Dubai Begins $21.8 Million Creek Lights Project Across 8km Waterfront

DUBAI, UAE: Dubai Municipality has begun implementing the Dubai Creek Lights project, an $21.8 million (AED80 million) initiative that will transform eight kilometres of Dubai Creek through an integrated lighting and urban enhancement programme.

The project is being implemented under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

Designed to strengthen Dubai Creek's position as a world-class nighttime destination, the project will use architectural and urban lighting to highlight the waterfront's historical, cultural and architectural identity while creating a more vibrant public realm after sunset.

Scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2027, the initiative forms part of Dubai Municipality's wider programme to enhance waterfronts, landmarks and public spaces across the emirate.

Eight Kilometres of Dubai Creek to Be Illuminated

Dubai Creek Lights will extend across eight kilometres and cover six key areas: Creek Quay, the Creek Promenade at the Gold Souq, the Creek entrance at Infinity Bridge, Al Shindagha Historic District, Bur Dubai Souq and Al Seef Marina.

More than 5,000 lighting units will be installed as part of the project, with the overall lighting scheme designed to be visible from more than 1,500 feet above ground level.

An integrated lighting system will establish a distinct visual identity for each location, responding to the different characteristics of the Creek's waterfronts, historic districts, traditional markets and architectural landmarks.

Works will also include lighting upgrades to promenades, Creek entrances, building façades and waterfront walkways, with the aim of creating safer and more attractive public spaces for residents and visitors.

The improvements are intended to support the objectives of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033.

Sustainable Lighting to Protect Marine Life

Environmental considerations have also been incorporated into the lighting strategy.

Dubai Municipality said the project will use sustainable lighting solutions designed to minimise environmental impacts on marine life, balancing the transformation of the nighttime environment with protection of the Creek's natural ecosystem.

The initiative follows Dubai's recognition as the World's Most Beautiful City at Night for 2026, based on a global study assessing factors including safety, the quality of the nighttime urban experience, evening attractions, dedicated public spaces and the visual appeal of the urban environment.

Highlighting Dubai Creek's Heritage

Beyond the physical lighting infrastructure, the project is intended to reinforce the historical significance of Dubai Creek and its role in the emirate's development.

H.E. Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said: “Dubai Creek has served throughout the emirate’s history as a vital artery for trade and commerce and as the starting point of Dubai’s urban and economic development. It remains a landmark that has witnessed defining moments in the city’s growth and transformation. Through the Dubai Creek Lights project, we are bringing part of that journey back to life along its banks. The project will celebrate the Creek’s cultural heritage, showcase its urban identity and present it through a distinctive nighttime experience for residents and visitors. It reflects our commitment to making Dubai the world’s most beautiful and attractive city through an urban vision that preserves local identity while embracing advanced urban solutions.”

Historically, ships and traditional trading dhows used lights along the Creek's banks to guide their journeys while transporting goods through what became one of the foundations of Dubai's commercial development.

The new project aims to reinterpret that relationship with light through a contemporary urban experience while supporting commercial and tourism activity along the waterfront.

Creating a New Nighttime Experience

Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, said: “Dubai Creek Lights is a landmark project that will transform the Creek into an exceptional nighttime destination combining architectural beauty, history and culture. The project will deliver an integrated lighting system using advanced technologies and engineering solutions tailored to the architectural and heritage characteristics of each area. The lighting has been designed to highlight waterfronts, traditional markets and historic buildings while ensuring visual comfort, enhancing pedestrian safety and elevating the overall nighttime experience.”

The project forms part of Dubai Municipality's portfolio of urban initiatives focused on transforming waterfronts and public spaces into integrated destinations supporting tourism, economic activity and quality of life.

With completion targeted for Q1 2027, Dubai Creek Lights will introduce a new visual layer to one of the city's oldest urban and commercial districts, connecting its historic identity with Dubai's wider programme of public realm development.