We Visited Al Seef in Dubai to check out this leisure district by the creek!
Walking around Dubai feels like you’re in a sci-fi movie with oddly shaped skyscrapers, self-driving cars and a building that literally takes you to the sky.
But if you like to travel back in time, all you have to do is hop on an abra, sail across the Dubai Creek and voila, you’re in a different world.
Al Seef is a dream. It has spices, good coffee, souvenirs, historical buildings and delicious food – all in one place! So, if you’re like me who’s a sucker for some history, let’s explore Al Seef together, shall we?
What is Al Seef?
Al Seef is a mixed-use development by the Dubai Creek. Launched in 2017, this area was created by the government to honor the city’s humble beginnings as a pearl diving area.
Back in the time of Old Dubai, Emiratis relied heavily on selling pearls that they got from the Dubai Creek as their primary source of living.
Today, the majestic creek is still celebrated through Al Seef, a 2.5 million square foot development covering over 1.8 kilometers of the creek’s shoreline.
Al Seef is divided into two sections. One area is where you can find old buildings that show you the rich heritage of Dubai and the other features more modern structures.
This area is also filled with hotels, restaurants, shops and cafes that you wouldn’t mind spending an entire day here or even make it your home during your stay in Dubai.
Best Time to Go
Since Al Seef is largely outdoors, it’s best to visit this area in the winter when the weather is not so hot that you can start exploring in the morning to see everything.
But if you’re visiting during summer, go to Al Seef in the late afternoon to the evening when the temperature is lower.
Things to Know
Ready to explore Al Seef? Here are some things that would help you make the most of your visit:
- Al Seef is best explored on foot, so it’s very important to dress comfortably and wear the right footwear to last the entire day walking around this area.
- If you’re driving a car to Al Seef, take advantage of self-service or valet parking options around the area. Valet will cost you AED 20 per hour for the first two hours and AED 15 for every succeeding hour.
- Be respectful to the locals. Make sure that you follow rules in museums, restaurants and shops, and act properly while exploring Al Seef.
- Learn how to haggle. It’s one of the best parts of visiting Al Seef and the locals will surely be more than happy to give you a discount as long as you don’t push too hard.
How to Get Around
Where to Stay in Al Seef
Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai
Address: Dubai Creek – Al Seef Street – Umm Hurair 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 707 7080
Pricing: $$$
The moment you step inside the Al Seef Heritage Hotel, you’re sure to fall in love with its Arabian-style interiors, its old world charm and of course, the most stunning views of the Dubai Creek.
In fact, this hotel is as close as you can get to the beauty of Old Dubai. Just imagine waking up in an Arabian suite, relaxing inthe outdoor majlis and dining at one of Al Seef’s most famous restaurants.
Hampton by Hilton Dubai Al Seef
Address: Al Seef Street – Umm Hurair 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 707 7079
Pricing: $$$
Hampton is the newest addition to the hotels in Al Seef and it’s a great choice if you want a hotel that’s unique, funky and colorful.
You can’t miss this striking structure right next to the Canopy Hotel and the interiors are just as bright and energetic.
Each room at the Hampton is decorated with beautiful details and their signature colorful ceilings.
And because it’s just a few minutes away from different tourist spots in Dubai, it’s a great choice if you want to stay somewhere accessible.
Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef
Address: Al Seef Street – Umm Hurair 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 707 7077
Pricing: $$$
Canopy in Al Seef is the first from Hilton’s collection of boutique style hotels in the country, and it’s a great choice if you want a place that combines luxury and convenience.
Here, you get to wake up to peaceful views of the Dubai Creek, enjoy the rooftop pool and be just a few minutes away from Al Fahidi and the other attractions in Old Dubai.
Where to Eat in Al Seef
Al Fanar Seafood Market
Address: Al Seef Street – Umm Hurair – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 396 6669
Pricing: $$$
Al Fanar Seafood Market is a charming restaurant that combines Al Fanar’s signature Emirati flavors with captivating views of the Dubai Creek.
A favorite among locals and tourists for many years, Al Fanar opened its newest branch in Al Seef where it highlights the best seafood that you can find in the city.
Sabaa Restaurant and Cafe
Address: All Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai – Al Seef Street – Umm Hurair 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 58 200 5850
Pricing: $$
If you’re staying at the Al Seef Heritage Hotel, you can’t miss dining at Sabaa, the hotel’s restaurant that serves authentic Emirati food.
