Old Dubai: Al Fahidi, Dubai Creek and the souks
Wind towers in Al Fahidi, an abra across Dubai Creek and the spice and gold souks of Deira, 6 km from the terminal.
At a glance
For centuries the abra has carried passengers across Dubai Creek, which divides Bur Dubai and Deira.
Old Dubai grew up on both banks of Dubai Creek, the saltwater inlet that served as the port for trading boats sailing to India, Africa and the rest of the Gulf. On the Bur Dubai side, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood preserves the mid-19th-century town: sand-coloured houses with wind towers built of stone, gypsum, teak and palm wood, more than 50 restored buildings with museums, galleries and cafés, and the Al Fahidi Fort of 1787, the oldest building in the city.
From the Bur Dubai waterfront the traditional wooden abras cross the Creek for AED 1 to Deira, home of the old souks: the Spice Souk, the Perfume Souk and the Gold Souk, which earned Dubai the name of city of gold. Near the mouth of the Creek, Al Shindagha Museum tells the story of the city and its trade in a series of restored houses.
This is the closest plan to the Mina Rashid cruise terminal, about 6 km by road, and it shows the Dubai that existed before the skyscrapers. It is done on foot plus a boat ride, in three to five hours, and fits a morning before the heat.
Official websiteGetting there from the port
4 optionsYour day in port
Example: call from 08:00 to 18:00, all aboard at 17:30.
- 08:30To Al FahidiTaxi from the terminal to Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, about 15 minutes.
- 08:45Al FahidiWalk the wind-tower lanes, Al Fahidi Fort and the small museums and galleries.
- 10:30Along the CreekWalk along the waterfront to Al Shindagha Museum (check its opening times) or the Bur Dubai souk.
- 12:00Abra to DeiraCross the Creek by abra from the Bur Dubai side to Deira Old Souq for AED 1.
- 12:15Souks of DeiraSpice and Perfume souks, then the Gold Souk, and lunch nearby.
- 14:30Back to the shipTaxi from Deira to the cruise terminal, on board by about 15:00.
What to see
- 1Al Fahidi Historical NeighbourhoodThe restored old town of wind-tower houses and narrow lanes, with more than 50 buildings to explore and free entry.
- 2Al Fahidi FortBuilt in 1787, the oldest building in Dubai, which later housed the Dubai Museum.
- 3Abra across the CreekThe traditional wooden boats that link Bur Dubai and Deira, AED 1 per crossing.
- 4Spice and Perfume souksThe covered lanes of Deira selling spices, herbs, dried fruit, incense and Arabian perfumes.
- 5Gold SoukDozens of jewellers selling gold in every form, from ingots to fine jewellery.
- 6Al Shindagha MuseumThe history of Dubai and its Creek told with multimedia displays, plus the Perfume House.
Tips for cruise passengers
- Go earlyFrom May to October the heat is intense by late morning; start at Al Fahidi as early as possible and keep the souks, which are partly shaded, for later.
- Cash for the abraThe traditional abra costs AED 1 per person and is paid in cash; small coins and notes are also useful in the souks.
- HagglingIn the spice, perfume and textile souks prices are negotiable; in the Gold Souk the price depends on the weight and the gold rate of the day, plus the workmanship.
- Cultural tourThe Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding in Al Fahidi runs cultural tours of the district.
- Dress codeIt is a traditional area: cover shoulders and knees, especially if you visit a mosque or museum.
- Book the museumAl Shindagha Museum recommends booking online; tickets cost AED 50 (AED 20 for students aged 5 to 24).
Accessibility & families
The Al Fahidi lanes are mostly flat but uneven and narrow in places, and boarding an abra means stepping down into an open boat without a ramp, so access is partial for wheelchairs. Children usually enjoy the abra ride and the souks; carry water and sun protection.
In pictures
