Featuring fab views of Dubai’s historic creek, traditional dhows, and old-world architecture paired with modern comforts, Al Seef is the ideal tourist lifestyle destination.
Located near the iconic Dubai Creek, the newly opened area of Al Seef is making its mark on Dubai’s heritage district. Beautiful traditions combine with modern designs at this new destination, as the city showcases an inspiring partnership between its proud past and bright future.
Meet Al Seef
Launched in late 2017, Al Seef celebrates Dubai Creek’s beginnings as the famous coastal pearl-diving base. Hugging 1.8km of the Dubai Creek’s stately shoreline, the 2.5 million square foot development has two sections – a heritage area featuring old architecture, which then blends into a second space featuring more contemporary structures.
Once a vibrant entryway to the Gulf’s most successful pearl-diving port, the Creek’s legendary presence can still be felt today here, with fisherman and merchants criss-crossing the calm waters in their sleek dhows as part of their daily routine.
The best way to take it all in is to embark on a cultural walking tour of the pedestrian-friendly 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.
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 windtowers and sandstone buildings, a stroll through the old-world district and its charming sikkas or alleyways will offer a glimpse of past Dubai life.
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 (opening in phase two) and the result is a hands-on experience of traditional Emirati customs and an authentic flashback to the lifestyles of past generations.
History
Al Seef is an area of Dubai steeped in history, with a huge amount of Emirati culture. The first phase of the Meraas project opened late last year, and as with other locations from the holding company – including The Beach, BoxPark, City Walk and new beachside location La Mer – its unmistakably modern, shipping-container style design links them all.
This latest attraction leans heavily on the contemporary elements of life in Dubai in 2018, but in equal measure, reflects and pays homage to the city that once was. In the early 20th century, life in Dubai centered round the Creek. It still separates Dubai’s two primary districts – Deira and Bur Dubai – and was the emirate’s principal trading hub. The Creek homed the only port or harbour in the city, and was hugely important in developing Dubai’s pearl diving industry, which helped the economy to flourish.
Meraas’ Al Seef is looking to bring together to contemporary elements of Dubai today, and marry them with historical nostalgia and influences from the mid-late 1900s. The developer is set to “put a modern façade on one of the city’s more historic and traditional areas”, with a huge development offering dining, retail, leisure and tourism attractions, plus a whole lot more.
The 1.8 km-long strip is split into two very distinct regions. There’s the modern site that has the contemporary Meraas hallmarks you’re familiar with (those shipping container buildings) – while the other side is modelled on Old Dubai, with narrow corridors, market stall traders and buildings that have been created with an “already old” finish. There’s deliberate rust on street-side pillar boxes or electrical outlets, and air conditioning units, while modern and efficient, are made to look as if they’ve been there since the ’60s.
At the moment, the first phase is gradually building on its September 2017 opening, and the site in its current form is very much a dining and retail destination in its own right. With a wealth of restaurants, cafés, diners, jewellery stores and various other retail outlets, plus outdoor spaces for markets and public events, there’s already plenty to see.
Restaurants now open
961 LB
This Lebanese bar and restaurant calls itself the “best of both worlds” because not only can you sit and while away a few hours with some top grub, but you can also do a spot of retail therapy while you’re there.
Open Sun-Thu 9am-2am; Fri-Sat 9am-3am, (058 896 1961).
Al Hamidieh
Al Hamidieh is making some bold claims. “Famous for preparing the best Arabic dishes in UAE”, it says. We’re looking forward to some classic dishes, traditional recipes and a relaxed vibe here.
Open Sun-Thu 10am-2am; Fri-Sat 10am-2am (056 105 8521).
Baskin-Robbins
This popular and colourful US ice cream chain has set up shop in Al Seef’s old quarter, offering its usual sweet-tooth treats. You’ll have to keep an eye out for it, though, its shop-front is demi-disguised to suit its locale, which gives this branch a unique look compared to the rest of the modern franchise across the city.
Open daily, 10am-midnight (054 438 6590).
Bateaux Dubai
Probably the flagship (no pun intended) dining experience at Al Seef is Bateaux Dubai. This established Creek cruise – it’s been running for more than ten years – is the ultimate in water dining in the city and offers packages inclusive of soft drinks (Dhs415) or house beverages (Dhs520). You’ll get a four-course meal during your two-and-a-half hour cruise. Similar to the boats you’ll find gliding along the Seine – it was built by French designers – this is a unique way to spend an evening and you’ll get fantastic panoramic views of Dubai’s Old Town including the souks. It’s well worth a visit for tourists and residents.
Open daily, 8.30pm-11pm, boarding at 8pm (04 814 5553).
Bellamia
Because there’s one thing we’ll never tire of out here, and that’s heat-quelling ice cream. This Italian chain serves up some tasty once-a-week treats, milkshakes and more.
Open daily, 10am-midnight (04 321 9011).
