During my sister’s recent vacation here in the UAE, we stayed in Dubai in her first two days (or was it three?! Gosh, has it really been almost two months?!). We witnessed the towering sky scrapers and then on the second day, we decided to take a detour. We went into Al Seef (as per our AI-driven itinerary), a place often described as “old Dubai,” and it felt like stepping through a portal into a different era.
From the very efficient and modern train system, this time, we tried the abra, Dubai's traditional ferry boat, to get from the Gold Souk to the other side of the Dubai Creek. It was a fun experience that cost us AED 1 ($0.27) each.
As we approached Al Seef, the change was very apparent. The architecture immediately struck me. It wasn't the soaring, sky scrapers and futuristic designs we saw just minutes ago. Instead, low-rise buildings crafted from earthy tones and natural materials lined the Dubai Creek. It was like going back in time.
It was like a mini field trip for us. Though I've been here in the UAE for 20 years, it was also my first time here at Al Seef. My sister always tells me that the reason hawkers kept on hounding us was because I always audibly gasp at anything I thought was nice. Oh well, I cannot admire in silence. LOL.
Modern. Not Modern.
So imagine living in the desert. No modern, high-rise building. Then you want to go shopping. This is kind of the vibe you get here at Al Seef.
There are a variety of things you'll find, like old, rustic stuff and decors, spices, and traditional clothing, then there are also modern shop brands like Mumuso. Craving for coffee? No problem! There's also a Starbucks here!
But boy, the queue was so long, we did not even dare buy coffee here.
The area is definitely not air-conditioned, except when you go inside the shops. The trees, wooden lattices, balconies, and tents gave the respite the visitors needed.
I can imagine this place is a lot more beautiful at night, with all the warm lights and these rich-textured walls. Though I also have to imagine how it is during the summer months...
It was already getting so hot in the afternoon, and we've already walked a lot since that morning since we've already been to the Gold Souk at that time (perhaps more on that in later blogs).
My sister and I found a not-too-crowded restaurant with outdoor seating and settled ourselves there. She finally tasted legit kunafah and chicken biryani, which I bet she will never forget.
Then as we were walking to find a drinking water station, we turned around the bend and were greeted by the delicious seafood aroma! WHeewwww!!!!
Of course, we did not get inside the restaurant. Instead, we subjected ourselves to mouth-watering temptation as we rested in a shaded area not too far away. To our delight, we could see planes ascending from the Dubai Airport. Minute after minute... that was so cool.
We took some photos and then left after some time. Back to the modern, blitzy, glamorous, side of Dubai.
📍Al Seef Dubai
Dubai, 🇦🇪
March 30, 2025
All photos are owned by the author unless stated otherwise.
