Strolling Along Dubai Creek
The life you see around Dubai Creek is a stark contrast of what modern Dubai is known for.
On my last morning in Dubai, I strolled along Dubai Creek because someone recommended that it’s the best time and place to stroll and photograph whatever life is there around the creek. I did stroll around for almost three hours but gave up too soon because the scorching sun was beginning to annoy me. And I needed to leek, too. 🙂
Dubai Creek is different from what you are used to see and hear about the city. Along the creek are various dhows that sail to and from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, etc… These dhows are traditional ships that carry cargoes and they don’t look sturdy are they are supposed to be. They’re not even as big as you’d expect them to be,, to cross oceans and seas.
When you’re bored of modern Dubai (with all its towering skyscrapers), I’d highly recommend you to walk around the creek. There’s a fascinating daily life to be observed here, reminiscing what the city used to be, before oil changed the whole United Arab Emirates.
Things to do in Dubai Creek:
Well, aside from strolling along the creek, make sure to take a boat ride going to the other side. You can even hire one of those small boats there for an hour tour, passing through panoramic views of modern Dubai in a distance. It’s a lovely experience!
Also, sample some of the food around here—which I didn’t because I ate so much from the free breakfast at the hotel. I did, however, sat in one of the cafes there and had a sisha (water pipe).
Walk by the gold and spice souks, too. Dubai’s old souk is not really busy during mid-morning so it’s easy to navigate your way around.
It is advisable to buy your souvenirs from around here because they are way cheaper than buying them downtown.
If you are still not exhausted from walking, find or ask a local where Dubai Museum.
Around this area, you can find few traditional houses which are carefully preserved.
And oh, don’t miss the old watchtower, too!
(The photos above are all taken from the other side of the creek where modern Diera City is. This is where I started (got off at Abra Station) my own walking tour. I forgot to charge my camera battery that night and by the time I explored the other side, I had no choice but remember it from memory—which was actually a good thing because I just walked around, got lost and asked directions from the locals.)
Middle East is Closer Than You Think!
no comment