from the Gulf, separating Bur Dubai and Deira.

according to wikipedia:

The creek's initial inlet into mainland Dubai is along the Deira Corniche and Al Ras areas of eastern Dubai and along the Al Shindagha area of western Dubai. It then progresses south-eastward through the mainland, passing through Port Saeed and Dubai Creek Park. The creek's natural ending is at the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) from its origin at the Persian Gulf. The traditional form of transport between the eastern and western sections of Dubai via the creek was through abras, which continue to operate in Dubai. In addition, the eastern and western sections are linked via four bridges (Al Maktoum Bridge, Al Garhoud Bridge, Business Bay Crossing, and Floating Bridge) and one tunnel (Al Shindagha Tunnel).

this will be my day view tips and pictures of the famed dubai creek, of which Dubai Started when in the 18th century.

Dubai Creek is a shallow saltwater creek that winds its way from the trading port on the Gulf to the Ras al Khor bird sanctuary on the desert edge of Dubai. Along the both sides of the creek lie the deira corniche and the bur dubai corniche and lots of mini docks that berths assorted dhow and speed boats and yachts. there are no Big Boats here as the creek is shallow. Activities to do at the creek include riding the old-fashioned boats called dhows criss-cross the water from Bur Dubai on the left bank to Deira on the right or catch a water taxi, which is a small dhow, called an abra, to get from Bur Dubai to Deira and back or sign up for a romantic sunset dhow cruise traveling further upstream. The Creek winds for 14 km (8.5 miles) from the Gulf, separating Bur Dubai and Deira.

according to wikipedia:

The creek's initial inlet into mainland Dubai is along the Deira Corniche and Al Ras areas of eastern Dubai and along the Al Shindagha area of western Dubai. It then progresses south-eastward through the mainland, passing through Port Saeed and Dubai Creek Park. The creek's natural ending is at the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) from its origin at the Persian Gulf. The traditional form of transport between the eastern and western sections of Dubai via the creek was through abras, which continue to operate in Dubai. In addition, the eastern and western sections are linked via four bridges (Al Maktoum Bridge, Al Garhoud Bridge, Business Bay Crossing, and Floating Bridge) and one tunnel (Al Shindagha Tunnel).

"Dubai Creek" or "Khor Dubai" is a saltwater creek located in Dubai.

It ends at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. Some sources say that the creek extended as far inland as Al Ain, and that the Ancient Greeks called it River Zara.

Cutting through the heart of Dubai, the seawater Dubai Creek winds its way from the trading port on the Gulf to the Ras al Khor bird sanctuary on the desert edge of Dubai.

Old-fashioned boats called dhows criss-cross the water from Bur Dubai on the left bank to Deira on the right. Catch a water taxi "dhow" called an "Abra" to get from A to B or sign up for a romantic sunset dhow cruise traveling further upstream.

Here you can read my "Abra Boats Review" ... :
Abra Boats

A cruise reveals the glittering high-rise buildings lining the Creek, passing under several bridges to reach the Creekside gardens. Or take a stroll along the paved promenade lining the Creek on the Bur Dubai side of the waterway.

Enjoy the Creek of Dubai ... :)

The heart and soul of Dubai. The stunning new architecture may be creating a new focus on the city, but the real heart of Dubai is the Creek, which runs for approximately 10 kms inland.

Settlements have been here for thousands of years (so recent excavations have shown) but for modern Dubai, the Bedouins first settled on a semi-permanent basis a little over 200 years ago. Bastakiya and Shindaga are the 2 oldest neighbourhoods, found at the mouth of the Creek on the western bank, although Deira to the east has taken on the mantle of being the centre of old Dubai.

Not that old means a lot - but in comparison to the new contemporary towers, Deira is old. Five/six storey apartments and office blocks abound and primarily the home of Indian, Pakistani, Iranian and Lebanese migrant workers. It's frantic, it's noisy, it's busy - but there's a lot of character.

Abras (shared water taxis) ply the waters, making the short crossing from bank to bank for tourists and residents alike. The minarets of Bastakiya are on one bank, the Dhow Wharf and its hive of activity on the other. (The Dhow Wharf is a fascinating place to simply wander - fridges, electronics being the main cargo these days, so not exactly exotic!)

Dubai is famous for its contrasting desert-nothingness and lush greenery: be it on roundabouts, hotel facades or parks - the beautiful gardens in the city justify why the UAE has the world's highest water consumption per capita!

Dubai is not a pedestrian-friendly city: many streets have no proper sidewalks, and you better forget about riding your bicycle around town - it's simply too dangerous.

That's why a trip down to Dubai's many parks is a
relaxing, fun and enjoyable alternative to the beaches.

One of my favourites is Dubai Creek Park - first opened in 1994 and located in Bur Dubai, alongside a length of 2.6 km (you guessed it) of the city's infamous waterway: Dubai Creek. It's easy to lose yourself on a lazy afternoon in the 42,500 square meters of green lawns!

