A Dubai Creek Harbour Travel Guide
It has been described as “a city within a city” and its location speaks for the kind of lifestyle that you get to enjoy if you are in this part of Dubai.
Dubai Creek Harbour is one of the most prestigious developments in the city, especially if you’re after a slower pace of living.
If your idea of a good life involves enjoying an al fresco meal, waking up to views of the water and taking slow afternoon strolls by the promenade, this is the place for you.
In this guide, we’ll show you everything that you need to learn about the beautiful Dubai Creek Harbour.
What is Dubai Creek Harbour?
Dubai Creek Harbour is a mixed use mega development project located on the waterfront of the Dubai Creek.
A collaboration between Dubai Holding and Emaar Properties, Dubai Creek Harbour covers 550 hectares divided into residential areas, retail spaces, corporate offices and cultural areas.
The development is also designed to be self-sustainable, which means that you have everything you need without leaving the community.
But what really makes Dubai Creek Harbour unique is its location. With the tagline “discover life at its source,” the development doesn’t only sit right where Dubai began on the creek, but it’s also located near the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.
The nature reserve is home to more than 450 animal species and one of the most well-preserved environmental areas in the UAE
Best Time to Go
You can visit Dubai Creek Harbour at any time since the development is open to tourists. But if you want to avoid the sweltering heat, especially during the summer, it’s best to visit the neighborhood in the early morning or late in the afternoon.
This will allow you to enjoy the promenade, walkway and the many outdoor amenities in the area.
Things to Know
Dubai Creek Harbour is a mega development that’s still in the works until now. Here’s everything that you need to know about the entire community and what’s in the pipeline:
The Residential Communities
Because of its sheer scale, the entire Dubai Creek Harbour project has been divided into nine different communities:
The Island District is Dubai Creek Harbour’s main residential area located just off the mainland’s shoreline. Once completed, it will consist of 12 high-rise residential buildings.
This neighborhood is also divided into different sub-communities:
- Dubai Creek Residences has a total of 6 towers – 3 in the North and 3 in the South – and it was the first to be completed among all the residential buildings in the area.
- Harbour Views has two towers and was the next to be handed over to residents.
- Buildings under construction include Creek Gate, Harbour Gate, Creek Edge, Creek Horizon, Creek Rise, The Grand, The Address Harbour Point, 17 Icon Bay, Creekside 18, Palace Residences and The Cove.
The Island District also has two hotels operated by Vida and The Address where guests visiting Dubai can stay if they want to experience living in Dubai Creek Harbour.
Dubai Creek Tower
The Dubai Creek Tower is set to be the centerpiece of the entire Dubai Creek Harbour development.
Emaar hasn’t disclosed the full details of the project yet and its completion date has been moved due to the pandemic.
But there are talks that the final height of this tower will break the record held by Burj Khalifa and be part of the most popular buildings in Dubai.
Once completed, it’s expected to be the world’s tallest supported tower.
The Dubai Creek Tower will have ten observation decks including one that will offer the best views of the entire city.
Emaar hired nothing less than the famous Spanish Architect Santiago Calatrava with the engineering firm Aurecon for this project.
How to Get Around
Trains: If you prefer going to Dubai Creek Harbour by metro, take the Dubai Metro Green Line and stop at the Dubai Healthcare City Metro Station. From here, you can take a 15-minute drive by taxi to the area.
Buses: If you choose to take the bus, choose Bus Lines 53 and X64 that stop at the Waha Community Center 1. From the bus station, you can walk to the harbour for 30 minutes or take a taxi if the weather is hot.
Taxis: A taxi is the fastest and easiest way to reach Dubai Creek Harbour. Book a ride through Grab or Careem.
Car service: If you choose to drive to Dubai Creek Harbour, take the Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) going north until you reach the Ras Al Khor exit. From there, take Al Khail Road (E44) and just follow the signs leading to Dubai Creek Harbour.
Where to Stay in Dubai Creek Harbour
Vida Creek Harbour
Address: Ras Al Khor – Dubai Creek Harbour – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 428 8888
Pricing: $$$
Book Now
Located in the middle of Dubai Creek Harbour is the prestigious Vida Creek Harbour offering the most picturesque views of the water and the best sunset in the city.
