Al Seef: Check out Dubai's latest destination, where old meets new

Dubai's tourism landscape is undergoing rapid changes as major attractions take shape and old areas are being redeveloped in projects worth billions of dirhams.

The latest addition to this landscape is Al Seef by the Dubai Creek, with its floating market and cultural retail treats.

Developer Meraas recently opened the first phase of the project. 

Stretching 1.8km along the picturesque creek and close to Al Fahidi Cultural Historical Neighbourhood, Al Seef is designed to keep Emirati culture at its core.

The Dubai Media Office has reported that Meraas has already opened the project's first phase.

It's where one can relive the country’s heritage, journey through their past and immerse in their culture through shows and cultural events at their open-air amphitheatre and open-air museum, art galleries, boutiques selling Emirati handicraft and traditional souks, and floating markets.

Visitors will see glimpses of Emirati culture such as pearl diving, fishing, boat building and have access to abras and dhows.

The waterfront promenade will also have cafes and restaurants where visitors can dine, relax and continue to breathe in the nostalgic atmosphere, where dhows float their way along the beautifully serene waterway.

The project will also be home to three hotels – a 200-key heritage, a 150-key contemporary upscale and a 200-room contemporary luxury hotel.

What it offers: Cultural and retail destination, cafes, boutiques selling Emirati handicraft, floating markets

Completion date: 2017

Number of units: 550 hotel rooms

Type of units: hotels, commercial, retail shops, offices, cultural amenities

Other relevant information:

•  The cultural centre is set to be completed this year
•  The design was inspired by local historic districts as well as the traditional souqs in Dubai in the 1950s
•  The project was announced at Cityscape Global 2015