Deira

The number of apartment blocks and new office space is rising daily making Dubai one of the fastest growing cities on the planet and yet just a few miles down the road from the zones of intense construction is a part of the city that seems far from that portrayed in the glitzy brochures.

Deira is one of the oldest areas of Dubai. Situated along the banks of Dubai Creek, it holds many secrets to the economic success of Dubai over the years. It is the quieter more subdued area of the city in comparison to the neighbouring business districts that line Sheik Zayed Road, the multi-lane highway that links Dubai with the neighbouring cities of Al Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. This part of the city is the main port of call for many materials passing through Dubai enroute to far reaching corners of the globe.

Deira’s wharfage is where you can witness the harsh reality of life for traders and sailors who sail the high seas to take each product and material from port to port. It is here in the heart of Dubai that tyres made in China can be seen piled up alongside boxes of tinfoil stacked several feet high awaiting transport. Rows upon rows of petrol cans filled with vegetable oil and other various household brands also await their fate, guarded closely by watchmen who are paid to look after the goods throughout the night..