Stay in one of the rooms or suites in this well-designed hotel and enjoy amenities like its own restaurants, pool and fitness center.
Address Grand Creek Harbour
Address: Ras Al Khor – Dubai Creek Harbour – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 275 8888
Pricing: $$$
Book Now
Bask in the grandeur of the first five-star hotel in Dubai Creek Harbour.
Address Grand Creek Harbour gives you the best views of both Old and New Dubai, so you get to choose what to wake up to during your stay.
The hotel also features world-class amenities including an infinity pool, cigar lounge, fitness center, restaurants and club lounge.
Where to Eat in Dubai Creek Harbour
Soulgreen Dubai
Address: Vida Creek Harbour – Ras Al Khor – Dubai Creek Harbour – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 50 747 6678
Pricing: $$
Website
Whether you’re vegan or not, Soulgreen Dubai will change how you enjoy fresh, healthy food.
Located in Vida Creek Harbour, this restaurant offers a wide range of meat and vegan dishes featuring different international cuisines.
Soulgreen Dubai is especially known for its “Soul Bowls” where you get to choose from Thai, Indian, Japanese or a rainbow bowl that has everything on it.
Mondoux
Address: Building 1 – South Promenade – Ras Al Khor – Dubai Creek Harbour – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 584 5177
Pricing: $$
Website
Treat your palate to a unique gastronomic experience with Mondoux, one of the best restaurants in Dubai Creek Harbour.
Offering an interesting breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, you shouldn’t miss sampling the restaurant’s mushroom risotto, avocado burger and other unique dishes.
If you’re vegetarian, treat yourself to Mondoux’s beyond meat vegetarian burgers that will surely make you come back for more.
AMICI MIEI
Address: Vida Creek Harbour – Ras Al Khor – Dubai Creek Harbour – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 50 747 6678
Pricing: $$
If your idea of a good dinner involves traditional Italian food in a relaxing setup, you should book a table at AMICI MIEI.
With the name translating to “my friends,” this restaurant aims to offer guests a cozy ambiance to enjoy good Italian food with friends.
Indulge yourself in the restaurant’s risotto, pizza, pasta and desserts that will surely take you to Italy.
The Courtyard
Address: Vida Creek Harbour – Ras Al Khor – Dubai Creek Harbour – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 428 8888
Pricing: $$
Website
Take advantage of the Dubai Creek waterfront by dining al fresco at the beautiful The Courtyard restaurant in Vida Creek Harbour.
This restaurant offers an excellent selection of authentic Mediterranean dishes like falafel, shish tauok, hummus and cheese rakakat.
The Courtyard also has an extensive kids menu, so everyone in the family can enjoy good food in a casual dining setting.
Stage 2
Address: Vida Creek Harbour – Ras Al Khor – Dubai Creek Harbour – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 428 8888
Pricing: $$
Website
Another must-try restaurant in Dubai Creek Harbour is Stage 2 at the Vida Creek Harbour.
Here, you have the option to dine indoors or al fresco to enjoy views of the water. Stage 2 is a laidback eatery that offers an extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner menu.
What to Do in Dubai Creek Harbour
Experience Musical Shadows at Dubai Creek Harbour
Address: Dubai Creek Harbour – Ras Al Khor – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Experience one of the most unique art installations in the Dubai Creek Harbour waterfront.
Musical Shadows is a piece by Daily Tous Les Jours commissioned by Emaar where you get to see what music your shadows create.
See the Joy Tree
Address: Creek Marina – Dubai Creek Harbour – Ras Al Khor – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Website
It’s hard to miss this massive installation by the famous Indian artist Vibhor Sogani.
The Joy Tree at the Creek Marina parking entrance was commissioned to remind us of the joy of life.
Made of stainless steel, you’ll see the reflections of people’s happy faces as they admire the beautiful creation.
Take a Photo with the Flower Tree
Address: Dubai Creek Harbour – Ras Al Khor – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Website
The Flower Tree is another art installation commissioned by Emaar for the Dubai Creek Harbour.
Created by the Korean artist Choi Jeong Hwa, this colorful piece features different local flowers to symbolize the relationship between man and nature.
