Dubai Creek Wharf Gets Dh112M Revamp to Boost Trade and Tourism

Dubai Creek, the historic maritime heart of the city, is entering a new era. Dubai Municipality has completed a major redevelopment of the Dubai Creek Wharf on the Deira side, allocating Dh112 million to upgrade its infrastructure, enhance navigational safety, and increase the site's appeal for both commerce and tourism.

This strategic project falls under the umbrella of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy in the next decade and position the emirate among the top three global cities for business and tourism.

Major Infrastructure Improvements

The redevelopment includes a significant overhaul of the wharf's structural and operational elements. Key features of the project include:

• Heightening the retaining wall to 8.3 meters to better manage tidal conditions and enhance safety
• Installing 200 retaining anchors, ensuring structural stability
• Creating 500 ship berths, vastly improving the capacity for cargo and tourism vessels
• Dredging 17,500 cubic meters from the creek bed to deepen the waterway and allow for smoother navigation
• Laying down 24,000 cubic meters of protective rock to prevent erosion
• Using 22,500 cubic meters of concrete and 1,315 precast concrete blocks to build durable support structures
• Installing a 1,200-meter rainwater drainage network to prevent flooding and maintain operational integrity in adverse weather

Expansion for Commerce and Leisure

The wharf’s total side area has been expanded to 320,000 square feet, offering more space for both commercial and recreational activities. The development also includes dedicated zones for cargo handling, in addition to a newly designed public promenade, blending commerce with leisure.

The project reflects a dual commitment to preserving Dubai’s rich maritime history while also pushing forward its future as a diversified economy. The wharf has long been a crucial node in Dubai’s logistics chain, serving the traditional dhow trade and connecting the emirate with the wider Gulf region.

Speaking on the importance of the project, Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said: “The development of the Dubai Creek Wharf on the Deira side is a strategic infrastructure milestone that supports the vision of Dubai’s leadership and the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

This project reinforces the creek’s role as one of the emirate’s most vital trade and tourism assets and exemplifies Dubai Municipality’s commitment to making Dubai a more pioneering, sustainable, and attractive city.” His remarks underscore how the redevelopment goes beyond physical infrastructure, also aiming to position Dubai as a leader in sustainable urban development and global connectivity.

Bur Dubai Side Next

While the Deira-side redevelopment is now complete, work is ongoing on the Bur Dubai side, which spans 2.3 kilometers. Once completed, the project will significantly improve safety and navigational efficiency across both banks of the creek, establishing the area as a key logistics and leisure destination in the city.

A Historic Asset for a Modern City

The Dubai Creek has always been central to the city’s identity—from its early pearl diving and fishing heritage to its current status as a bustling trade route. This redevelopment project not only revitalizes the physical infrastructure but also reinforces Dubai Creek’s role in the cultural and economic story of Dubai.

As the city prepares to host more tourists, entrepreneurs, and global businesses under Vision D33, projects like the Dubai Creek Wharf revamp demonstrate the emirate’s commitment to innovation while staying rooted in heritage.

With improved logistics capacity and newly integrated public spaces, the Dubai Creek Wharf is poised to serve as both a symbol of Dubai’s storied past and a vital pillar of its dynamic future.