Dubai Creek History; Exploring the most important facts about this famous tourist port in UAE

Howayda Sayed
Published 12 months ago on 4 May, 2023-533 views
History of Dubai Creek The commercial and tourist sea port in the heart of the Emirate of Dubai

Dubai Creek History; Richer than you think, it is an essential part of UAE History. It is considered a tourist and cultural attraction enjoyed by the vast city of Dubai. In the heart of which the creek passes, forming a rich seawater mine and an important representative of its local Arabic economy. 

Dubai Creek has played a significant role in Dubai, attracting those interested in UAE History and Dubai’s history. It returns to the starting point of an authentic civilization, which has cast a shadow over the buildings, museums, commercial centers, restaurants, and entertainment areas within the scope of this ideally located port in this Emirate, exploring dubai Creek History.


Historical facts about dubai creek

Dubai Creek History reveals the actual value of the creek area as the first major port in the Dubai United Arab Emirates, and it was called the Zara River. It was divided into the fifties to form a small channel, and it was a haven for many merchants at the time, especially those interested in trading gold, spices, and seafood in Arab waters. It was also a mine in which divers were diving and searching for pearling, and it witnessed great activity in fishing as the flowing waters of Dubai Creek formed an ideal habitat for marine creatures.

Dubai Creek was historically famous for its location between Deira and Bur Dubai, as it ends in the Ras khor Dubai Wildlife Sanctuary, extending to the Dubai Water Canal. Its natural waterway flows through Jimra and Business Bay. Facts about dubai creek History Also, it is worth noting that the Al Maktoum dynasty was formed on the creek’s banks when the Bani Yas tribe decided to settle there. 

When Dubai Creek History is mentioned, the traditional style and the wooden dhow come to mind. It also witnessed a massive expansion during the reign of the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who contributed to its increase with a length of 4,000 feet and a depth of 6 feet. This creek was traditionally considered a free trade zone and a commercial center in 1902 when it was bulldozed wider to accommodate huge ships, boats, and bras that could dock at the khor dubai port with a weight of 500 tons.


Dubai Creek Harbour location

Dubai Creek Harbour is connected to the main road of the area in the heart of Dubai

Dubai Creek Harbour is located 10 minutes away from the Burj Khalifa Downtown. It is also found in the Ras Al Khor district opposite the Al Jaddaf area in Bur Dubai, connected to the main road of the area. This made it one of the best tourist destinations in the hub of Dubai, which forms part of Dubai Creek History and UAE History. Its convenient location in the heart of Dubai is characterized by the following:

  • It is about a 15-minute drive from Dubai International Airport.
  • The strategic location extends up to 14 kilometers from its base in the ocean.
  • Accommodates huge ships that depart from the east and west of Dubai for transport and trade.
  • Ideally located around tourist attractions, including Dubai Creek Park, the largest park in the city.
  • Offers a panoramic view of the traditional dhows lined up.

The initial entrance to Dubai Creek is also located on the mainland. It separates the dubai creek deira Cornice and the Al Ras areas east of the emirate and along the Shindagha area west. It then heads to the southeast of the mainland, passing through Port Saeed and Dubai Creek Park. 

May interest you: Historic Dubai


The importance of Dubai Creek history 

Dubai Creek History is an important point that created old markets, museums, and heritage buildings surrounding both sides of the Arabian saltwater creek. It also attracts tourists to see the wind towers and tour the famous markets that offer gold jewelry, leather goods, spices, and distinctive perfumes in the emirate of Dubai while immersing in the region’s traditions and discovering the UAE History. The Sheraton Dubai creek hotel here is one of the most prominent places of residence, providing distinguished luxury and service for Dubai the Creek.

Dubai Creek Center is also the inlet to the salt water inside the Pearl of the Gulf, and it represents historical and economic importance in UAE History. In addition to being a water source and an important commercial center, there is a group of famous tourist attractions around it, more than one tourist attraction in Dubai Creek. That you can explore and visit during your trips, which are the most 6 unique attractions here; we mention them in the following:

  • Burj Khalifa.
  • Dubai creek tower.
  • The Dubai Mall.
  • Underwater Zoo.
  • Dubai Aquarium.
  • Dubai Creek Golf Club.

