# Al Seef & the Abra Ride: The Old Dubai Most Tourists Miss

By Prashant & Sunaina · 11 September 2025 · https://www.psvlogs.in/blog/al-seef-old-dubai-abra-ride

> How to reach Al Seef by metro, a little history of Dubai Creek, the heritage and modern zones, free water refill points, the heritage Starbucks, and the 1-dirham abra ride across the creek to the Gold Souk.

When people think of Dubai, they picture skyscrapers, Palm Jumeirah and Burj Khalifa. But the **real vibe of Dubai is in Old Dubai**, and its heart is **Al Seef**. We'd guess 60–70% of tourists miss it.

Watch the vlog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHtqMSL38G8

## Getting there
Take the **metro to BurJuman** station, then walk **10–12 minutes**. On the way you'll see real Dubai life: small lanes and local shops.

## A little history
This is where the city's story began. It was once a **small fishing village** that slowly became a **major trade port** for pearls, spices and everything else. In **2017** Dubai reshaped Al Seef to blend heritage with modernity. Today it has **two zones: heritage and modern**. "Al Seef" means *shore*, a nod to Dubai's maritime history.

## What to do
- Browse the **traditional handicraft souk**, art galleries and the open waterfront.
- For heritage vibes, try **spiced kahwa and Arabic snacks**. For a modern touch, there are trendy coffee shops and boutiques.
- Have coffee at the **Starbucks built in an old-Dubai style**.
- Plenty of local food, and lots of **Indian food** options too.

**Tip:** come **in the evening**. We came during the day and it was very hot. Carry a bottle: there are **free water refill counters**.

## The abra ride to the Gold Souk
The highlight: pay **1 dirham**, hop on a **wooden abra**, and cross **Dubai Creek** in 5–10 minutes. The views are gorgeous. The queue was short and we got a boat immediately. (Our Nol card covered abras too.)

After you get off, ask anyone: the **Gold Souk** is in the opposite direction, about a **10-minute walk**.

Next stop for us: [Museum of the Future](https://www.psvlogs.in/blog/museum-of-the-future-dubai-review). Full trip: [Dubai in 72 hours](https://www.psvlogs.in/blog/dubai-3-day-itinerary).

## FAQs

**How do I get to Al Seef by metro?**
Take the metro to BurJuman station, then walk 10–12 minutes through the old lanes.

**How much is the abra ride across Dubai Creek?**
One dirham. It takes 5–10 minutes, and the Gold Souk is about a 10-minute walk from where you land.