Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek is a saltwater creek located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Previously it extended to Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary but as part of the new Dubai canal it extends through to the Persian Gulf.

Some sources say that the creek extended as far inland as Al Ain,

and that the Ancient Greeks called it River Zara.

History

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 from 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.