Read more: A Brief History of Dubai


Dubai Creek development

The Dubai Creek Development Project in the United Arab Emirates and modern luxury projects about Dubai Creek History

The Dubai Creek Development Project is associated with the Dubai Creek History; One of the most notable luxury waterfront mixed-use projects in the United Arab Emirates. In the fifties of the last century, a comprehensive creek development began, and the Al Maktoum Bridge was built, the first bridge linking Bur Dubai and Deira in 1963. Dubai’s Festival City Mall was also opened in 2007. The Al Jaddaf area on the creek also witnesses the construction of a library Mohammed bin Rashid, in addition to building unique sailboats in this region.

Also, modern luxury projects have recently started around the Al Khor Port Sea. The most prominent is Al Khor Beach, where man-made beaches will be expanded alongside luxury apartments. There are also plans for further development and rapidly growing that will bear witness to the history of Dubai Creek, making it an ideal destination for locals and tourists alike.  

Watch also: Dubai development history


Best things to do near Dubai Creek

There are many unique and exciting things that you can do during your trip to the Emirate Pearl of the Gulf and explore the famous Dubai Creek History there. Where you can shop and see the tourist and heritage attractions such as the famous Shindagha Museum, the Museum of Illusions, and other historical places. You can also eat delicious food and make unforgettable tours around the creek area and the Dubai Creek History, and here are the best things that you can enjoy as follows:

Abra ride

Riding an abra and explore Dubai Creek History in the sea

Riding an abra allows you to enjoy exploring the historic district of Dubai on board one of the abras along Dubai Creek near the Al Fahidi neighborhood.

Tours of The Old Souk in Dubai

Tours of the traditional and heritage Dubai market in the Al Fahidi area attract tourists

One of the best things you can do to get a glimpse into Dubai Creek History is to visit the old souks. Where you find the traditional markets among the most important economic centers in the Emirate city, on the Deira side, you will find the Gold Souk, while in Dubai, you will find textile shops. There are also fantastic and amazing jewelry stores and places to buy spices, fresh herbs, healing materials, and other things you see in the spice market, clothes, and fabrics. Souks are full of life and the smell of old Dubai shopping.

Visit the Sheikh Mohammed Civilization Center

It is one of the most important cultural centers; The Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Cultural Communication was established in 1998. It was established to promote awareness of different cultures and address issues of ancient heritage, religion, Emirate traditions, and customs among foreigners and expatriates within the emirate. Furthermore, it is also located in the old Al Fahidi historical area.

Hiking in the Dubai Creek Park

Dubai Creek Park on the edge of the creek, with its vast green spaces and entertainment venues

It is the second-largest park in Dubai, located in the heart of the Gulf Pearl on the banks of the sea creek. It is also one of the oldest and most popular parks and is suitable for children.

Children’s City

Includes an educational and entertainment center for children inside Creek Park in Dubai for two to 15 years old, where it develops the child’s ability to explore and acquire new information through fun educational activities suitable for all family members.

Read also: Historical Background Of Dubai


What is special about Dubai Creek?

Dubai Creek is one of the tourist and commercial roads that divides Dubai into two halves. The Dubai Creek History goes back thousands of years about Dubai Creek History.

When was Dubai Creek built?

It was established in 1961.

Is the Dubai Creek natural or man made?

It is a natural saltwater creek.

Who is the owner of Dubai Creek?

The creek was a free trade zone during the reign of Sheikh Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum in 1902, and in the same period, it became a major commercial center·

Do you need to book in advance to visit Dubai Creek?

You do not need to book in advance, but you can rent a boat or yacht.

What’s the best way to see Dubai Creek?

Sea abras that lead people to Dubai Creek and explore Dubai Creek History.


With this, we have shed light on Dubai Creek History, a creek part of daily life in Dubai and integral to UAE History. It is also a vital center that expresses culture and authentic traditions that attract tourists and those interested in the ancient history of Dubai. We also met some aspects of establishing the more significant development witnessed by Dubai Creek, which has become one of the leading tourist destinations in this Arab Emirate.

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