Al Seef is a leisure and retail development in Bur Dubai, on the western side of the Dubai Creek.
The development stretches around a mile along the waterfront. It consists of two unique areas, Heritage and Modern. Together they pay homage to the development of Dubai and its transformation from a humble port to a modern, cosmopolitan city.
The Heritage Area features traditional Emirati architecture; sandstone buildings, wind towers, and winding alleyways. The architects used traditional materials and ageing techniques to ensure the buildings look like they have been around for years.
An Arabic souk offers handicrafts, souvenirs, jewellery, and more.
The Al Seef Heritage Hotel is a one-of-a-kind hotel that combines traditional design with modern amenities. 200 vintage-style rooms are spread across 10 buildings.
The Modern Area is located at the southern end of Al Seef and features contemporary architecture. It offers several restaurants, hotels (Canopy by Hilton and Hampton by Hilton), and a marina.
Restaurants and Cafes
Al Seef offers a good range of places to eat and drink. Most offer both indoor and outdoor seating. Some are licensed to serve alcohol. Restaurants and cafes here include:
- 961 LB – Lebanese restaurant and bar in the modern area of Al Seef. Live music. Licensed.
- Al Fanar Seafood Market – Emirati seafood.
- Chokhi Dhani - Rajasthani restaurant.
- Haleeb O Heil - Arabic.
- Arabic/Syrian restaurant in the heritage area. Terrace with good views of the Dubai Creek.
- Baskin Robbins – Desserts.
- Belgium Waffles
- Doors Freestyle Grill – Steakhouse and seafood restaurant. Unlicensed. Shisha.
- Dukkan Burger – Burger restaurant. Indoor and outdoor seating.
- ILA – Contemporary Arabic restaurant. Also offers pizza. Marina views.
- Kailash Parbat - Indian.
- Khofo – Egyptian restaurant. Fantastic interior.
- Mitra – Indian restaurant. Features an outdoor dining area with waterside tables. Licensed.
- Nablus – Arabic cafe.
- Sul Fiume – Offers Lebanese and Italian dishes.
Shops
Al Seef is a great place to pick up unique souvenirs from your trip to Dubai. It is home to many shops and stalls selling textiles, antiques, perfumes and scents, Arabic clothing, and spices.
You're sure to find something for everyone on your gift list, and maybe a few things for yourself. Most of the shops are located in the Heritage Area, which has been lovingly created to resemble a traditional Arabian souk.
The atmosphere is very relaxed and you can take your time browsing the wares on offer. All in all, Al Seef is a wonderful place to soak up Emirati culture and pick up some unique and memorable souvenirs.
Shops and retail outlets at Al Seef include:
- Albait Al Dimashqi – Arabic perfumes.
- Dukan Namlet – Local soda.
- House Of Niche – Fragrances
- iClick – Electronics, mobile phone accessories, and gadgets.
- Kashmir Emporium
- Mona Beauty Centre – Beauty salon.
- Zeneve – Bags and accessories.
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Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions is a popular, family-friendly tourist attraction located at Al Seef. Exhibits are designed to trick the eyes and deceive the senses, providing a unique and interactive experience for visitors.
If you’re looking for an unusual and exciting attraction in Dubai, the Museum of Illusions is worth a visit.
Location
Al Seef is located on Al Seef Street in Bur Dubai. It stretches around a mile along the waterfront on the western side of Dubai Creek.
It is right next to the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, home to attractions such as the Dubai Museum (Al Fahidi Fort).
It can be reached by taking the Dubai Metro, bus, boat/abra, or taxi.
The nearest Metro stations are BurJuman and Sharaf DG. Sharaf DG is on the Green Line. BurJuman Metro Station is a transfer station, on both the Red Line and the Green Line. Both stations are around 1/2 mile from Al Seef.
Al Seef is also served by several bus routes. Bus services include:
- F70 – Feeder bus service operating on a circular route from Oud Metha Bus Station. Goes to various destinations in Bur Dubai. Stops on the route include BurJuman Metro Station, Heritage Village (for Al Seef), the Dubai Museum, Bur Dubai Abra Station, and Sharaf DG Metro Station.
- 6 – Starts at Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Bur Dubai and goes to destinations such as Sharaf DG Metro Station, Al Fahidi, Al Seef Street (for Al Seef), Oud Metha Metro Station, and Dubai Healthcare City Metro Station.
Al Seef can also be reached by boat. There are two docks at Al Seef; Al Fahidi Marine Transport Station and Al Seef Marine Transport Station. Abras and water taxis go to and from docks in Deira, on the other side of the Dubai Creek.
Al Fahidi Marine Transport Station is located just north of Al Seef, close to Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. Al Seef Marine Transport Station is at the southern end of the development.
A great itinerary for a day out in old Dubai would be to take a relaxing stroll around Al Seef and Al Fahidi. The adjacent areas are both pedestrian-friendly. The tour could be extended by taking a boat across Dubai Creek and exploring the Spice Souk and Gold Souk.
Timings
Al Seef is open every day of the week. Shops are open from 10 am to 10 pm on weekdays, and from 10 am to 11 pm on weekends. Restaurants stay open for an additional hour.
Facilities
Al Seef offers a wide range of facilities to make your visit as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible.
If you need to use the restroom or change a diaper, there are clean and well-maintained facilities available. There are also ATMs and currency exchange services if you need them.
The prayer room is a quiet and peaceful place to say your prayers, and the helpful staff at the information desk can answer any questions you might have.
If you’re driving, there’s plenty of parking available, including valet parking.
Developer and Management
Al Seef is owned and managed by Meraas. Other projects in the portfolio of this innovative development company include The Beach, City Walk (Coca-Cola Arena and The Green Planet), La Mer and Laguna Waterpark, Boxpark, Kite Beach, and The Outlet Village.
