The Creek

The long, lazy S shaped waterway known as the Creek or Khor Dubai is the artery around which the city has grown and prospered, and from where it derives much of its character. An intriguing mix of trading, fishing and tourist vessels constantly ply its waters.

Despite the bulldozing and building that is swiftly re-shaping Dubai, the Creek has managed to stay one of the most characterful areas in Dubai, and remains a busy thoroughfare.

• Watch the hustle & bustle of Deira along the bank of the Creek
  
• Take a water taxi along Dubai Creek along with the locals
• Explore the palaces, mosques and markets including the Gold Souk
  
• Enjoy a delicious dinner aboard a dhow as you cruise along the Creek
  
• Explore the fascinating Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Marina, and the Old City area.
  

The seawater Dubai Creek, flowing between Deira and Bur Dubai in the historic centre of the city is the reason for Dubai’s very existence. When trade with the outside world began over a century ago, this protected inlet was the obvious choice to develop a commercial seaport. The creek has been widened many times during the last century, and today it is often busy with abra—small wooden water taxis—ferrying passengers between the souks of Deira on the northeastern bank and the historic district of Bur Dubai on the southwestern bank.

This area of Dubai is truly eclectic, mixing the traditional with the modern. To the west is `souk land`, a rabbit warren of narrow alleys, where cheap eateries jostle for space with overflowing shops selling goods of every description.

Further east in Deira and along the bank of the Creek, you will find ancient dhows loading and unloading their cargos. Next to them rise striking buildings such as the glittering glass and steel towers of Deira’s burgeoning business district. Attractions in this area  include Deira City Centre mall, the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, the tennis stadium, Century & Irish Villages and Dubai festival Centre, the location for yet more shops, restaurants and entertainment.

The bustling Bur Dubai area is the location of some of Dubai’s most historic buildings, including the beautiful wind-towered Al Fahidi Historical District –  the old mercantile headquarters.