Marsa Al Seef: The perfect mix of old and new Dubai

• About Marsa Al Seef
• Things to do
• Shopping
• Souq
• Hotels
• Restaurants
• Attractions
• FAQs

Marsa Al Seef by Meraas is a 1.8 km-long leisure and retail district, with striking architecture showcasing the unique blend of tradition and modernity in the region. Located along the Dubai Creek in Bur Dubai, this district is designed to pay homage to the city’s rich past, while also providing a glimpse into the urban, cosmopolitan culture of the city. The mixed-use development borders the Al Fahidi Historical District and has several features that are sure to appeal to culture vultures in Dubai.

ABOUT MARSA AL SEEF

Featuring traditional pedestrian streets and trendy waterfront promenades, Marsa Al Seef occupies a built-up area of 2.5 million sq. ft. This unique leisure and retail destination consists of a souq, retail stores, souvenir shops selling Emirati artwork and traditional dresses, as well as restaurants overlooking the Dubai Creek.

Marsa Al Seef in Bur Dubai offers something unique – a waterfront shopping, dining and leisure experience set amid the cultural backdrop of old Dubai. The location is divided into two sides, one filled with architecture reminiscent of the past, while the other side offers a modern waterfront promenade. Let’s look at all the Marsa Al Seef attractions and the many amenities that visitors can avail of at this popular tourist destination.

In addition to the regular attractions in the area, there are also firework shows, art installations and other events organised for festive occasions at Al Seef.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR AT MARSA AL SEEF DUBAI

Visitors can look forward to trying out exciting restaurants and cafes along the waterfront promenade. In addition to the dining options, Marsa Al Seef also has a variety of other attractions.

• Three hotels
• An open-air museum 
• An amphitheatre
• Art galleries
• Retail shops selling traditional Emirati handicrafts, dresses, home decor, souvenirs, jewellery and accessories
• Museum of Illusions
• Al Seef Heritage Souq

SHOPPING AT AL SEEF

You can find an array of shops selling Arabic perfumes, gifts, souvenirs, scarves, jewellery, accessories and more.

Here’s are some of the popular shops in Marsa Al Seef:

• Albait Al Dimashqi Perfumes
• Al Jaber Optical
• Anousheh
• Bayt Al Saboun Alloubnani
• BinSina Pharmacy
• Creek Side Gifts & Novelties
• Dokkan Salla
• Dukan Namlet
• Excellence Link General Trading LLC
• Gala Supermarket
• iClick
• Life Pharmacy
• Mona Beauty Centre
• Tarsam Image
• Zeneve London

AL SEEF HERITAGE SOUQ

The Al Seef Heritage Souq is where contemporary Dubai meets the traditional past of the emirate. Here you can find home décor products, carpets, jewellery, traditional handicrafts and unique arts and crafts created by expert regional craftsmen.

Some of the popular shops at the Al Seef Souk include:

• Al Ablam
• Antikati
• Al Bahrain Carpets & Antiques 
• Al Mutasim
• Areni Otantic
• Al Tantawi Novelties & Gifts Trading 
• Ardabeel
• Caliente Trading
• Doann Honey
• Embro Craft
• Exotic Habayeb
• GCI Pearl Street
• Handicraft Home
• House of Arabian Pearls
• Kudu Arts
• Noor Al Saif Perfumes
• Pro Bee Dry Clean
• Qasr Al Reef
• Red Sea Exhb
• Sand Art
• Taif Al Emarat
• Twaaq Perfumes

HOTELS IN MARSA AL SEEF

Marsa Al Seef’s fusion of the old and new elements of the city make it a great place to stay. Here are some of the hotels where you can enjoy a vacation or staycation in Al Seef Dubai.

• A 190-room heritage hotel – Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai
• A 200-room modern luxury hotel – Canopy by Hilton
• A 150-room contemporary upscale hotel – Hampton by Hilton

The Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton pairs traditional Arabian hospitality with modern luxury amenities, services and decor.

Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef offers stunning views of the Dubai Creek, comfortable rooms, a rooftop bar and incredible restaurants.

