Dubai Creek

The basics

Water taxis are included in many guided sightseeing tours, and make it easy to see the sights of Dubai Creek (including views of the Dubai skyline). You can also float along the Dubai Creek on a traditional Arabian dhow cruise—some tours even include dinners by sunset.

Many comprehensive tours of Dubai combine a dinner cruise with visits to the Burj Khalifa, the Burj Al-Arab, the Dubai desert, the Dubai Marina, or the Old City area. Other tours, like walking tours, bus tours, and street food tours, also make sightseeing stops along the waterway.

Things to know before you go

• Take a water taxi as a form of transportation to use Dubai Creek as the locals do.

• Wheelchair access is unfortunately not guaranteed on Dubai Creek tours.

• No need to book Dubai Creek tickets if you want to stroll along sections of the waterway, although water taxis and some area attractions are ticketed.

How to get there

There are four stations where travelers board water taxis—two on the Deira side and two on the Bur Dubai side of the Creek. From the waterway itself, it’s possible to spot palaces, mosques, and other Dubai landmarks, including the Gold Souk and the Dubai Heritage Village. It’s also lined with hotels like the Sheraton Dubai Creek and Al Seef Heritage.

When to Get There

If visiting on your own, arrive in the early morning or evening to enjoy some peace and quiet. For a different experience, stop by during the hectic middle of the day to see Dubai Creek at its bustling best. Expect temperatures of up to 110°F (43°C) in the summer.

Dhows and abras on the Dubai Creek

Dhows are wooden boats with long, thin hulls that are typically used to carry heavy cargo for trading. Lateen-rigged sails on one or more masts help power the boats, which typically carry fruit or fresh water. Abras water taxis, meanwhile, are the traditional motor-powered vessels used in Dubai.