In this huge park, you'll find plenty to do:
> Amphitheatre equipped to accommodate 1,200 people
> Multiple shaded children's playgrounds
> Plenty of BBQ areas
> Motorized "park train" for kids & grownups
> Cable Car ride along the creek
> 18-hole Mini golf course
> Bicycle rental (including bicycles that seat 4 people in 2 rows... great fun!)
and of course: Children's City

Entrance Fee: 5 Dhs per person

Opening Hours: 08:00am - 11:00pm
Wednesdays: Ladies & children's day only

Dubai Creek or Khor Dubai is a saltwater creek in Dubai.
It impeded the entry of ships due to current flow, the creek remained an important element in establishing the commercial position of Dubai, being the only port or harbor in the city.
Dubai Creek runs northeast-southwest through the city. The eastern section of the city forms the locality of Deira and is flanked by the emirate of Sharjah in the east and the town of Al Aweer in the south.
The eastern and western sections are linked via four bridges (Al Maktoum Bridge, Al Garhoud Bridge, Business Bay Crossing and Floating Bridge) and one tunnel (Al Shindagha Tunnel).

You can watch my 1 min 32 sec HD Video Dubai In the evening out of my Youtube channel.

The Creek area is Dubai historical downtown and it is definitely nice to visit. You'll find the gold, fish, textiles souks (local markets) and you can cross the creek with the traditional boats (abhra). It's a very cheap and a nice experience. You can tell the boat "driver" to take you wherever you want on the river, which can be very useful, above all when it's too hot!

If you ever find yourself in this fascinating City, you need to have a walk or take a boat ride along the Dubai Creek, its just so cool.
Take a walk around the souks and the markets and have a bit to eat at the many restaurants alongside the creek.

As well as catching an Abra here, the Creek & its parks are worth a visit. From here you get to see the contrasting sides of Dubai. Futuristic plate-glass covered office blocks tower over the old souks, there are lots of great photo opportunities here.

A walk along the Creek, in Bur Dubai and in Deira, is part of every visit to Dubai’s old town. You’ll see the old wooden boats offloading their cargo with the skyscrapers in the background. The old buildings and the old souks with an amphibian vehicle full of tourists passing along. And of course the Abras, the small wooden boats connecting both sides of the Dubai Creek with each other. For a relaxing walk, the Bur Dubai side is the most interesting. Start at the textile souk and walk towards the ocean. If you can’t get tired of walking, you can walk up to the pedestrian tunnel which links both sides and is close to the main Gold Souk bus terminal in Deira. At the Deira site, there’s nothing like the beautiful walk from Bur Dubai. However, after exploring the souks, you can watch all the archaic boats offloading their freight and see where the goods from all the shops come from. Check out my Off the beaten path – tip “Dhows on the Creek” for further details on that. For details about crossing the creek the tips “Abras” (transportation) and “The Creek” (general) may be useful too.

A perfect way to spend your afternoon off is to walk along the Creek. There are impressive buildings on each side of the creek, restaurants to get some refreshments and a few shopping areas as well.

You can also take a ride on the Abra (wooden boat) from one side of the Creek to the other for just 50 Fils (1/2 Dirham).

Update: Since 1st January 2007, the Abra fare has been increased to 1 Dirham.

Old Dubai is separated into two by the Dubai Creek. On the eastern side is Deira while the western side is known as Bur Dubai. Take a stroll down the banks of the creek and enjoy the beautiful skyline scenery, the hustle & bustle of the merchants on the wharfs and the abras crossing the creek. If you wish, you can also take a tour of the creek by an Abra. Crossing the creek is only Dh1. A half-hour tour costs some Dh150 (if I’m not mistaken).

You can start after a visit to Dubai Museum by walking towards the creek. You can also stroll along the Textile Souq and enjoy the sounds and sights of traders selling their textiles. Many tourist sights are on the Bur Dubai side of the creek – Dubai Museum, Bastakiya, Textile Souq, Sheikh Saeed al Maktoum House and Heritage Village. It will make a nice walk as you pass one attraction after another (provided it’s not summer!) Take a slow stroll and you will enjoy the atmosphere here.

The Creek splits Dubai into two with Bur Dubai on one side and Deira on the other. The creek is 14km long and is shaped in a large J shape from the Khor Dubai Wildlife & Waterbird Sanctuary and flows into the Gulf. The Creek is not only the centre of today's life in Dubai but it also plays an important economic role for the city bringing in many trading ships from far and wide. In the early days only small dhows were able to enter the creek. The bigger vessels had to unload goods into small boats at it's entrance on the Gulf. The late H.H. Shaikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, even before he became the Ruler of Dubai, realised the strategic importance of the creek. He ordered an economic and technical study in 1954 on deepening and widening the creek. Despite the lack of financial resources at that time to cover the cost of the project, a fund called the "Dubai Creek Dredging Fund" was established with a sum of £200,000. Initially, a canal 4000 ft long and six ft deep was dug and in the second stage sheet piling of length 1200 ft and 11,700 ft was laid on both sides of the creek. As a result, shipping movement increased and ships of a capacity of 500 tonnes were able to enter the creek. Upon completion of the dredging operations, it was necessary to link both sides with permanent bridges and hence the Al Maktoum bridge was completed in 1964. With the discovery of oil in 1967, a mobile part of the bridge was introduced in 1968 to facilitate the movement of oil tankers.