Al Seef Historic District, located in old Dubai is in fact, rather new. Sitting adjacent to Al Fahidi, another historic area of the city, Al Seef hugs 1.8km of Dubai Creek’s shoreline. The 2.5m square foot Meraas development was launched late in 2017.
Al Seef celebrates Dubai Creek’s beginnings as the famous coastal pearl diving base. The development boasts two sections – a heritage area featuring old architecture, and a second space featuring more contemporary structures.
Apart from the expected shopping, dining and retail, Al Seef also offers some comfortable accommodation options, free parking and is the home of experiences such as the Museum of Illusions and Bateaux Dubai. This makes it a perfect base from which to explore the local as well as other Dubai attractions.
Mum and I begin our day with a karak chai and a generous slice of knafeh (to share). Knafeh is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with spun pastry (kataifi, similar to vermicelli). The pastry is layered over cheese and soaked in attar (a sweet, sugar-based syrup). It should be served hot so the cheese is melty and our arrives warm enough so that the pistachio ice-cream already dripping down the sides.
Although there are various versions of the dish, it is said to originate from Palestine in the city of Nablus, also the name of the cafe we sit in today.
From here we walk parallel with the Creek, discovering wind towers, souvenirs, and antiques for sale and watching the abras putt along. After moseying through the crafts and keepsakes, we alight an abra and cross the Creek in search of gold.
The Souks
The abra rides are a nice way to see the Creek. We pay our AED2 on the boat and wait a few minutes for the next service to depart. The day is bright and the water is calm. Seagulls gather around the station seeking scraps from the nearby restaurants. We spot more wind towers, restaurants, shops and a spattering of mosques.
From the Al Sabkha station, we plunge into the bustling streets of Deira, Dubai’s original old town district. Here the sounds of bartering and business along with the smells of falafel (Arabic) and fara (Indian) create a melting pot of commerce and culture.
Everything is for sale here from pyjamas to paint: pans, paper, pens, pillows and padlocks. Making our way through general trading, electrical, perfume and cloth souks, I follow 10th Street and take a right onto Souk Deira Street which brings us out at the Gold Souk.
This place is truly astonishing. Granted Dubai Mall and the Gold and Diamond Park have their fair share of glitz and glam, along with the luxury brands that I generally associate fine jewellery with. However, there is nothing quite like witnessing first-hand shop after shop, rack after rack of solid gold. The items are fashioned into every conceivable design from the finest chains to the heaviest etched styles.
We try on a few pieces before moving on through the Grand Deira and spice souks, pausing to purchase some flavorful mixes for friends and finally popping out of the colourful chaos at the Deira Old Souq station.
Back across the river to Al Fahidi we seek a quick lunch of fish and salad before making our way back home.
Good To Know
There is a vast range of shops, restaurants and sights to see and experience in Al Seef. Plan to spend a day wandering around if you have the time as part of the fun is getting lost in the maze of souks. Al Seef district has onsite parking, hotels and a museum. Nearby Al Fahidi offers a similarly delightful experience.
Would I Return?
Yes. Al Seef is a pleasant experience for locals and tourists alike.
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