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What is Al Seef?

Al Seef (Arabic for “shore” or “bank”) is a waterfront promenade and mixed-use development along the southern bank of Dubai Creek, adjacent to the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood in the Bur Dubai / “Old Dubai” area.

It stretches about 1.8 kilometres along the creek.

The built-up area is around 2.5 million square feet, housing shops, cafés, restaurants, hotels, entertainment, a souq, and a marina.

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When & Why It Was Developed

Developer: Meraas, a Dubai-based real estate group.

Construction / Opening: The project was started around 2012, with major completion phases around 2017–2018.

Goal: To create a destination that bridges “Old Dubai” with modern amenities. The idea is to evoke the city’s maritime and trading past (fishing, pearl diving, creek commerce) while providing shopping, dining, leisure, and hotel facilities.

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Design Features & Architecture

Two distinct sections:

1. A Heritage / Traditional style part which includes sikkas (narrow alleys), wind-towers (“barjeels”), coral stone, gypsum plaster, aged-looking façades, wooden doors, etc.

2. A more modern part with contemporary design, but integrated so as to harmonize with the traditional sections.

Heritage Hotel: Part of the development is the Al Seef Heritage Hotel (a Curio Collection by Hilton). It’s designed to replicate the old-trader’s bayts (houses), courtyards, walkways, and architectural aesthetics that recall early 20th century Dubai.

Attention to details: aged signage, traditional materials (or at least simulations of them), décor that references old Emirati life (photographs, fabrics, etc.).

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How Al Seef Connects to Dubai’s Past

The Creek has historically been the beating heart of Dubai’s early economy: pearl diving, fishing, trade routes. Al Seef tries to “tell that story” through its design, its layout next to old districts, its maritime vibe.

It’s placed adjacent to the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, which is genuinely old (restored), and many of the architectural motifs in Al Seef are inspired by what remains there.

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Criticism & Debate

Some scholars and critics argue that Al Seef is not authentically historic, but rather a modern reimagining or stylized recreation of old Dubai. They point out that many of the heritage features are simulated: aged façades, artificially weathered materials, new construction made to look old.

For example, an associate professor at AURAK, Cristiano Luchetti, has called aspects of it “historical fraud” because while it borrows architectural motifs, it may lack the original context or authenticity.

Others appreciate it nonetheless for what it offers: a tangible, walkable experience, a way to feel connected to Dubai’s past in a city heavily dominated by glass-and-steel modernism.

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If you want, I can pull up some old maps or photos to compare what the site was like before Al Seef, so you can see exactly how much is preserved vs recreated. Do you prefer that?