Old meets new at Dubai's Al Seef

Discover Al Seef

Launched in late 2017, Al Seef celebrates Dubai Creek’s beginnings as a coastal pearl diving base. Hugging 1.8km of Dubai Creek’s 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 historic presence can still be felt today here, with fisherman and merchants criss-crossing the calm waters in dhow boats as part of their daily routine. The best way to take it all in is to embark on a cultural walking tour of 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.

Top tip: Al Seef is easily reachable on public transport, with Sharaf DG and BurJuman metro stations close to the location.

Experience old-world charm

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 wind towers and sandstone buildings, a stroll through the old-world district and its charming sikkas, or alleyways, will offer a glimpse of Dubai's history.

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 Arabian 1950s-style souk and the result is a hands-on experience of Emirati traditions and an authentic flashback to the lifestyles of past generations. 

Top tip: Al Seef offers yacht mooring facilities as well as abra and water taxi services.

Enjoy a meal by the Creek

Interconnected paths lead visitors along the stunning waterway, with options for a casual family meal, romantic dinner or elegant catch-up with friends all on the menu for visitors. Café culture abounds, with the vast majority of waterfront restaurants offering seasonal alfresco seating. On the water, hop aboard one of the many dhow boats, which offer spectacular dinner and cruise packages too. 

Here are some dining options for you to check out...

961 LB: This casual Lebanese eatery and gourmet food shop offers beautiful terrace views of Dubai Creek (open daily 8am to 3am, tel: +971 58 996 1961).  

Sul Fiume: Discover a delicious fusion of Italian and Lebanese cuisines (open daily 12pm to 12am, tel: +971 4 342 0100).

Doors Freestyle Grill: One for all the meat lovers. Enjoy prime cuts as well as succulent seafood (open daily 1pm to 12am, tel: +971 4 204 9299).

Kailash Parbat: Explore the varied delights of vegetarian gastronomy from across India (open daily 11am to 1am, tel: +971 4 349 2770).

Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe: Tuck into authentic Emirati cuisine from yesteryear (open daily 12pm to 11pm, tel: +971 4 396 6669).

Skafos: Perched by the waterfront, this restaurant at Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef is perfect for a leisurely Mediterranean-inspired dinner (open daily 5pm to 1am, tel: +971 58 200 5850).

Journey through an inspired retail hub

Al Seef is also home to myriad shopping concepts, with something to satisfy every style. The irresistible combination of Emirati heritage and hospitality, homegrown concepts and world-renowned brands is sure to keep you coming back for more.

Start your retail and leisure journey at the following places...

Zeneve London: Savvy shoppers can pick up trendy handbags, leather goods, accessories and more (tel: +971 4 427 0320). 

House of Niche Boutique: Sample luxurious Arabian fragrances and other intriguing scents from across the globe (tel: +971 52 987 2661). 

Kashmir Emporium: Find unique homewares and handmade luxury items (tel: +971 50 304 5467). 

Mona Beauty Center: Head here for a relaxing beauty treatment and leave looking like a million dollars (+971 4 235 5000). 

Top tip: After shopping, stop by the Museum of Illusions for a magical, eye-opening experience for all ages.

Stay a little longer

Fancy a room with a view? Al Seef is now home to several hotels, with hundreds of rooms and suites on offer.

Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton: A popular choice thanks to its classic Arabian-style suites, charming courtyards and exceptional service. The hotel is located just a seven-minute walk from Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (tel: +971 4 707 7080).

Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef: The first UAE location for Hilton's boutique-style Canopy collection. Think design-led spaces and comfy rooms with just enough added extras, plus a must-visit rooftop pool (tel: +971 4 707 7077).

Hampton by Hilton Dubai Al Seef: Located next to its Canopy counterpart, this funky and colourful hotel is another great choice for a relaxing waterside stay in Al Seef (tel: +971 4 707 7079).

Top tip: Ask for a room with creek views for the ultimate Al Seef experience.

Go in search of further cultural gems at the Museum of the Poet Al Oqaili or embark on a traditional abra ride.