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- Explore Dubai
About Dubai
Welcome to a sun-soaked metropolis like no other
Plan your dream wedding in an unforgettable destination
Curators
Discover the city's insiders, influencers and innovators
Dubai Neighbourhoods
Every district in Dubai tells its own unique story
Local culture
Admire the city's traditional arts, crafts and cultural gems
Beyond Dubai
Get more out of your holiday with these guides
Adventures in Hatta
Escape to the hills and explore nature
Discover Al Marmoom
Answer the call of the wild and experience desert thrills
- Deals in Dubai
- Things to do
Uncover the city’s rich heritage and vibrant arts scene
Experiences
Embark on thrilling new adventures for all ages
Taste award-winning world flavours and local cuisine
Visit the latest hotspots, openings and attractions
Shopping
Find new surprises at modern malls and traditional souks
Marvel at record-breaking venues and iconic landmarks
Unwind at Dubai's luxury spas and wellbeing havens
Itineraries
What do you travel for? Find inspiration with our itineraries
- 99 things to do in Dubai
New restaurants
Book a table at these fresh hotspots
Hidden Gems
Taste a deliciously different side of Dubai
Made in Dubai
Discover our homegrown culinary heroes
Michelin Guide Dubai 2023
See all the restaurants unveiled in the Dubai selection
Brunches in Dubai
Weekends in Dubai are for feasting
Vegan Restaurants
Explore Dubai's plant-based concepts that impress
Dining deals
Reserve a table at top restaurants for incredible prices
Restaurants in Dubai
Browse through our listing of restaurants
- Taste Dubai's best Emirati food
- What's on
Dubai Calendar
Don't miss a beat – live concerts, festivals, activities and more
Ramadan in Dubai
Get in the spirit of the Holy Month with sumptuous iftars and family activities
Dubai Comedy Festival
Gear up for 10 days of non-stop laughter
Dubai Esports and Games Festival
Keep your controllers ready for the ultimate gaming festival
- La Perle by Dragone
- Plan your trip
Visa guide
Plan ahead for a hassle-free travel experience
Essentials
From etiquette to currency, we answer all your questions
Flights
Use our tool to book flight tickets to Dubai and plan your trip to the city
Accommodation
Dubai has an incredible range of stay options for every budget
From take-off to touchdown, navigating Dubai is a breeze
Safety
Your complete guide to enjoying one of the world's safest cities to the fullest
Weather
Find out all about Dubai’s climate throughout the year with our weather guide
Currency
All you need to know about the dirham, from exchange rates to helpful tips
Accessibility
Helpful information for travellers with special needs
Dubai attractions passes
Unlock huge savings with pre-paid access to top spots
Download apps
Get our apps for the latest attractions, events & itineraries
- Discover Dubai's best new hotels and upcoming hotel launches in 2024
Attraction deals
Save big with great offers on Dubai's top sights and activities
Dining deals
Reserve a table at top restaurants for incredible prices
Shopping deals
Indulge in retail therapy for less with big discounts
Hotel deals
Enjoy a trip to Dubai with incredible accommodation offers
- Dubai Calendar
Family-friendly events
Sign up for kid-friendly activities or attend a live show with the entire family
Live entertainment
Get tickets to the best concerts featuring A-list artists at world-class venues
Sports events
Join Dubai's community sporting activities and race to the finish line
elrow XXL
Gear up for an outdoor musical fiesta with international artists
Hans Zimmer
See the maestro perform his hits live at the Coca-Cola Arena
World Art Dubai
Make way for the region's largest affordable retail art fair
Login
Related Sites
Visit DubaiInvest in DubaiTravel trade Study DubaiRetire in DubaiCorporate
Event CalendarTop Picks Add items to your Top Picks by clicking the heart icon as you navigate through the website
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- Five things you didn't know about Dubai Creek
Arts & Culture
Mon, June 21, 2021
You may already be familiar with Dubai Creek as the cultural heart of the city, but there’s so much more to appreciate.
You may already be familiar with Dubai Creek as the cultural heart of the city, but there’s so much more to appreciate.
1
The creek has a long history...and used to be much bigger
Dubai Creek’s history stretches back many thousands of years – the ancient Greeks knew it as the 'River Zara', and the creek has been a site for fishing and trade for millennia. There’s also evidence that it used to stretch much further inland than the 10km or so it does today. In fact, some geological discoveries suggest the waterway may have reached almost to the modern-day border with Oman, around 150km from Dubai.
2
It was an ancient pearl diving site
Before becoming the trading hub that built the foundation of modern Dubai, the creek was a centre for pearl diving – possibly as far back as 7000 years ago. Teams of divers based around the creek would head out to sea in search of pearls, sometimes for months at a time. Pearl diving was a lucrative occupation back then and Dubai pearlswere in high demand right up until the early 20th century when artificially-cultured pearls were developed in Japan, coming to dominate the market by the 1930s. Pearl diving is still celebrated as a key part of Emirati culture today, and visitors can learn more at the Dubai Pearl Museum.
3
Boats were the only way to cross until 1963
Until the first bridge over the creek was built in 1963, the only way to get across the water was by boat – often by abra, the small wooden ferries which still operate today, albeit in a slightly modernised form. While bridges may be more convenient for cars, it’s easy to see the advantages of an abra for pedestrians: the trip was quick, traffic-free, and could take passengers almost directly from the commercial hub of Bur Dubaito that of Deira, or vice-versa. Today, abras are still used by plenty of commuters, and are a must-try experience for visitors.
4
The creek is ever-changing
The Dubai Creek has changed and evolved many times over the centuries, and continues to be developed today. As Dubai grew as a trading hub, the creek became silted up through natural erosion, making it increasingly difficult for larger ships to navigate the inlet. In the 1950s and 60s, Dubai’s rulers dredged the creek and worked on its banks, widening the waterway and creating sturdy walls, quays and wharfa*ges, as well as bridges and tunnels to cross the water. The most dramatic development has been the recent extension of the creek inland and back to the sea through the creation of the Dubai Water Canal, which was inaugurated in 2016.
5
The creek is home to flamingos
Before the Dubai Canal came along, the creek ended in a natural saltwater wetland known as Ras Al Khor. An official wildlife sanctuarysince 1985, Ras Al Khor has always been the home of dozens of species of birds, including some regular migratory visitors and many other animals. The most famous inhabitants are its flamingos, which gather in large flocks in the shallow water, and make an impressive sight. Just a few minutes from Downtown Dubai by car, it feels a world away from the pace of the city.
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