Updated: April 15, 2024

Launched in late 2017, Al Seef celebrates Dubai Creek’s beginnings as the famous coastal pearl diving base. Hugging 1.8km of Dubai Creek’s stately shoreline, the 2.5 million square foot development has two sections – a heritage area featuring old architecture, and a second space featuring more contemporary structures.

Once a vibrant entryway to the Gulf’s most successful pearl diving port, the Creek’s legendary presence can still be felt today here, with fisherman and merchants criss-crossing the calm waters in their sleek dhows as part of their daily routine.

The best way to take it all in is to embark on a cultural walking tour of the pedestrian-friendly Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, before wandering over to Al Seef and exploring its charming walkways, fully-operational marina, dining boulevard and events plaza on foot.

Al Seef places a strong emphasis on the region’s proud heritage, and presents forward-thinking elements that showcase the area’s natural beauty. Dotted with windtowers and sandstone buildings, a stroll through the old-world district and its charming sikkas, or alleyways, will offer a glimpse of past Dubai life.

Paying tribute to this traditional time, Al Seef has introduced an open-air floating market and accompanying creekside pontoons, hosting regional crafts and textiles, Emirati art spaces and pop-ups dedicated to local cuisine. Add in the recently-completed Arabian 1950s-style souk and the result is a hands-on experience of traditional Emirati customs and an authentic flashback to the lifestyles of past generations.

Interconnected paths lead visitors along the stunning waterway, with options for a casual family meal, romantic dinner or elegant catch-ups all on the menu for visitors. Café culture abounds, with the vast majority of waterfront restaurants offering seasonal al fresco seating.

Some of the first restaurants to open in the district were casual Lebanese outlet 961 LB, American-meets-Arabian diner Dukkan Burger, the homegrown Kava & Chai coffee house, and Sul Fiume, an Italian-Lebanese fusion venture.

Don’t miss the Arabian specialties at Ila restaurant, authentic Syrian fare at Al Hamidieh and sweet indulgences at Japanese-inspired dessert house, Yuki No Hana. On the water, Bateaux Dubai offers spectacular dinner and cruise packages too.