Dubai Creek is a saltwater creek located in Dubai, United
Arab Emirates (UAE). It ends at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. Some sources
say that the creek extended as far inland as Al Ain, and that the Ancient Greeks
called it River Zara. Historically, the creek divided the city into two main
sections – Deira and Bur Dubai. It was along the Bur Dubai creek area that
members of the Bani Yas tribe first settled in the 19th century, establishing
the Al Maktoum dynasty in the city. In the early 20th century, the creek,
though incapable then of supporting large scale transportation, served as a
minor port for dhows coming as far away as India or East Africa. Although it
impeded the entry of ships due to current flow, the creek remained an important
element in establishing the commercial position of Dubai, being the only port
or harbour in the city. Dubai's pearling industry, which formed the main sector
of the city's economy, was based primarily on expeditions in the creek, prior
to the invention of cultured pearls in the 1930s.Dubai Creek's bank, north of
Al-Maktoum Bridge. Still used by small traders from across the Gulf, some of
the dhows anchored here are well over 100 years old. You can visit here,
watching cargo being loaded and unloaded on and off the dhows. Dhow workers
often invite visitors onto the vessels for a tour, where you can gain insight
into the life of these traditional sailors. Many of the dhows here travel
onwards to Kuwait, Iran, Oman, India, and down to Africa's horn. This tiny
remnant of Dubai's traditional economy is still a bustling and fascinating
place to wander around.To travel across the creek you can either take a trip on
one of the many dhows that have been restored as tourist cruise boats or take
an abra (small wooden ferry) between the ferry points on the creek's Bur Dubai
and Deira banks.
TAKE from wikipedia and planetware
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