Playing in Dubai:
Dubai Creek and Marina
Dubai Creek has always been assumed as the centre of Dubai and being a sheltered creek and waterway was the main reason for the location of the city where it is. It is long-established for its ancient sea-routes, which reached as far as India and the East African coast and still remains the heart and soul of the city. Dubai Creek separated the areas of Deira and Bur Dubai and the city of Dubai and like most creek or inlet based cities it owed its initial prosperity to its location.
The creek was dredged to allow larger ships into Dubai port and while the past decade may have seen the creek lose a little of its importance, as the city underwent massive growth both in physical terms and in popularity, it has once again gained recognition as an integral and important facet of Dubai commercial life.It is being extended as part of the Business Bay development and a new and huge project of seven islands is proposed for the Creek, the centrepiece of which is the Dubai Towers.
Commerce and industry in general has not forgotten about Dubai Creek. It has recognised that it offers a prime location being just minutes away from Dubai International Airport, with many top hotels located in and around the immediate area (see Dubai Hotels for more information). However Dubai Creek is itself very popular with tourists, especially since the redevelopment work which has transformed parts of the creek’s banks. There is plenty of day-to-day working at the creek and it must be said that it makes a great place to stroll in the evening.
A rather more traditional way of crossing the creek is by "abra" or water taxi. These may seem rather unstable at a first glance but these water-tight, wooden boats have been ferrying people - residents, traders and visitors - across Dubai Creek since Dubai was first settled. Although the original rowing man-power has since given way to diesel engines. Just take care during peak times, as boarding tends to be as hectic as boarding a rush hour train at Oxford Circus or Grand Central Station!
Two of the major attractions at the Creek have to be the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club and the Dubai Creek Marina. The 18 hole championship golf course has received the accolade as one of the world’s ‘Top 100 Must-Play Golf Courses’, however the resort also incorporates a 9 hole Par 3 course, golf academy, six restaurants and bars, gymnasium, tropical swimming pool, the 225-bedroom Park Hyatt Dubai, 92 residential executive villas and a 121-berth marina.
The Marina is the first in Dubai to receive ISO certification. It can berth vessels of varying lengths to a maximum of 165 feet and can provide each mooring with electricity and water. There is also a boat charter operation, Chandlery - well-stocked with the latest fishing tackle, bait, marine maintenance supplies and hardware and there is a fully equipped workshop and boat repair yard.
The Dubai Creek Yacht Club overlooks the marina. It is set on the beautiful waterfront and has been designed on a nautical theme, to resemble a luxury cruise ship. This theme continues indoors at the renowned Aquarium Restaurant and Vines Wine Bar. Excellent food aside, diners enjoy unhindered views across the Marina, waterfront and city and not to forget that next door is Qd’s - the ultimate ‘chill-out’ late night haunt.
