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.
Dredging operations in 1961 allowed vessels with drafts up to 2.1 meters to enter, surpassing Sharjah's harbor capacity. Port Rashid was later built to accommodate larger container ships, while traditional cargo operations continued along the waterway.
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.
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