I was only recently was privy to this Dubai experience. We often head down to Bur Dubai to stroll along the Dubai Creek. The wharf and waterway are full of life and vibrant with colour. Seagulls soar all around, and the creek is teeming with dhows and abras. An abra, or water taxi, is a small boat that is used by many (locals, workers and tourists alike) to get from one side of the creek to the other. For the cost of only 1 dirham (approximately 30 cents US) you can cross over to Deira on a short 7 minute ride, getting a quick glimpse of the creek. A definite tourist must if you’re sightseeing in Dubai. Recently we had friends visiting from Canada and instead of the typical crossing we decided to hire a private abra and do a 30 minute round about trip along the creek. When we reached the Emirates NBD building which is on the Deira side of the creek (and pictured above) our guide cut the motor and said ‘Look up’. And there you can see our little abra floating on the creek, with the sun setting in the background. It was an ‘Aaaaah moment’ for all of us on board, even the kids!
For a personal experience a walking tour is a great way to explore old Dubai, where you can stroll through the souks, ride on an Abra and visit the Dubai Museum.
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9 Comments
Stunning!! I love it! I have been fascinated with Dubai – what a great experience to live there!
I host a weekly travel photo meme as well, and would love for you to link up with us too – this picture is incredible!
Thanks!
~Becca
That’s an incredible shot! I’m fascinated by the fact that the body of water is called Dubai Creek though. I think of a creek as being a tiny little stream of running water and that appears to be quite a substantial waterway. Do you know how it got its name? Is it a manmade body of water?
We loved visiting Dubai and just this morning my 8-year-old told me it the place she most wanted to go back to for a family trip.
Nice picture – we’ll have to time our visit to Dubai Creek next time as well as you timed yours.
I wonder if that building has blinded any passing ships? Beautiful shot.
@ Lisa – Yes, it is a wide body of water, and I agree the name creek does not really do it justice. It’s actually an inlet, so it’s salt water, and it runs for 14kms. It’s been used as a port for dhows arriving from India and Africa since the early 20th century but in the 60s and 70s it was dredged to allow for larger ships, so it has had some manmade help.
Hi Jennifer, great to hear that your daughter enjoyed Dubai, it really is a great place for families. And yes, do try and get to get down to the creek for a sunset ride!
What a gorgeous reflection and photo. I’m not surprised even the kids were impressed by it. It looks like a great way to see Dubai. Although I had to giggle at the word ‘creek’ as well. I guess everything is bigger in Dubai isn’t it!
Hi Becca, I’d love to include this on your week travel photo meme. I’ll pop on over. Thanks for letting me know about it!
Lisa- thanks for linking up – I host this meme every Friday – feel free to link up!
~Becca