Al Seef (Dubai) – Things to Do, How to Reach & FAQ
By Hammad Rana Al Seef is a waterfront promenade that combines the Emirate culture with modernity. It is situated along Dubai Creek’s shoreline and is filled with tourists throughout the year. It was designed by Gordon Affleck and Paul Rodgers and developed by Meraas. After completion, it was opened in 2017 for the public. The buildings of this area retain the classy and rustic architecture that recreates the city’s past. When tourists visit this Al Seef, they feel like they have traveled back in time.
It is famous for its stunning alleys and walkways that seem to come straight out of Arabian Night’s fairytales. In addition, there are traditional souks where you can buy handicrafts, spices, handwoven clothes, and many other items. The souks and shopping stalls provide an opportunity to interact with the locals and learn about their heritage. You will also find old wind towers and authentic Arabian restaurants here. Many paintings and sculptures depicting traditional ways of Arab life adorn the surroundings of Al Seef.
Moreover, there is a modern section that has high-end restaurants, shopping malls, hotels, and retail shops. You will find all the big brands in this section. Plus, you can enjoy a ride and dinner on a romantic dhow boat while taking in the fantastic view of Dubai Creek. Al Seef is a stunning amalgam of old heritage that is the remnant of a bygone era and modern facilities that represent the dynamic future of Dubai.
What Can You Do At Al Seef Dubai?
You can explore the old alleys, admire the architecture, enjoy the dhow boat, and shop at the souk market among many other things at Al Seef. Exploring it is an experience on its own.
Explore Alleys and Al Seef:
Al Seef is almost 1.8 kilometers long and it has a lot to offer when it comes to rustic alleys, classy walkaways, and narrow streets that are reminiscent of past eras. You should roam Al Seef to enjoy the rustic architecture and timeless alleys. Keep your camera or phone nearby because you will encounter many aesthetic and beautiful sights that you would want to capture.
Additionally, Al Seef overlooks the Dubai Creeks which offers breathtaking sights. You can snap pictures of yourself and your loved ones infront of the scenic background. At night, this place is transformed by Deira lights which illuminate all the traditional and modern buildings, making the place even more magical.
Enjoy Souk Markets:
There is a heritage souk market that is an amazing place to buy souvenirs and purchase traditional handicrafts. In souk markets, vendors sell home decor, handmade jewelry, handwoven clothes, etc. Here, you can interact with the locals and bargain with them for a better price. A quick chat with a local and a walk through the souk will teach you about local craftsmanship, traditions, and the history of Dubai.
By boat, you can go to Deira where Spice Souk, Textile Souk, Perfume Souk, and Gold Souk are located. The spices of Spice Souk and the clothes of Textile Souk are well-liked by the tourists. Also, the Gold Souk is one of the largest Gold markets in Dubai with over 300 Gold stalls. Souk markets are the best places to buy gifts for your family and friends.
Visit the Museum of Illusions:
The Museum of Illusions is filled with optical illusions and riddles. It is a great place for children and adults alike. There are different types of demonstrations and rooms in this museum that make use of master illusions, optical illusions, and grand illusions to play mental games. The Museum of Illusions is a one-of-a-kind museum that you should visit when you go to Al Seef.
Go on Dhow Cruise:
The dhow is a traditional sailing vessel that is made of wood. Before modern boats and cruises, the dhow was the primary mode of water transportation in the Emirates. The Dhow Cruise offers a peaceful journey through the Creek and allows people to enjoy gorgeous sights. There are also many dining and entertainment options onboard. You can enjoy the Tanoura dance, music, and dinner buffet on this cruise.
The night view from the cruise is fantastic. However, you will need to pay to ride this cruise. It can cost you between AED 65 ($17.70) and AED 80 ($21.78) to ride a cruise through Dubai Creek.
Enjoy the Restaurants and Hotels:
You can visit humble and authentic restaurants in Al Seef to eat Emirate cuisine. You can also go to Al Fanar Seafood Markets and local stalls to enjoy dishes made from fresh ingredients. Plus Al Mangal Express and Chokhi Dhani Restaurant are great dining options. Besides this, Al Seef has Lebanese, Chinese, Egyptian, and Pakistani restaurants, etc. The narrow alleys of Al Seef are filled with stations that serve Arabian coffee and Chai.
Additionally, the upscale, modern section of Al Seef has various high-end hotels and restaurants. These hotels feature spa services, gyms, massage parlors, multiple dining options, and other facilities. In this section, there are also various coffee shops and dessert cafes.
Hit up the Malls and Retail Shops:
You should visit the malls, outlets, and shops in the modern section of the Al Seef. The malls have all the big brands that sell apparel, bags, jewelry shoes, etc. You can buy gifts for your friends and family from these shops.
