9
may 2012
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
7941
or
rustarcruise.com
4
Take a stroll
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
Nick Zilber, chief
concierge at the
InterContinental
Dubai Festival City,
rounds up the top six ways to
explore Dubai Creek
In the know
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.
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.