The third option is Hampton by Hilton Dubai Al Seef – a fun, urban space for travellers. Its artsy setting is right for all wandering spirits, who are willing to experiment.

Al Seef is also only a short distance away from the airport, so that is another big advantage for frequent travellers and tourists.

CAFES AND RESTAURANTS AT AL SEEF

Dubai’s culinary landscape has an enviable range of gastronomic offerings, and impressing foodies in the city is no easy feat. The restaurants in Marsa Al Seef Dubai include everything from top global brands to cosy little cafes. So, whether you are looking to sit down for a cup of a coffee or are in the mood for a royal feast, there are plenty of options to choose from. 

• Al Mallah
• 961LB
• Al Fanar Seafood Market
• Al Hamidieh Restaurant Cafe
• Baba Mahmoud
• Baskin Robbins
• Belgium Waffles
• Best Worscht in Town
• Bikanervala
• Doors Freestyle Grill
• Dukkan Burger
• Dunkin’ Donuts
• Five Guys
• Hello Fruits
• ILA Restaurant Cafe
• Jelly Belly Ice Cream
• Kava Chai
• Kailash Parbat
• Keventers Milkshakes
• Khofo
• Kim’s Singapore Seafood
• La Marquise
• Mishmash
• Mitra
• Nablus
• Piadera
• Saba’a
• Shawerme
• Skafos
• Sol Sky Bar
• Sul Fiume
• The Brass
• Times of Arabia

SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS 

Besides the activities mentioned above, there are two major attractions that you can visit at Marsa Al Seef. 

BATEAUX DUBAI

Bateaux Dubai offers the perfect way to view this historical district. This air-conditioned luxury vessel takes you around the creek, offering panoramic views of the city along with delicious food and live music. What more can one ask for?

Contact: +971-4-336-6768

MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS

The Museum of Illusions is a unique attraction that offers an immersive, interactive experience for visitors. The holograms, brain teasers, educational games and puzzles are sure to entertain both children and adults.

• Contact: +971-4-357-3999

Al Seef Marina

The Al Seef Marina is managed by D-Marin. The marina has 68 wet berths, 24-hour dockhand assistance, 24-hour buggy transfer and sailing permit arrangements. It is quite popular among yacht owners and those looking to rent a yacht.

FAQs

IS THERE PARKING AVAILABLE AT AL SEEF?

Yes, Al Seef has parking space for over 3,000 cars.

WHAT ARE THE MARSA AL SEEF TIMINGS?

The Al Seef timings are as follows:

• Sunday to Wednesday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
• Thursday to Saturday 10:00 am to 12:00 am

HOW CAN I GET THERE?

If you are driving to Al Seef Street, there are multiple options depending on where you start your journey. Your route could be from Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Garhoud Bridge, Business Bay Bridge, Al Maktoum Bridge, Floating Bridge or the Shindaga Tunnel. 

The Marsa Al Seef location allows visitors to take advantage of the waterways surrounding the area. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of these waterways is that you can avoid congestion on the roads. You can choose to arrive at the destination via a water taxi, or even a private yacht! Marsa Al Seef has abra stations as well as dhow and yacht moorings along its edge.

Alternatively, you can take a water taxi/abra and get off at the Al Seef Marine Transportation Station 1.

Another option is to take the Dubai Metro Red Line. You would have to get off at Burjuman Metro Station, which is at walking distance from Marsa Al Seef. 

HOW CAN I CONTACT AL SEEF MANAGEMENT?

You can call them on the toll-free number: 800-637-227.

WHO IS THE DEVELOPER FOR MARSA AL SEEF?

The unique shopping, entertainment and dining district is developed by Meraas, the renowned master-builder behind The Beach at JBR and City Walk. 

From shopping to exploring this glorious historical district on a boat, there are plenty of fun and engaging activities on offer here. For other laidback weekend hangout spots, don’t forget to check out the super-chic La Mer, another Meraas development. Al Khawaneej Walk, Bin Sougat Centre and Outlet Village are a few other happening places you can visit in Dubai.