A Taste of Old Dubai

At the heart of the old city lies Al Khor (The Creek), a wide saltwater inlet which divides the two main city-centre districts of Bur Dubai and Deira and provides a scenic thoroughfare for traditional wooden dhows, abras (water taxis) and the occasional ship.

It is also a perfect snapshot of Dubai’s sometimes startling contrasts between old and new, with traditional coral-and-gypsum houses, wind towers and minarets mixed up amidst the modern development and glassy high-rises. The best, cheapest and most convenient way of seeing the Creek is to take the five-minute ride across it aboard one of the city’s traditional abras – one of the most authentic and inexpensive experiences available in the Emirates.