If you want to see the old part of Dubai you should visit Bur Dubai and Deira. These are the two neighborhoods that extend along the Creek (Dubai’s commercial river) and that separates them. These neighborhoods represent the old Dubai, the authentic one, the one that only existed until oil transformed the city into what it is today.
It is worth not just staying with a modern city full of skyscrapers and technology, getting to know these neighborhoods is getting to know the real Dubai since before, none of it appeared on the map of this city.
However, it is not the best area to stay in Dubai.
What attractions we find in Bur Dubai
To get to Bur Dubai we took the metro from our hotel and got off at the station Al Fahidi. From there they must locate themselves or ask in which direction the Creek is located and walk in that direction straight down the street. Mankhool Road. After walking approximately 8 blocks you will reach a roundabout with a roundabout in the middle from which you can see the Creek.
Crossing the avenue you can find a typical old neighborhood of Dubai where you can revive the old architecture used in previous centuries with its restored traditional houses where inside you will find businesses or places to eat and even hotels.
From this neighborhood you will eventually be able to access the Dubai Fort which dates back to the 19th century where you will also find the dubai museum and behind the Great Mosque which cannot be accessed since entry is allowed only for Muslims.
From there we went through some streets where the typical dubai souks where you can find all kinds of items, souvenirs and other typical objects of Dubai.
At the end of these markets we find the Creek from where we can take the pass to cross it. No matter where you go, you can easily find the boats to be able to cross the river so don’t worry if you get lost, just walk towards the river and you will be able to find your way easily.
Crossing the Dubai Creek in abra from Bur Dubai to Deira
The abras are the typical old boats used to cross from Bur Dubai to Deira or vice versa. They only cost 1AED something like 30 cents on a dollar and they go out as they fill up. As tourists, one not only takes it as transportation but also as an attraction that is essential to fully immerse oneself in local life since it is mainly used by local.
To date, they have not been supplanted by other transport nor are there any plans to change them. They told us that approximately 200 are operating and that they transport between 10 and 15 million people a year. It is seensitting sideways on the same wood on which it is built. In any case, comfort is not of much interest since the trip lasts only 5 minutes and yes or yes they all have to sit down. They all have a roof and on it the flag of the Emirates.
This river is very important in Dubai as it marked the beginning of the construction of the city. It used to be one of the most important ports as it handled trade with India and Africa. By browsing you can see the dhows which are the traditional Arab boats that are still used today. These ships load all types of merchandise and thanks to the fact that we went in the morning due to the great activity, we were able to see how they were lowered from decks to appliances. Also in the Creek they offer private tours and there are boats where you canHave lunch or dinner while sailing.
DEIRA
We arrived in Deira with the sole objective of visiting the gold souk. Keep in mind that the Species Souk is also located here but we did not have much time and it was not of our interest either.
Gold Souk
Carrying out the entire journey from Bur Dubai station to the end of the souk took us approximately 3 hours.
You can do it in less if you don’t take a lot of time to take photos but you should have at least 2 hours unless you are only interested in crossing the Creek and visiting the gold souk.
The gold souk will take you little time if you are not planning to buy anything, let’s say it is not so essential to visit it either.
They will only be able to see that there is a jewelry store next to the other and you can find whatever you want.
At the beginning of the walk, crossing the enormous arch that announces the entrance to the souk, there is the largest gold ring in the world that weighs 64 kilos with precious stones and which unfortunately was not for sale so we could not buy it. .
If you are interested in discovering other souks in Dubai, there is the Madinet Jumeirah, which is somewhat artificial but very beautiful.
From Deira to a Dubai Desert Safari
From this area they picked us up to do one of the activities that we cannot miss if we go to Dubai. Go on a desert safari. Generally all include about 30 minutes of vans through the sand, dinner in the tents in the middle of the desert with some other activities included.
We also had the opportunity to ride a buggy on our own. The bad thing was that the sun did not feel very good throughout the trip, so to know more we leave you this information about the Dubai Desert Safari