_The Historic Heart of Dubai

The Creek, whose source is said to be located in Al Ain, demarcates the northern edge of Dubai where Bur Dubai looks across the sea water inlet towards Deira. It was known to the ancient Greeks, who called it the River Zara. 16th century Venetian pearl merchants also knew of the Creek as a place plentiful in pearl oysters making it of interest to Renaissance craftsmen – the first written record of Dubai in Europe mentions the trade and extols the quality of the pearls.

The city’s rich history can still be seen in this most authentic of Emirati locations – authentic wooden boats, or abras, ply their trade along the refreshing waters of the creek and boatbuilding and repair shops which utilise traditional techniques can still be found. It is possible to take a boat trip on one of these sturdy vessels which are also known as dhows. 

Dubai Creek Harbour, which is located near to both the Creek and Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, will be a sustainable commercial and residential development offering residents views of the Creek as well as Dubai’s distinctive skyline. Commercial districts will link into Downtown Dubai to extend the city’s business infrastructure and residential areas will provide sensitively-designed accommodation which will rejuvenate the area and focus on the pleasures of living adjacent to the water. The project will eventually link the Creek to the Dubai Water Canal via Business Bay towards Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf, and lengthen the Creek by an additional 3 km providing an inland waterway which threads through the city to bring the benefits of ‘blue space’ living, working and leisure to many more of the residents of Dubai.

Dubai Water Canal

The Dubai Water Canal Project is an extension of Deira Creek, linking Business Bay to the Arabian Gulf. This environmentally friendly lifestyle development is comprised of three distinct zones: The Water Network, The Green Network and The Public Realm.

The Water Network is made up of three bodies of water: The Canal, which runs 2.9 km connecting Business Bay to the Arabian Gulf; The Arabian Gulf coastline that provides captivating beach frontage, and the Crystal Lagoon in Safa Park, which brings the coastal experience inland with beach and water access. The Green Network connects Safa Park to the new Jumeirah Beach Park, offering an unparalleled leisure experience.

The Public Realm is the developable land located along the Canal which offers a new residential district, tourist attractions and over 80,000 sq m of public facilities, including several kilometres of jogging and cycling tracks, hotels, restaurants and entertainment.

With the opening of the three km Dubai Canal, the Downtown side of Dubai has now turned into an island unlocking new possibilities in marine transportation, connecting the historic areas of Deira and Bur Dubai through the extended waterway of Dubai Creek, Business Bay and Dubai Water Canal. Yet another new dimension added to a city that is constantly under transformation.

The centre piece of the canal is the waterfall cascading from both sides of Sheikh Zayed Road.(Powered by 80 water pumps and sensors that automatically stop the waterfall when boats sail through). With its engineering and architectural features the canal acts as a tourist hub that will raise the profile of Dubai as a go-to tourist destination and is expected to attract more than 30 million visitors per annum.

To read the full article in the Dubai View publication, click here