Visit Al Fahidi Neighborhood:
You can visit the neighborhoods located near Al-Seef. Al Fahidi is a well-known neighborhood with a 1900s vibe and depicts life in Dubai before the oil trade began. It is a great place to learn about the old lifestyle, culture, and history of Dubai. A walk through Al Fahidi is like a walk through time to an era when simplicity and humbleness were a way of life.
Al Fahidi neighborhood has a museum that displays handicrafts and replicas of houses from past eras of Dubai. There is also the Sheikh Mohammed Centre that provides tourists the opportunity to learn about Emiate culture, history, and customs.
How to Reach Al Seef Dubai?
You can reach Al Seef Dubai by booking it from your hotel. The hotel transport will drop off and pick you up at the agreed time. Tourists can also travel by public transport. To travel by metro, take the green or red line to Burjuman station. From the station, you can either walk or take a taxi to travel 1 kilometer to reach Al Seef.
You can take a taxi from your hotel to the Al Seef. It will be convenient and comfortable to travel in a private taxi. You can take a water taxi from Banyas station and hop off at Al Seef Marine Transportation Station 1 if you are in Deira.
What are the Opening Hours of Al Seef Dubai?
Al Seef Dubai is open 24/7 so you can come and go as you please. The retail stores malls and souk markets are open from Monday to Thursday from 10 AM to 10 PM. From Friday to Sunday, the opening hours are 10 AM to 11 PM. Similarly, restaurants open for business from Monday to Thursday between 10 AM and 11 PM. The closing time extends to midnight from Fridays to Sundays. All attractions close at midnight in Al Seef hence it is better to visit it during the morning or afternoon.
What is the Best Time to Visit Al Seef Dubai?
The best time to visit Al Seef is the afternoon and evening of winter. During summer it can be very hot in Dubai and since Al Seef is an open-spaced area, you can get heat stroke or dehydration in summer. It is better to visit in cooler months during the afternoon and evening. If you visit in the afternoon, you will be able to enjoy the striking architecture and watch the sunset over the beautiful Dubai shoreline. Then you will have time to visit restaurants or ride a dhow cruise.
What is the entrance fee of Al Seef Dubai?
There is no entrance fee for Al Seef Dubai. This is why Al Seef is a great budget attraction for tourists However keep in mind that you will need to pay to enjoy the attraction, museums, food, and water activities.
Tip: You can pack your own snacks and save money on food. After you are done with the activities, you can have a small family picnic with your loved ones.
Tips for Visiting Al Seef Dubai
Keep the following tips in mind when visiting Al Seef:
- Visit Al Seef in the winter duuring evening.
- Pack water, snacks, and sunscreen.
- Visit the local attractions.
- Wear appropriate and comfortable clothes.
- Take an umbrella or hat with you if you go to Al Seef in the afternoon.
- Hit up Souk markets and buy local handicrafts.
- Ride the dhow cruise and enjoy the entertainment on board.
- Respect the local culture and religion.
Summing Up
Al Seef Dubai provides a charming and unique experience to its visitors. It provides an insight into the lifestyle and culture of Dubai before the oil boom and also showcases the height of advancement it has achieved. The tourists are fascinated by the striking architecture and narrow alleys of Al Seef. The souk markets, dhow cruise, and small cafes around the streets allow the tourists to learn about Emirate heritage.
On the other hand, the hotels, malls, and shops in the modern section of Al Seef bring a nice touch of contemporary comfort. The peace and quiet of Al Seef will charm you and transform you into the 1900’s. You should definitely visit Al Seef when you come to Dubai on vacation.
FAQs
Can I take pictures while visiting Al Seef?
Yes, you can take pictures while visiting Al Seef. It will present you with various opportunities to take aesthetic clicks and make precious memories with your family.
Is food available in Al Seef?
Yes, there are tons of dining options and food stalls available in Al Seed. You will find many authentic Arabian, Indian, and Lebanese restaurants here. They serve traditional cuisines and food in such restaurants. You can also go to the modern section to eat at a high-end restaurant.
What are some of the water activities available in Al Seef?
Tourists can enjoy boating or a ride on a traditional dhow cruise. They will need to pay separately for both boating and show cruises. The dhow cruise is quite popular among the visitors. On the cruise, they enjoy a romantic dinner with various kinds of entertainment.
Where can I buy a souvenir from Al Seef?
You can buy souvenirs from traditional souk markets. You can buy handicrafts, handkerchiefs, sculptures, spices, jewelry, etc., from the souk markets. Al Seef also has a developed section that contains malls, retail shops, and hotels. You can shop from this section for your loved ones.
Is Al Seef Worth Visiting?
Yes, Al Seef is worth visiting. It combines tradition with modernity to deliver a unique experience to the tourists. Both adults and children enjoy Al Seef Dubai. The beautiful architecture, souk markets, attractions, and water activities make Al Seef worth visiting.