Bikanervala
If continental European sweets aren’t quite what you’re in the mood for, perhaps this Indian quick eats and candies will be? There are plenty of savoury dishes too at Bikanervala, which was set up in Delhi. Grab shakes, kulfis, chaats, curries, breads, pizzas and sandwiches.
Open daily, 10am-midnight (043 885 553).
Dukkan Burger
Home to freshly made grub with local flavours and a menu inspired by local traditions fused with contemporary tastes and trends, Dukkan dishes up, you guessed it, lots of burgers, fries, chicken and more.
Open Sun-Wed 10am-11.30pm; Thu-Sat 10am-2am (no number).
Hello Fruits
If you’re not after a shake, burger or fries head to Hello Fruits for a health kick instead. This healthy living café concept majors in big shakes, fruit cocktail, fruit protein shakes and “power smoothies” including peanut maca strawberry, zucchini protein shakes and banana chocolate shakes.
Open daily, 10am-10pm (04 302 0806).
ILA
This popular eatery specialises in traditional tastes of Egypt, North Africa and the Middle East. Mixed grills, salads, mezze, fresh juices and more are accompanied by views over the promenade and Dubai Creek.
Open daily, 8am-1am (04 358 5822).
Kava & Chai
Speciality teas and coffees are the name of the game at this traditional Arabic hangout. It has trendy, open-plan décor that serves as a great makeshift office for a day away from the hustle and bustle. And where better to settle down to some work than with a cup of chai near the Creek.
Open daily 8am-1am (055 399 5355).
Kona Grill
Kona Grill’s arrival at Al Seef marks the first expansion of this US chain outside of the Americas. There are 45 restaurants in the US and the company prides itself on a varied menu. This is reflected here, with the menu boasting a bit everything, including a load of sushi, meats from the grill. Its rooftop terrace peeks out over the Creek for a relaxing vibe while inside there’s some trendy décor.
Open daily 11am-midnight (04 379 5662).
La Marquise
La Marquise claims to provide “the best experience in Arabic café culture”, and you’ll find a tonne of traditional dishes, including a range of appetisers such as sambousek, falafel and baba ganoush, coupled with contemporary grub from around the world. Think omelettes, pancakes, salads, soups, eggs and more. Perfect for breakfast, lunch and dinner then.
Open daily 10am-midnight (04 343 3328).
London Dairy
If you’re yet to try London Dairy’s cookies and cream flavoured ice cream then you need to head to the chain’s new store – you won’t be disappointed. Other flavours like caramel biscuit and strawberry cheesecake are well worth a chomp, too.
Open daily 10am-midnight (04 343 3328).
Mamikonyan
Now this is one of the cafés and restaurants in Al Seef’s old town that boasts a mega view. Found on the first floor, chow down on some Lebanese and Armenian food while taking in the entire view of Dubai Creek and the many passing dhows, vessels and water taxis.
Open daily 10am-1am (04 396 6644).
Mug Café
You might easily miss this place because of its charmingly innocuous store front, but it has one of the most surprisingly serene spots just round back. You can practically tip your toes in the Creek from the decking area of this little café – so it’s a great choice for some quiet refreshment.
Open daily 9am-12am (04 341 1313).
Shawerme
One of the top shawarma spots in Dubai, Shawerme has just opened up in Al Seef, so grab a drink to refresh and munch away at a whopping great chicken or lamb shawarma made with freshly baked bread wraps.
Open daily noon-3am (04 223 3292).
Sul Fiume
Sul Fiume has a comfortable terrace area where you can enjoy some traditional Arabic dishes to accompany your flavour.
Open daily, 9am-midnight (04 342 0100).
The Brass
One of the staples at Meraas destinations, The Brass is a coffee shop that specialises in top quality roasts and artisanal preparation while providing an environment for working out of the office, catching up with the team, hanging out with your friends in the evening or getting an early morning coffee to perk up your day. Stick to your standard morning mocha paired with a range of tasty baked goods, or try something completely different in the form of one of The Brass’ signature blends including lavender honey or cinnamon lattes. As the sun goes down the music mellows to create a really chilled night time ambience. There’s also an “east meets west” theme, which is reflected in the range of Arabic and Turkish coffees and sandwiches on offer.
Open daily, 8am-midnight, www.thebrass.ae.
The Stuffed Burger
While you can readily access and leave Al Seef by taxi, metro and Dubai Water Taxi, if you’d prefer to roll out then head to The Stuffed Burger for a whopping great hunk of beef stuffed with cheese (inside the patty, thing of dreams) and slapped in a bun. That’s where you’ll find us…
Open daily, 10am-midnight (600 545 541).
Times of Arabia
A fine-dining restaurant offering traditional Arabic grub, and one that prides itself on its authentic hospitality, grills, kebabs and mezzes. If you don’t find us filling our faces with stuffed burgers, we’re likely to be at Times of Arabia ordering manakish (stuffed with cheese, naturally).
Open daily, 10am-midnight (04 358 8861).
