The first phase of Al Seef, Meraas’ 1.8km-long dining, shopping and tourism destination in Dubai Creek, is now open to the public.
Adjacent to Al Fahidi historic district, the development tells the story of Dubai through architecture and experiences.
His Excellency Abdulla Al Habbai, group chairman of Meraas, said: “Dubai Creek holds a special place in the history of Dubai. Its peaceful shores have welcomed travellers and tradesman since ancient times, and the development of Al Seef reflects a commitment at Meraas, to revitalise an area known for its vibrancy, in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
“By combining traditional and modern design elements, the destination highlights the role the creek has played, and continues to play, in the evolution of Dubai, and reinforces the city’s position as a leading international tourism destination by enriching the experience for visitors and creating new economic opportunities for local businesses.”
It covers an area of 2.5 billion square-feet and houses close to 500 shopping and dining outlets with global cuisine.
The second phase of the destination, scheduled for delivery at the end of the first quarter of next year, will comprise of an authentic souq, similar to those that were common in Dubai in the 1950s, with retail and dining experiences of its own.
With a selection of floating restaurants, a marina for private yachts, a floating market and links to the Dubai water taxi network, Al Seef also celebrates Dubai’s maritime heritage and the role the creek has played in the city’s transformation.
The heritage area at Al Seef is patterned after old architecture in Dubai, while the contemporary area contains sleek architectural spaces.
Alleyways and walkways are packed with shops, cafés, restaurants, and an events plaza where activities will bring this area of the creek to life.
The destination has three hotels with a combined 550 rooms, each with its own appeal.
The 200-key heritage hotel offers an authentic Arabian hospitality experience that reflects life as it once was for those who lived on the shores of the creek, with rooms located in intimate surroundings above restaurants and shops in the heritage area.
Guests can relive these past moments and enjoy the vibe Al Seef emanates.
The contemporary area will have two hotels with 200 and 150 keys each, allowing guests to experience Dubai’s past, while staying in an environment that represents the city’s modern lifestyle.
Residents and tourists will also be able to explore an open-air market of hand-crafted artefacts, textiles, accessories and more.
Al Seef is fully pedestrianised and has a multimodal transport system that links to key locations across the city.
Dubai International Airport and Downtown Dubai are both a short drive for those arriving by car, with valet parking and plenty of underground parking spaces available upon arrival.
Two metro stations are located close by, with regular shuttle busses operating between key hotels within Dubai and other connections to the RTA public transport network operating between several prominent hotels.
The creek offers access to Al Seef with yacht moorings; water taxis and abras that service the destination.
In addition to appealing to residents, Al Seef is set to reimagine the experience for business and leisure travellers around Dubai Creek, with its close proximity to Dubai International Airport making it accessible for transit, short and long-term visitors, as well as Dubai residents.