This restaurant is especially famous for its breakfast buffet where you can enjoy a combination of Emriati and international cuisines to kickstart your day.
Sabaa also offers a sumptuous Middle Eastern dinner and its picnic-style room service is available for guests daily.
Doors Freestyle Grill
Address: 314 Al Seef Street – Bur Dubai – Umm Hurair 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 204 9299
Pricing: $$
Doors Freestyle Grill specializes in fusion cuisine where ingredients are sourced from around the world and made using the most innovative cooking methods.
This chic restaurant has a mixology lab where its signature cocktails come to life, a VVIP private majlis for the ultimate luxe experience and a seesha lounge where you can enjoy with friends.
On a good winter’s day, you can also dine at its outdoor terrace that overlooks the beautiful Dubai Creek.
What to Do in Al Seef
Visit the Most Unique Starbucks
Address: Marsa Al Seef – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 419 0014
Starbucks fan or not, you’d want to visit perhaps the most unique Starbucks cafe in the world.
In fact, it isn’t anything like your typical Starbucks because it’s designed to appear like it’s been around for centuries. And yes, we’re talking about wooden doors, brick walls, traditional lanterns and even a thatched roof.
Of course, this Starbucks still serves your usual favorites, but the charm of this place makes it worth the stop – and the Instagram shots.
Be Mesmerized at the Museum of Illusions
Address: Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood – Al Seef – Dubai Creek – Al Hamriya – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 357 3999
While you’ll be treated with a lot of history during your visit to Al Seef, the Museum of Illusions offers you something new – and even weird – to enjoy.
You have to prepare for a mind-boggling experience with more than 80 exhibits tricking your eye and brain.
This branch is the biggest in the world and it’s filled with tricks, activities and everything in between that will surely challenge your mind.
Explore the Al Fahidi Neighborhood
Address: Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 800 33222
The Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood takes you back in time when Dubai was a humble fishing village.
Here, you’ll see more than 50 traditional houses including the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Center for Cultural Understanding.
Here, you’ll get a glimpse of Dubai’s past, present and future, and even enjoy a traditional Emirati meal.
Being such a massive part of Al Seef, you can enjoy a lot of activities in Al Fahidi, so prepare to spend an entire day here.
Where to Shop in Al Seef
Al Seef Heritage Souk
Address: Al Hamriya – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
There’s nothing more authentic than shopping for local products at the Al Seef Heritage Souk in the middle of the Al Seef district.
The experience of walking around the market will already transport you back in time, and you can find a lot of authentic souvenirs to take back home.
Dubai Gold Souk
Address: Deira – Al Ras – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 50 344 0204
You can’t visit Dubai without shopping for gold jewelry at the Dubai Gold Souk. Located right across the creek, you just need to ride an abra for AED 1.
From the dock, you can walk to the gold souk and start shopping for different types of gold jewelry at lower prices than the mall.
You can also find different gems, pearls, diamonds and silver jewelery pieces or have one of the local sellers create a custom piece for you.
Dubai Spice Souk
Address: 41 34th Street – Deira – Al Ras – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
If you’d rather cook than wear fancy jewelry, you shouldn’t miss visiting the Dubai Spice Souk where you can find hundreds of spices that will surely make your food extra delicious.
As you wander around the souk, you’ll be greeted with rich aromas and bright colors from the different stalls that sell every type of spice and herb that you can think of.
In fact, you can ask one of the sellers to create a special spice concoction that will remind you of your trip to Dubai.
What to Expect from Weather in Al Seef
Winter: From December to March, Dubai experiences the winter season when there’s a higher chance of rain and temperatures are a lot lower than the rest of the year.
Summer: Dubai is known for its extremely hot summers running from June to September. During this time, people choose to stay indoors and only go out in the late afternoon.
Transition period: In between the two seasons, Dubai goes through two transition periods from April to May and October to November.
Apps to Download When Visiting Al Seef
Visit Dubai: The official tourism app of Dubai where you can get information in planning your trip to Al Seef
Duolingo: Useful in translating from Arabic to English, so you can communicate better with the locals when visiting Al Seef
RTA Dubai Drive: An app that will help you navigate around Dubai if you’re driving your own car because it has detailed maps of the city and even parking suggestions
Uber: The most convenient app to use when booking a ride to take you to and from Al Seef