National Day has been on my radar for about a month. I knew it was coming, having looked into the background for a street being called “2nd December Street” earlier on in the year, the next sign came on the 1st of November when all the Halloween decorations came down and flags went up everywhere – on buildings, schools, in the shops, on houses and on people – in the form of scarves, pins and t-shirts. I even saw someone wearing flag inspired earrings.
After my trip to Zaya Nurai Island, I was lucky enough to be invited on another boat rally, this time for National Day. As it is a public holiday, I knew I wouldn’t be getting out of a day with the family so, as it happens, double luck came my way and I was able to take them along. Today our destination is the Dubai Creek Marina, right next to the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club which I’m looking forward to visiting both in daylight and from the creek side.
Much the same as last time, we met out lovely host, Candida, at the Dubai Marina and the rest of the rally boats at the base of the Palm, just off from the fabulous 101 Bar and Lounge by the One & Only, The Palm.
From there we hightailed it up the coast to the Dubai Water Canal. My boys were very excited about the ‘speed’ boat ride and my youngest even had a taste of driving the boat. I worry about their need for speed when they’re older but for now it’s as much of a thrill for me to watch them enjoying themselves as it is for them living the experience.
From the mouth of the canal it’s a much more subdued 4 knots up to the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. It’s exciting and I’m glad we’re going slowly as, not only does it allow me to enjoy the ride but to take in all the sights that you don’t see from the road. The Canal snakes its way through Business Bay which I haven’t explored very much and there are lots of new buildings and views to see.
A little further on we also get a creek side view of the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area for pink flamingos as well as great egrets, spot grey herons, black winged stilts, sandpipers and other birds. We’re a bit too far away to spot anything but a few long legs and pink bodies in the distance. There are, however, flocks of seagulls and sandpipers on the creek that take off as the boats come through.
We berth and arrive at The Boardwalk restaurant at the Dubai Creek Marina where waterfront tables are reserved for the boating group. We’re the last to have moored and some tables already have drinks with food on the way. It’s sunny (of course, it’s Dubai!) and the umbrellas are up, but there’s a pleasant breeze and a family lunch atmosphere as we browse the menu.
It’s got everything – a kids menu complete with coloring in is promptly delivered to our table and drinks orders taken. My eldest has bumped into a friend from his class, who also happens to be in the boat rally today, and is off to play and the youngest tags along with his brother leaving us to drink and chat for a bit. Lunch arrives quickly, the service is very attentive, and the meals are delicious. I have a selection of calamari, prawns, eggplant caponata and gorgonzola balls – an antipasti that I enjoy as my main along with a perfectly balanced silver margarita. My husband enjoys a quiona & avocado salad and Candida orders an octopus main which looks tender and comes with potato and vegetable accompaniments. The kids’ menu is predictable but there’s no complaints from their end of the table either.
After lunch we order another drink and sit back to enjoy the afternoon. We hear about a play area and the waiter takes us there – not just a play area but a fully catered kids club where they discover a room of toys and games as well as Boss Baby playing on TV which I think wins over in the end.
After a couple of hours the rest of the rally are ready to get going again and we leave about 2:30pm. It doesn’t feel quite long enough but I know that the boys will be tired and think it’s better not to push it too much for the sake of another drink, despite how tempting it is.
The boys happily board the boat again and we’re off, heading back through the Canal as they enjoy the ride. They’re excited about picking up the speed as we hit the open water again but it only takes one decent splash and they take shelter at the back of the boat and are both asleep within a few minutes.
It’s a shame they miss the views of the open water with the coastline and the Burj Al Arab, so different from the water than how we usually see it.
There are sail boats, fishing boats, pleasure boats, tourist boats, jet skis and paddle boards all out and about. The beaches look busy and there’s a real holiday feel about. Although it’s easy to find a holiday vibe in Dubai so perhaps, today it’s just because I am on holidays too.
We head back under the ‘trunk’ of The Palm and enter the Marina from the north end. The scenery is equally vibrant this way, boats and people all out and about as the sun begins to sink behind the skyline of JBR. We wake the boys up and within minutes they’re bouncing about excited about washing the boat down. We get them scrubbing the deck, literally, and I can’t help but snap a few photos – proof that they can help out if they want to!
As the lights come on and the UAE comes alive for the evening, we’re all pretty exhausted and are glad to be heading home. Another great day and fitting, I think, to celebrate it doing something very Dubai.
Would I Return?
Yes. Boating along with all things water is a wonderful Dubai pastime which is much more enjoyable during the milder winter months.
In addition, The Boardwalk restaurant at the Dubai Creek Marina is accessible by car and is a great place for lunch with children. It’s on my list for visitors also as the creek side location and views make it a great way to enjoy this part of town.
A very special thanks to our captain, Candida, for a wonderful day.