The Flower Tree is also one of the most Instagrammable spots in Dubai Creek Harbour, so don’t miss taking a photo on your visit.
Have Fun at Creek Play
Address: Dubai Creek Harbour – Ras Al Khor – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Website
Creek Play is exactly like its name, a fun place where both kids and adults can play to their heart’s content while enjoying scenic views of the creek.
This project was commissioned by Emaar to enhance the beauty of the Dubai Creek Harbour promenade and it features colorful installations representing the seven emirates of the UAE.
Experience Nature at the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: Ras Al Khor Road – Ras Al Khor – Dubai United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 606 6826
Website
Dubbed as “The Cape of the Creek,” the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary at the tip of the Dubai Creek is one of the city’s best kept gems.
The sanctuary offers refuge to thousands of migratory birds during winter season. It’s especially known for having thousands of flamingos.
The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to more than 450 species including the Ethiopian hedgehog, ferruginous duck, tiger fish, Mozambique tilapia and blue swimming crab.
Since it’s a protected reserve, the Dubai Municipality is closely monitoring the sanctuary. So, visitors should follow the rules to maintain the natural habitat of the migratory birds and animals.
Where to Shop Near Dubai Creek Harbour
The Dubai Mall
Address: Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 800 382 246 255
Website
Just a few minutes drive away from Dubai Creek Harbour is the largest mall in the UAE and the 26th largest mall in the World by gross leasable area.
The Dubai Mall is massive with more than 1,200 shops, restaurants and attractions that you can spend a day going around the entire complex.
The mall is also home to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo and just outside is the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain Show.
City Center Deira Dubai
Address: 8th Street – Port Saeed – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 800 226255
Website
Another mall near Dubai Creek Harbour is the Deira City Center.
Although not as massive as the Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai, this mall offers a wide range of choices for shops, restaurants and other retail spaces.
You can even take advantage of discounts and good deals that are offered by different shops, especially on holidays in the UAE.
The Souks
Address: Deira – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Website
If you’re after a more traditional shopping experience, you shouldn’t miss visiting the souks along the Dubai Creek after exploring the Dubai Creek Harbour.
Souks or traditional Arabian markets are known for selling authentic products from local craftsmen and sellers at very good prices.
Some of the must visit souks near the Dubai Creek Harbour include:
- Dubai Gold Souk
This souk is known all over the world for its massive selection of gold, diamond and gemstone jewelry pieces at some of the best prices anywhere in the world.
Here, you can have your jewelry customized by one of the jewelers and you can also buy in bulk to take advantage of bigger discounts.
- Dubai Spice Souk
If you love cooking, nothing beats the joy of walking through the alleyways of the Dubai Spice Souk, the biggest and most extensive spice market in Dubai.
Here, you have all the authentic Middle Eastern spices that you can think of including the precious saffron.
You can even ask one of the sellers to create a special spice combination for you to take back home.
- Perfume Souk
Emiratis are known for their love of scents and there’s not an Emirati home that doesn’t smell good.
At the Perfume Souk, you can buy your own local perfumes like the famous oud and bakhoor to give away as souvenirs or just bring back to your home.
This souk has all types of perfumes that you can think of and you even have the option to create your own scent.
What to Expect from Weather in Dubai Creek Harbour
Winter: Winter is the best time to be in Dubai if you dread the heat. From December to March, the city enjoys fair weather with temperatures dropping to 16 degrees Celsius during the night.
Summer: Dubai is known for its very hot summers with temperatures going up to 50 degrees Celsius in the peak of the season. From June to September, Dubai is at its hottest, so most people tend to stay indoors.
Transition period: Between the two seasons, Dubai has two transitional periods that run from April to May and October to November. Weather during these months are more unpredictable, so you can expect extreme heat or sudden rains.
Apps to Download When Visiting Dubai Creek Harbour
Visit Dubai: A very useful app to use when finding information about Dubai Creek Harbour and everything else about the city
iOs | Android
Dubai Travel Guide: Has detailed maps that will help you navigate your way around Dubai
iOs | Android
Uber: Booking a car for going to and from Dubai Creek Harbour
iOs | Android
S’hail: Useful in checking the schedule of Dubai’s public transport systems including the bus, tram, monorail, metro and water buses
iOs | Android