ReView May 2012

In the know

Nick Zilber, chief concierge at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City,

rounds up the top six ways to explore Dubai Creek

1 Ride on an abra These old-style water taxis are an inexpensive and interesting way to see the Creek. They leave from the Bur Dubai and Deira sides and trips last between five and seven minutes. Price: AED1. Call 800 9090 or visit rta.ae 2 Take a luxury water taxi For a cooler and more comfortable experience, book an air-conditioned water taxi and take in the views from one of the large leather seats. From AED55, call 800 9090 or visit rta.ae 3 Enjoy a dinner cruise Take in the Creek and enjoy dinner and drinks at the same time. There are several operators, but we recommend Bateaux Dubai for an intimate experience. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something more traditional or family focused, Rustar floating restaurant is a good choice. From AED330 and AED295 respectively. Call 04 399 4994 or visit jebelali-international.com , and 04 395 Walk along the waterfront on the Bur Dubai side of the Creek. Start at the Heritage & Diving Village and make your way towards the Textile Souk. The best time to do this is at night, when the restaurants are full of life. 5 Cable Car A more unusual way to view the Creek is via cable car at Dubai Creek Park. This 20-minute journey provides great photo opportunities so be sure to take your camera. Price: AED25. Call 04 336 7633 . 6 Take a seaplane One of the most exciting ways to experience Dubai Creek is in a seaplane. This 40-minute trip takes off from the water giving an unrivalled, bird’s-eye view of the inlet. From AED1,325. Call 04 883 2999 or visit seawings.ae 7941 or rustarcruise.com 4 Take a stroll

Still on the Bur Dubai side, at the mouth of the Creek, is the Heritage & Diving Village. Visit late afternoon for the chance to see an Arabian horse display or a traditional Emirati ‘yola’ dance. In Deira, just a stone’s throw from Al Sabkha abra station, is the dhow wharfage where scores of the majestic vessels are moored side by side. Walk along it early in the morning to avoid the heat and see the traditional boats up close and in detail. One of the best ways to discover the Creek, however, is on an open-topped dhow cruise where you can live and breathe everything it has to offer. See the sights of Downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa in the distance and the toing and froing of visitors, locals and tradesmen right before you. Whether five star or not, this landmark is not to be missed.

look out for the Deira-based National Bank of Dubai building, sometimes referred to as the ‘Pregnant Lady’, as its gold-coloured, convex exterior reflects the last of the sun’s rays on to the water below. If you’re keen to explore the city’s old markets, the Textile Souk is located next to the Old Souk abra station in Bur Dubai while the Spice and Gold Souks are just a one-dirham boat ride away on the edge of the Deira bank. Next to the Textile Souk is Bastakiya, the oldest and most charming part of Dubai with its narrow alleyways, crushed-coral walls, intricate wooden doors and craftsmen selling Arabic calligraphy, spices and Middle Eastern art. Bastakiya is also home to the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, where you can chat freely with Emiratis on any topic that piques your interest.

may 2012

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