A Self-Guided Tour of Dubai’s Origins in Deira

Dubai , United Arab Emirates

A Self-Guided Tour of Dubai’s Origins in Deira

Active

1h - 1h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Are you looking for a self-guided journey through Dubai's vibrant past? Trace Dubai’s origins in Deira on this tour published by Visit Dubai, Dubai's official tourism body.

Sail on an abra across historic waterways, inhaling the aromas of the Spice Souk and meandering through Deira's picturesque alleys. Explore optional stops, like museums honouring poets and women in the UAE alongside a school that influenced Dubai's leaders. Once the heart of the pearl trade, this area shaped the city's culture and economy. The tour concludes at the Gold Souk, unfolding Dubai's rich heritage.

Please be sure to bring along 1 dirham to pay for the abra across Dubai Creek. It’s also important to start the tour’s audio before you board the abra.

Get unlimited use of this tour before your booking date and after it. You can use the virtual tour option at home, too.

Available options

A Self-Guided Tour of Dubai’s Origins in Deira

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English

VoiceMap app for Android and iOS

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Start your journey through time at the Dubai Spice Souk. Immerse yourself in this historic market's vibrant colours and scents as you prepare for a breezy abra ride.

As you glide across Dubai Creek, pass by the Museum of the Poet Al Oqaili, a tribute to poetry and culture in the UAE. Absorb the artistic essence that lingers in the air.

Stop 3

Cross Dubai Creek in an abra. Please be sure to bring along 1 Dirham to pay for the abra across Dubai Creek.

Stop 4 Pass by

Continue your journey through Deira, passing by the Women's Museum Bait al Banat. Delve into the history and contributions of women in the UAE, appreciating their significant roles. If you’d like to visit the Dubai Women’s Museum, it is closed on Fridays and open from 10am to 6pm for the rest of the week. The Museum of the Poet Al Oqaili is also closed on Fridays and Saturdays, and is only open from 8am to 2pm for the rest of the week. The museum is an optional stop and is not included in this tour.

Stop 5

Arrive at the bustling Dubai Gold Souk, the endpoint of your tour. Witness the opulence and tradition of the city's gold trade, symbolizing Dubai's cultural and economic evolution over time. Explore the glittering displays and marvel at the heritage preserved in this vibrant marketplace.

What's not included

1 Dirham to pay for the abra across Dubai Creek

Smartphone and headphones

Transportation

Food and drink

Available languages

Audio guide

AR RU CMN EN FR ES

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

This tour starts at the intersections of 3A Street and 34th Street. The closest metro station is Al Ghubaiba on the Green Line, about a five-minute walk away. Bur Dubai Abra Station can also be reached from Al Ras Metro Station, which is about a ten-minute walk from the Abra station.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE 
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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1. Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
2. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
3. Create an account
4. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
5. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE 
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT 
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Dubai

Dubai is a city of superlatives, known for its futuristic architecture, luxury shopping, and vibrant culture. It offers a unique blend of traditional Arabic heritage and modern innovation, making it a captivating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Burj Khalifa

The tallest building in the world, offering breathtaking views from its observation decks.

Architecture 1-2 hours AED 149-500 (USD 40-140)

Dubai Mall

One of the largest shopping malls in the world, featuring a vast array of retail stores, dining options, and entertainment venues.

Shopping Half day to full day Free entry, activities vary in cost

Palm Jumeirah

A man-made island shaped like a palm tree, featuring luxury resorts, residential areas, and the iconic Atlantis The Palm resort.

Architecture Half day to full day Varies by activity

Old Dubai (Al Fahidi)

The historic district of Dubai, showcasing traditional Emirati architecture, museums, and cultural experiences.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore, museum entry AED 3 (USD 0.80)

Dubai Creek

A historic waterway that divides Dubai into two main sections, offering traditional abra rides and access to souks.

Cultural 2-3 hours AED 1 (USD 0.30) for abra ride

Dubai Marina

A modern waterfront district featuring luxury yachts, high-rise buildings, and a vibrant dining and nightlife scene.

Waterfront Half day to full day Free to explore, activities vary in cost

Must-Try Local Dishes

Al Harees

A traditional Emirati dish made from wheat and meat, slow-cooked to a porridge-like consistency.

Main Course Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians.

Machboos

A spiced rice dish cooked with meat, typically chicken or lamb, and flavored with saffron and cardamom.

Main Course Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians.

Luqaimat

Sweet dumplings made from a batter of flour, yeast, and cardamom, deep-fried and drizzled with date syrup.

Dessert Vegetarian, contains gluten.

Kahwa

A traditional Arabic coffee flavored with cardamom and served with dates.

Drink Contains caffeine, can be prepared with or without sugar.

Popular Activities

Dune bashing Skydiving Hot air ballooning Skiing at Ski Dubai Beach lounging Spa treatments Yacht cruises Shopping

Best Time to Visit

November to March

This is the best time to visit Dubai, with pleasant weather ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city hosts numerous events and festivals during this period.

20-30°C 68-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Arabic
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED)

Time Zone

GMT+4

Electricity

220-240VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Dubai is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, travelers should still exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps
• Be cautious when using ATMs
• Avoid sharing personal information with strangers

Getting there

By air

Dubai International Airport • 5 km from city center
Al Maktoum International Airport • 50 km from city center

By bus

Al Ghubaiba Bus Station, Gold Souk Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Modern, efficient, and air-conditioned. Uses a contactless payment system (Nol Card).

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Careem

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Dubai Jumeirah Deira Dubai Marina

Day trips

Abu Dhabi

140 km from Dubai • Full day

The capital of the UAE, offering a mix of modern architecture and traditional heritage sites.

Hatta

115 km from Dubai • Half day to full day

A picturesque mountain area with a dam, heritage village, and outdoor activities.

Musandam Peninsula

200 km from Dubai • Overnight

A stunning coastal area known as the 'Norway of Arabia' for its fjords and clear waters.

Festivals

Dubai Shopping Festival • January-February Dubai World Cup • March Dubai Food Festival • February-March

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
Use the Nol Card for easy and discounted access to public transport.
Bargain when shopping in souks, but do so politely and respectfully.
Try traditional Emirati dishes at local restaurants for an authentic culinary experience.
Book tickets for popular attractions, such as the Burj Khalifa, in advance to avoid long queues.