Al Seef

What Al Seef is like

Al Seef runs for about 1.8 km along the western bank of Dubai Creek, on the edge of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood in Bur Dubai. The Dubai developer Meraas built it, and it opened in stages until 2017. Its buildings copy traditional Emirati architecture, with wind towers, sand-coloured walls and sikkas (narrow alleyways), while a more modern section offers contemporary shops and restaurants. There is also a marina with 56 berths for private yachts. The official address is Al Seef Street, opposite the US Embassy, on the Creek side of Bur Dubai.

The setting recalls the fishermen, pearl divers, weavers and traders who once worked along this stretch of water. Dubai Creek runs for about 14 km and still divides Bur Dubai from Deira, and wooden abras have crossed it for generations.

It is worth knowing what you are looking at. Al Seef is a new development styled to look historic, not a restored old quarter; some architecture scholars have criticised its artificially aged finishes. For genuine old buildings, walk a few minutes into Al Fahidi.

Visit Dubai recommends the cooler months from October to March, though the promenade is open all year. Sunset is a good time to come, when the light falls on the Deira bank across the water.

What to see and do

• The promenade and lanes: wander the alleys and waterfront, where traditional crafts sit alongside modern fashion labels.
• Events plaza: hosts plays, live music, dance and children's shows through the season.
• Abra rides: RTA heritage abras run from Al Seef to Baniyas on the Deira side for AED 2, and other routes link Al Fahidi with Deira Old Souq and Al Sabkha.
• Souks across the Creek: once in Deira you can walk to the spice and gold souks. See our Deira guide.
• Traditional crossings: the RTA's wooden motor abras link the Bur Dubai abra station with Deira Old Souq for AED 1, paid in cash, and a whole abra can be chartered for AED 120 an hour.
• Al Fahidi next door: galleries, cafés such as Arabian Tea House and Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant, and small museums sit among the wind towers. Browse our attractions.
• BurJuman: the closest shopping mall, with the Magic Planet family entertainment centre.

Getting there and around

The nearest metro stop is BurJuman, an interchange on the Red and Green Lines; Visit Dubai puts the walk at about 10 minutes. Bus routes 29, C10 and 33 stop within walking distance. By car, take exit 54A-55 from Sheikh Zayed Road towards Zaa'beel Street (D84).

Rome2Rio estimates the taxi ride from Dubai International Airport at about 20 minutes with no traffic. Once here, the promenade connects on foot with Al Fahidi and the rest of Bur Dubai.

Where to eat

Visit Dubai says restaurants and cafés open from 10am daily, closing at 11pm Monday to Thursday and at midnight on other days. The promenade has a heritage-styled Starbucks that draws a lot of photographers, as well as Doors Freestyle Grill, Al Fanar Seafood Market and the Rajasthani restaurant Chokhi Dhani. The official site lists Arabic, Emirati, Indian and American cuisines.

Practical tips

• Carry a nol card or small change for the abras; traditional motor abras across the Creek take cash.
• Shops close earlier than restaurants, so shop first and eat later.
• Evenings from October to March are the most comfortable time to walk the full length.
• Combine Al Seef with Al Fahidi and an abra crossing for an easy half day in old Dubai, or join an old Dubai walking tour from our tours.