Deira is located on the east side of the Dubai Creek and has many wonders and hidden treasures for its visitors to discover. Located opposite Bur Dubai, it is easily reached by water taxi from the west side of the Creek.
Full of meandering narrow streets lined with small merchant shops and coffee houses, Deira is home to some of the oldest trading areas in Dubai, including the gold souk. Wander along the Dhow Wharfage and watch the local merchants selling their wares to shoppers in an atmosphere which is reminiscent of what it would have been like in times gone by.
As you walk along the side of the Dubai Creek you will come across a number of modern buildings and properties. One such building is the impressive Etisalat Telecommunications building which has a large round object on the top of the building which looks like a giant golf ball! Another impressive building is the National Bank of Dubai which is known as the ‘pregnant lady’. The exterior of the bank is made completely out of glass which acts like a giant convex mirror when the sun shines on the building at certain angles.
Every visitor to Deira should take time to visit Dubai’s oldest market which is located next to the Deira Abra Station. Merchants at the market sell a variety of goods, mainly household items. Then on to the Spice Souk where the intense aroma of the spices will have your senses working overtime. Here at the souk you will also find local healers and pharmacists who make their own special and traditional medicines. Probably the best known souk in Dubai is the Deira Gold Souk where you will find street after street of shops selling some of the finest gold collections in the world. A visit to the Gold Souk is a must do on your bargain holidays to Dubai.
Located close to the Gold Souk is Dubai’s first school which was established in 1912 and is among one of the many historical attractions in Deira. Three watch towers guard the city of Dubai. Burj Nahar is one such tower which is located in Deira. This beautiful tower stands in exotic gardens and makes the perfect backdrop for visitors to take some stunning photographs. Heritage House is home to some wealthy pearl merchants where visitors are offered chick-peas and tea, a traditional Emirati snack. The building itself is built from coral and gypsum and is built like an old bastakiya building with rooms looking out over a central courtyard.
Deira is an exciting place in the evening where visitors can wander around the streets and enjoy a nice meal at one of the many outdoor restaurants and coffee shops.
Diera City Centre first opened its doors in 1995. Covering over 115,000 square metres of retail space, the centre is home to retail outlets, restaurants, entertainment venues and a hotel. Entertainment venues include the popular Magic Planet where the whole family can enjoy the latest game simulators and theme rides, the 8-lane Bowling City and the 11 screen VOX Cinemas multiplex. The centre offers a wide range of dining venues from chic cafes to lively restaurants and an International Food Court. With over 55 dining outlets to choose from you will be spoilt for choice! The centre also features the 11-storey MAF Tower and direct access to the 5-star City Centre Hotel & Residence which is an 11-storey hotel with 318 rooms and 112 apartments. Located close to the Deira City Centre are 25 other hotels for you to chose from on your last minute holidays to Dubai.
Source by Emma Healey
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