"Dubai Creek" Dubai Favorite Tip by sue_stone

Favorite thing: Dubai has been a trading centre for centuries thanks to Dubai Creek, a natural sea-water inlet which meanders through the centre of the city. To me it doesn't look much like a creek, but more like a river.

This picturesque waterway offers you a glimpse of the old Dubai. The Creek is lined with bustling wharves where you can watch the loading and unloading of the dhows (traditional boats), which still travel the ancient trade routes to places like India and Eastern Africa.

The best way to get a feel for the Creek and traditional Dubai life is to get out on the water. Catch one of the public water-taxi type boats called abras, which go from one side to the other, and can be hired for longer trips too.

Fondest memory: The banks of the Creek are undergoing major redevelopment. On the Deira side you can enjoy a walk on the paved promenade, snooping at the dhows and gaining an insight into the importance of the Creek in the city's history.

At the inland end of the Creek is a wildlife sanctuary where you can see migrating shore birds, including the beautiful Flamingos which have made the Creek their permanent home. We drove past the sanctuary and I was amazed to see the massive flock of these impressive birds.