Dubai Creek is a lifeline full of activities
The creek in Dubai, a natural sea-water inlet which cuts through the centre of the city, is the historic focal point of life in Dubai. Centuries-old trading traditions are still alive here. 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 colour and bustle of the loading and unloading of dhows which still ply ancient trade routes to places as distant as India and East Africa is still captivating.
The best way to experience the Creek and the dhows is from an abra, one of the small water taxis which criss-cross the Creek from the souks of Deira to those on the Bur Dubai side.
The true beauty of Dubai can be viewed from the traditionally decorated wooden dhow cruises. These dhow cruises sail along the creek and many historic landmarks can be viewed.
On one side of the creek is Deira, a very densely populated shopping area and on the other side is Bur Dubai(earlier known as Par Dubai). At the entrance of the abra station on the Bur Dubai side is a traditionally styled Souq, Sunni mosques, Shia mosques, Hindu temples.
The souq has many handicrafts shops sometimes selling illegally imported stuffed animals and animal remains. It majorly sells traditional Arabic clothes and Indian shoes and pashminas. You will see a mix of locals and tourists in this area and on a busy evening, you just have to stand there, people will push you through the streets.
Many tourists take a ride on the abra, just to “experience the creek”. This is the cheapest mode of transport you will find in Dubai and the fastest way to reach Deira from Bur Dubai, where you pay Dh 1 for one way commuting.
The view on both sides is a mixture of old Dubai and new Dubai. You will see the new “water bus”, “abras”, huge “dhows”, luxurious “yachts” at the same time silently sailing through the creek.
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- You board the abra from here
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- Docking station of abras
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- Children enjoy abra rides
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- Families enjoying the abra ride
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- A traditional style souq
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- Co-existence of old and new Dubai
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- The souq is empty during Friday afternoons
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- These hand carts are used to transport goods
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- Colourful Indian shoes on sale
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- Wooden dhows
Filed under: Life in Dubai on March 28th, 2009 | No Comments »
