A Self-Guided Tour of Dubai’s Origins in Deira

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Duration1h - 1h 15m
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesArabic, Russian, Chinese, English, French, Spanish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Are you looking for a self-guided journey through Dubai's vibrant past? Trace Dubai’s origins in Deira on this tour published by Visit Dubai, Dubai's official tourism body.

Sail on an abra across historic waterways, inhaling the aromas of the Spice Souk and meandering through Deira's picturesque alleys. Explore optional stops, like museums honouring poets and women in the UAE alongside a school that influenced Dubai's leaders. Once the heart of the pearl trade, this area shaped the city's culture and economy. The tour concludes at the Gold Souk, unfolding Dubai's rich heritage.

Please be sure to bring along 1 dirham to pay for the abra across Dubai Creek. It’s also important to start the tour’s audio before you board the abra.

Get unlimited use of this tour before your booking date and after it. You can use the virtual tour option at home, too.

What's included

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English
  • VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • 1 Dirham to pay for the abra across Dubai Creek
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Transportation
  • Food and drink

What to expect

  1. Dubai Spice Souk
    20m
    Start your journey through time at the Dubai Spice Souk. Immerse yourself in this historic market's vibrant colours and scents as you prepare for a breezy abra ride.
  2. Museum of the Poet Al Oqaili
    Pass by
    As you glide across Dubai Creek, pass by the Museum of the Poet Al Oqaili, a tribute to poetry and culture in the UAE. Absorb the artistic essence that lingers in the air.
  3. Dubai Creek
    10m
    Cross Dubai Creek in an abra. Please be sure to bring along 1 Dirham to pay for the abra across Dubai Creek.
  4. Women's Museum Bait al Banat
    Pass by
    Continue your journey through Deira, passing by the Women's Museum Bait al Banat. Delve into the history and contributions of women in the UAE, appreciating their significant roles. If you’d like to visit the Dubai Women’s Museum, it is closed on Fridays and open from 10am to 6pm for the rest of the week. The Museum of the Poet Al Oqaili is also closed on Fridays and Saturdays, and is only open from 8am to 2pm for the rest of the week. The museum is an optional stop and is not included in this tour.
  5. Gold Souk
    20m
    Arrive at the bustling Dubai Gold Souk, the endpoint of your tour. Witness the opulence and tradition of the city's gold trade, symbolizing Dubai's cultural and economic evolution over time. Explore the glittering displays and marvel at the heritage preserved in this vibrant marketplace.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

This tour starts at the intersections of 3A Street and 34th Street. The closest metro station is Al Ghubaiba on the Green Line, about a five-minute walk away. Bur Dubai Abra Station can also be reached from Al Ras Metro Station, which is about a ten-minute walk from the Abra station.

End point

The tour ends at the Dubai Gold Souk.

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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