The saltwater Dubai Creek is also called “Khor Dubai” and it is located in the city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Today, it provides porting facilities for traders from the area and the subcontinent. This area also has a wharf and many boating activities. There are a few noteworthy buildings along the Deira side of Dubai Creek and they include the Deira Twin Towers, Chamber of Commerce and the National Bank.
History of the Creek Area
In the past, the creek divided Dubai into two key sections, Bur Dubai and Deira. The Bani Yas tribe settled the area in the nineteenth century. The Al Maktoum dynasty was established in Bur Duba. During the early part of the twentieth century, the creek was used as a minor port for sailing boats that came from many distant areas such as East Africa or India.
Even though large ships were restricted because of its flow, the creek continued to be an essential factor in developing the commercial aspect of the city because it was the only harbor or port. Dubai’s pearling industry was an important part of the city’s economy and it was based on expeditions in the Dubai Creek. This was before cultured pearls were invented in the 1930’s.
Fishing was another essential industry back then, and it was centered along the creek which had shallow, warm waters that supported numerous types of marine life. Dhows, or Arabic sailing boats, were used for fishing purposes and they were often built on the creek’s shore area.
In 1955, the city decided to dredge some of the shallow areas, build breakwaters, and develop its beach in order to expand the area. The creek was initially dredged in 1961 so seven foot draft vessels could cross the creek all of the time. The creek was dredged a couple of times during the 1960’s and early 1970’s so that it could provide anchorage for local and coastal ships.
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
The waterfront Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club first opened in January of 1993 to worldwide acclaim. It has hosted many events and tournaments, including the popular Dubai Desert Classic. The clubhouse’s design reflects the traditional sails of the dhow and effectively expresses the fusion of tradition with contemporary styling.
