Dubai Creek

The basics

Water taxis are included in many guided sightseeing tours, and make it easy to see the sights of Dubai Creek (including views of the Dubai skyline). You can also float along the Dubai Creek on a traditional Arabian dhow cruise—some tours even include dinners by sunset.

Many comprehensive tours of Dubai combine a dinner cruise with visits to the Burj Khalifa, the Burj Al-Arab, the Dubai desert, the Dubai Marina, or the Old City area. Other tours, like walking tours, bus tours, and street food tours, also make sightseeing stops along the waterway.

Things to know before you go

• Take a water taxi as a form of transportation to use Dubai Creek as the locals do.

• Wheelchair access is unfortunately not guaranteed on Dubai Creek tours.

• No need to book Dubai Creek tickets if you want to stroll along sections of the waterway, although water taxis and some area attractions are ticketed.

How to get there

There are four stations where travelers board water taxis—two on the Deira side and two on the Bur Dubai side of the Creek. From the waterway itself, it’s possible to spot palaces, mosques, and other Dubai landmarks, including the Gold Souk and the Dubai Heritage Village. It’s also lined with hotels like the Sheraton Dubai Creek and Al Seef Heritage.

When to Get There

If visiting on your own, arrive in the early morning or evening to enjoy some peace and quiet. For a different experience, stop by during the hectic middle of the day to see Dubai Creek at its bustling best. Expect temperatures of up to 110°F (43°C) in the summer.

Dhows and abras on the Dubai Creek

Dhows are wooden boats with long, thin hulls that are typically used to carry heavy cargo for trading. Lateen-rigged sails on one or more masts help power the boats, which typically carry fruit or fresh water. Abras water taxis, meanwhile, are the traditional motor-powered vessels used in Dubai.

Ways to explore

Guided tours are the easiest way to explore Dubai Creek and neighboring Deira and Bur Dubai without getting lost or missing sights. Visit as part of an itinerary that includes both old and new Dubai, or focus on the creek area alone on a guided walk. Latter examples typically include an abra crossing, souk shopping, and attractions such as Dubai Museum, while some incorporate local food tastings and cultural activities.

Other options include Dubai-wide tours that feature Burj Khalifa or Dubai Frame entry tickets. You can also book dhow dinner cruises to take in the illuminated creeksides, or see the creek area independently by way of a hop-on, hop-off bus.

Accessibility

The creek area is only partially wheelchair accessible. While some streets, souks, and attractions are navigable by wheelchair, traditional abras and many old districts will present challenges.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, bottled water, backpack/small bag, cash for bartering

What to wear

Clothes covering your knees and shoulders to respect local culture, sunhat, sunglasses

Not allowed

Drinking alcohol, rude behavior, PDAs, taking close-up photos of people without their consent

Amenities

Restrooms, Wi-Fi in some areas, ATMs, paid and free parking

Address 

Starting from the Gulf coast, Dubai Creek bisects the neighborhoods of Deira and Bur Dubai. Metro and bus lines crisscross the area, making public transit an easy way to get here. While you can drive around the creek, traffic is busy, so guided tours are a sensible alternative.

Driving

On Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), take exit 54A-55 for Oud Metha, follow signs for the D78, and take local roads to Deira’s or Bur Dubai’s creeksides.

Public transportation

The Green Line on the metro extends across Deira and Bur Dubai; take it to Al Ras for Deira’s souks or Al Ghubaiba for Bur Dubai’s abra dock. A number of buses, including #27 and #C08, serve both areas, while abras will ferry you across the creek.

Best times to visit

Early morning is best for beating the heat and the crowds, while late afternoons promise great golden-hour photos. For a lively atmosphere and cooler temps, come in the evenings.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are the quietest, with the weekends (Friday-Sunday) typically bringing crowds. Be aware, though—some shops are closed midweek.

Best months to visit

The creek’s attractions are mostly outdoors, so Dubai’s milder November–April season is more comfortable for exploring.

Special events

Dubai’s annual Kite Mela festival descends on the waterside Creek Park every January. Usually lasting two days, the celebrations involve colorful kite-flying displays, food stalls, and live music—all ideal for family outings.