Al Seef: A place for living the past in Dubai

Fancy finishing some creative work in an inspiring setting or catching up with friends over coffee in old Dubai while enjoying some modernity?
Heritage lovers can enjoy the sight of Dubai Creek in the newly-launched modern establishment Al Seef, a waterfront promenade spread over 1.8 kilometres, that is home to restaurants and shopping areas.
Residents visit Al Seef to experience the bridge that offers life elements of old Dubai rooted in local culture and heritage, and vibrancy of the cafes and restaurants in the area.
A common sight is that of children running to grab their favourite flavours from ice cream parlours, families and friends spending time at a restaurant, while looking at the other side of Dubai Creek to see the old buildings of Dubai that tell a story of the past. Abras and boats can be spotted on Dubai Creek, where people can take abra rides to get in and out of Al Seef or simply enjoy boat tours by spending just Dh1.5.
Walking down Al Seef, one can retrace the steps of the fishermen, pearl-divers, weavers and tradesmen who once came to trade, as visitors wander through the sikkas and pedestrian streets.
It's only in Dubai we get to see a range of luxurious private yachts juxtaposed with small boats and links to the water taxi network on a lake that saw pearl-divers and Emirati traders exchange their businesses with foreigners in the past.
Art lovers and craft collectors can also enjoy the traditional souk, a floating market, art galleries and little open-air markets with a range of hand-crafted, unique items for sale. Music performances and fireworks aren't strangers to the area either.
The beautiful aspect about the area lies in adding convenient facilities and diverse restaurants that allow tourists and residents enjoy old Dubai all-year round. In winter, residents can be spotted meditating by the lake in the early morning, while in summer, people enjoy the lake view as they relax and eat their favourite dish at the diverse cuisines offered from Indian, to Moroccan and Armenian.
Natasha Gupta, an Indian resident who's been living in Karama for the past 20 years, said while old Dubai is known for its crowded narrow streets, Al Seef offers a getaway from the area's hustle bustle.
She said the new urban area helps her get a perspective. "The place is a constant reminder of where the city started and where it currently reached. It reminds me of the power of achievements of a human."
"It gave me a space to jog and meditate during the winter mornings. It's lovely to pass by and wave at fellow joggers, fishermen and abra drivers."
After enjoying an outing, visitors can then pay a visit to Al Fahidi Cultural Historical Neighborhood just next to Al Seef. Old buildings of the Dubai Municipality, dating back to 1980, Department of Economic Development and the Dubai Gold Souk can be spotted around the area.
Ahmed bin Al Zaid, a UAE resident for 12 years, said he used to visit the old Fahidi neighbourhood during winter, and only if he had commitments in consulates nearby.
When he heard of the renovation, he said the new development allowed him to visit the area all year-round. "As a history buff, I enjoy visiting the old markets, while also enjoying a quiet modern place where I can write or read," he added. "The diversity and development of Dubai is also reflected by the visitors you see and types of cuisines offered."
Al Seef, designed to reflect the city's culture and heritage, while maintaining its status as a modern cosmopolitan city.
Nidal Labban, a Deira resident for the past 25 years, said he loves catching the sunset with a cup a coffee, while giving his children a place to play and enjoy their time safely by the creek.
The family particularly enjoys ice cream parlours, tea joints and couple of Lebanese restaurants in the area. They also love taking the abra to get to the other side of the creek.
"I've seen Dubai grow at a magnificent speed. This area, which embraced a few buildings in the past, is now home to attractions that visitors from all over the world wish to see."
He said Al Seef gives a chance for his family to enjoy modernity and convenience, while recalling their memories of when they first came to Dubai. "It's nice to enjoy the past while slipping into the new age," he said. Hotels established in the area also give tourists the opportunity to get a feel of Dubai's story between the past and the present.
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com