Where Past Meets Present – A Trip To Dubai’s Al Seef Village

Hailed as one of the most Instagrammable places in Dubai, Al Seef is the place to be if you’re in the mood to enjoy some quality time with your friends and family. Al Seef is one of my favourite areas to hang out in Dubai as it gives an all-in-one experience. You can shop, dine and click beautiful photos for your social media account in one visit. Take a step into the street fused with tradition and modernity to marvel at the beauty of Dubai’s rich heritage and culture. There are several visual treats along the way, one of them mainly being the spectacular view of Dubai Creek.

As you stroll along the ways of this charming street located in the heart of Dubai, you will see wind towers, docks and boats that reflect the rustic beauty of the past. The place is absolutely free if you just want to take a peaceful walk in a serene environment. But you will be tempted to stop by the vibrant and colourful shops customized to suit the multicultural population of Dubai. It was the first time I went to a place and enjoyed so much without paying a single penny except for the travel cost to get there.

Al Seef covers an area of about 1.8 km and is located near the popular BurJuman Centre in Bur Dubai. The tagline of Al Seef is “Where the Old Meets the New”, which can be witnessed as you gaze at the old sandstone architecture on one side that gives us the feeling of time travelling back to the 19th century. And on the other side, we have the most modern shops and restaurants providing the finest quality and experience. Al Seef celebrates the history of the Dubai Creek, which once was the hub of pearl diving. The whole landscape came into being in 2017 as part of a project by Meraas, the brains behind La Mer and City Walk in Dubai. The place is located within walking distance of the BurJuman Metro Station.

What can you find in Al Seef:

The Perfect Taste for Your Palate

At Al Seef, you will be surrounded by popular global brands from around the world. But that’s not all! It also satisfies those looking for the taste of Arabia. You can now enjoy Baskin Robbins, sitting by the Creek, soothed by the lovely view. Other restaurants and cuisine spots include Starbucks, Times of Arabia, Al Hamidieh, London Dairy, The Brass, Sul Fiume, Bellamia, 961 LB, Dukkan Burger, La Marquise, The Stuffed Burger, Hello Fruits, Kava & Chai, ILA, Kona Grill, Mamikonyan, Mud Mug Café, Shawarme and the list goes on. If you want to enjoy a meal on the waters, then you can make your way to Bateaux Dubai. There is also a familiar Indian brand name among the food spots at Al Seef called Bikanervala, where you can get a taste of delicious Desi dishes. And the icing on the cake is that no matter where you eat, you can enjoy the view of the marvellous Creek.

A Shopping Island Where East Meets West

Everything you need to survive can be found in Al-Seef. From supermarkets to even pharmacies, you can find all sorts of retail shops and stores here. You can buy trendy and colourful sunglasses at Ateliee Optics, purchase the scent of Dubai from Eter Story and Jovoy Perfumes or even gift your loved ones with jewellery or an expensive watch from Galerie Hindam. If you’re in Dubai for the first time or want to take gifts back home or simply proclaim your love for Dubai, there are many ‘I Love Dubai’ shops with souvenirs that will remind you of your visit. The experience of walking down Al Seef is quite mystical, with so many eye-catching shops and even carpets and rug shops that remind you of the world you see in the Disney movie Aladdin. Maybe to reinforce that image, I even saw a shop named ‘Magic Rugs’. I was almost tempted to try flying on it to see ‘A whole new world’, but I eventually came to my senses.

For those curious to see the traditional attire worn by the people of UAE, there are many shops selling kandoras, dishdashas, burqas and scarves. If you’re a music lover, then head to Yamaha to purchase any musical instrument you ever wished for. And finally, if you’re tired from walking and need some rest, you can straight away go to Mona Beauty Centre where you will be treated to a spa.

Hotels With an Over-The-Top View

Can’t get enough of Al Seef that you even want to stay there for a while? Not a problem when you have so many hotels to stay at, like Hilton Dubai and Hampton close by, as well as two Zabeel Hotels at the modern end of Al Seef.

Museum of Illusions

Step into the Museum of Illusions that will challenge your senses and make you question your reality. Find amazing visuals and mind-blowing arenas such as the Tilted Room, The Upside Down Room and the Vortex. Your mind will definitely deceive you as you perceive yourself as food on a plate and find yourself standing on the ceiling of a room that is upside down. It is also a really cool place to capture photos, and you will also find puzzles and games that will keep you entertained.

Abra, Water Taxi and Yacht Facilities

Abra, water taxis and even yacht facilities are also available at Al Seef.

If you loved what you have seen so far, here are some more snaps that capture the beauty of Al Seef.

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