Dubai Creek, Natural saltwater inlet in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The waterway stretches 14 kilometers inland from the Persian Gulf, forming a natural boundary between Deira to the north and Bur Dubai to the south, with several bridges and a tunnel providing crossings.

In 1902 Sheikh Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum made the creek a free trade zone, and it became the city's main trading centre. Dredging in 1961 let 7-foot (2.1 m) draft vessels pass at all times, and later work gave anchorage to ships of about 500 tons, drawing trade away from Sharjah. Al Maktoum Bridge, the first crossing between Bur Dubai and Deira, was built in 1963.

Wooden dhows transport spices, textiles and goods between Deira souks and trading partners along the Gulf coast, preserving centuries-old commercial routes that established Dubai as a regional trading hub.

The Green Line of Dubai Metro connects both banks, while traditional abras and modern water taxis offer regular crossings between Deira and Bur Dubai for less than one dirham. Boat rides take roughly five minutes between main boarding points.

Archaeological findings along the banks indicate settlements from the third millennium BC, showing that people utilized the natural harbor's strategic position more than four thousand years ago.