Deira

Experience one of the oldest parts of the city – Deira is a neighborhood teeming with character, centuries-old history and spectacular souks.

Dubai’s trading past lingers on in Deira. Together with Bur Dubai, Karama and Satwa, Deira is part of an area that’s affectionately known as ‘Old Dubai’ among locals. It’s a nod to the fact that these are some of the most storied quarters of the city, each with its own identity.

Here you’ll find narrow lanes with the city’s ancient gold and spice souks filled with wares brought in by the waterways of Dubai Creek. For centuries, merchants would dock their boats by its banks, bringing in perfume, spices, coffee and gold from far away countries to trade.

Today, the creek is as active as ever, with modern yachts and Arabian dhows gliding side-by-side at busy wharves. The waters are also busy with smaller motorized wooden vessels known as abras, which whisk passengers between Deira and Bur Dubai for just AED2.

Getting there: Dubai Metro users can alight at Union station for the dhow wharfage, Al Ras station for the Gold Souk and Al Rigga station to explore eateries.