Since our first and second temporary homes in Dubai ( Hotel Intercontinental & Carlton Hotel, respectively ) are situated along Baniyas Road ( also called Creek Road as it runs parallel to the creek ), the first promenades my wife and I had in this emirate were executed along the Dubai Creek banks Deira Side during hot summer nights of 2005. Our then only son, Derico, was still in Manila so we played the roles of " Lovers Lost in Desert Paradise" each time we had to stop, wonder where we were and eventually ask for directions, ha ha ha ha ha! We would start in front of Hotel Intercontinental where their cruising dhow restaurant is docked among other dhows for hire and walk our way to the abra station where water taxis called abra will ferry you to Bur Dubai ( literally, other side of Dubai ). Then we would end up to the souqs ( marketplace ) with a purpose of just exploring but ending up buying shoes ( for my wife, of course), toys and other bargains!
The creek is considered the heart of Old Dubai and played a significant role in the economic development since the old days when it was a center for pearl fishing and trading.
The Creek has constantly been an important and a safe harbor for small and medium size ships which sail to the ports of the Arabian Gulf Region, the countries of the Indian Subcontinent and East Africa, loaded with different goods which are re-exported to these various Regions. On both sides of the creek are traditional souqs mingled with other more modern shops operated by Chinese, Iranis, Indians, Pakistanis, etc. Landmark buildings are also juxtaposed along the creek , National Bank of Dubai, Etisalat, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Chamber of Commerce, to name some. Not to forget, my wife's work place is at Twin Towers or more familiarly known as Rolex building due to the big neon Rolex signage near the building's crest.
Late last year, a couple of weeks before Diego was born, we were invited to a children's party of Derico's classmate's sister ( did you get it? he he he ). The birthday celebrator is a progeny of an Emirati ( U.A.E. local ) and Pinay. The party was celebrated on a dhow in cruise! Cool! More so, because the weather was getting cooler at that time of the year ( it was in October). It was our first time to attend such and while we were enjoying the food ( arabic & pinoy ), sight and experience , Derico had fun with the games, specially b
ecause the guests were also his classmates.
Apart from the dhow cruises and restaurants, there are also other interesting dining places along the creek road wherein you can enjoy a good view of the creek specially at night. One of these is the shabu shabu restaurant at the 3rd floor of Twin Towers shown at the last photo. Evidently, this was taken before the birth of Diego.
