Today, the creek offers tourists a place to revisit traditional life and still provides commercial access to trading ports. The day we visited, you could see traditional boats moored at the marina, a couple of which could have been hired to transit the creek. We didn't get a chance to do that at this marina, but later did cross the creek in a water taxi!
After Dubai Creek, we loaded up into the bus and drove over to the Dubai Museum, situated in downtown Dubai and not far from may local souks. The Dubai Museum is housed in Al Fahidi Fort, built in 1787 and the oldest building in Dubai. The museum houses a collection of artifacts depicting life in the Emirate prior to the discovery of oil in the region. During that time, Dubai was a trade and fishing hub. Traditionally, the people of Dubai used a boat called Al Sambuk, which is why it was on display at the fort. They also had a traditional living quarters sat up that you could walk through, to see the impact of the wind towers on homelife and how much cooling they really do provide to the shaded buildings. Then below ground, the museum highlights how Dubai and the Emirates have changes since the 1930's and the discovery and impact of oil on their economy, with the rapid rise of high rises during the 1980's and 1990's. There is also a series of displays showing what life was like for the Emiratti's before modernization. It was a little creepy at times, as the models were often not only in the display, but also in the walking path as you moved through the "town". The Dubai Museum is definitely a must-see if you would like to experience the traditional life within the modern city. Just be aware though, it didn't look like there was a lot of parking around the fort! | |
The ride was quick, though we got passed by a couple of other water taxis. The boat full of traditionally dressed men who were headed the other way had a good laugh at the boat full of tourists, but waved a friendly, if not laughing hello at all the people taking pictures of them.
We then continued on up the street to the Gold Souk, were we saw the biggest gold ring the souk had, on the most gold covered mannequin I've ever seen! The gold souk was about two blocks of nothing but stores that sold gold jewelry. I was too much of a wimp to go in one and check out their prices, but from the crowd that was walking the street, something must be priced right!
We were given 45 minutes to explore the souks, so Julie and I walked up one of the side alleys. The vendors were all standing outside their stop and any time you tried to glance at their goods, the vendors would start talking to you about how you should come inside and he would get you a good deal on the pashmina scarves, silk scarves, drinks, clothing, gold, whatever struck your interest. Again, I opted to save my money, though I did get a bottle of water for the heat.
Then back to Abu Dhabi for a relaxing evening of getting re hydrated from the day spent in the sun.
High: 111 F
Low: 84 F
Sunny, hot, light breeze
Here's a collection of random pictures I took while on the driving tour of Dubai.