Dubai's old city by night - in pictures

  • The Creek pictured from the Bur Dubai side. Dubai's old town is divided by the Creek, with Deira on the north side and Bur Dubai on the south. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The Creek pictured from the Bur Dubai side. Dubai's old town is divided by the Creek, with Deira on the north side and Bur Dubai on the south. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Many people say the hustle and bustle of the souq feels like the 'real Dubai'.
    Many people say the hustle and bustle of the souq feels like the 'real Dubai'.
  • Traders wait for customers in Bur Dubai's main souq. The Bur Dubai side is better known for its textiles and tourist souvenirs. The Deira side is better associated with the gold market and perfumes.
    Traders wait for customers in Bur Dubai's main souq. The Bur Dubai side is better known for its textiles and tourist souvenirs. The Deira side is better associated with the gold market and perfumes.
  • The area is one of the most affordable to live in the city. Apartment buildings typically date back to the 1970s and 1980s.
    The area is one of the most affordable to live in the city. Apartment buildings typically date back to the 1970s and 1980s.
  • The district is known for its narrow streets and shops tightly packed together.
    The district is known for its narrow streets and shops tightly packed together.
  • The famous Dh1 boat service connects the two sides of the river.
    The famous Dh1 boat service connects the two sides of the river.
  • The old town's shops often offer goods of better quality - and better value - than shopping centres and supermarkets.
    The old town's shops often offer goods of better quality - and better value - than shopping centres and supermarkets.
  • It also offers a dazzling array of trinkets - and not always top-quality ones ...
    It also offers a dazzling array of trinkets - and not always top-quality ones ...
  • Spices and herbs can be bought for low cost and even shipped back to your home country.
    Spices and herbs can be bought for low cost and even shipped back to your home country.
  • A shopkeeper waits for customers on a quiet and warm night in May 2022. The souqs are noticeably quieter since cruise ships began docking at Dubai Marina, 30km up the coast, instead of at the Creek.
    A shopkeeper waits for customers on a quiet and warm night in May 2022. The souqs are noticeably quieter since cruise ships began docking at Dubai Marina, 30km up the coast, instead of at the Creek.