Page 174 - ENGLISH PR REPORT FEBRUARY 2024

Above: Dubai Creek, 1967
According to UNESCO, the earliest known description of Dubai Creek, back then known
as Khor Dubai, is found in an 1822 report by a British Royal Navy officer.
The creek’s economic significance can be traced back to 1902, when HH Sheikh
Maktoum bin Hasher – the then ruler of Dubai – abolished all custom duties on
imports, essentially creating a free trade zone. Dubai became a major trading
hub, with much of the activity centred around the Creek.
The Creek was also the starting and finishing point for pearling expeditions, which
once formed the backbone of the economy. Thanks to its warm, shallow waters, there
was a thriving marine life which meant fishing was yet another main industry. Wooden
dhows were also often built right on the shores of the creek.
The Creek historically divided the city into two sections, Deira and Bur Dubai, coming to
an end at the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. However, when the Dubai Water Canal
opened in 2016, it extended to the Arabian Gulf, effectively turning part of the city into
an island.

Interesting fact: From 1935 to 1947 Dubai Creek served as Dubai’s Airport. Before
Dubai got its airport, seaplanes used to land on the Creek. The first plane to touch
down in the UAE landed on the creek in 1937, carrying passengers from Southhampton
to Karachi.
@dubaimunicipality
Images: Getty Images and Dubai Media Office

https://whatson.ae/2024/02/dubai-creek-to-undergo-multi-million-dirham-restoration-2024/