Deira Overview
A group of Bani Yas tribesmen from Abu Dhabi came and settled in Deira in 1833 and took over Dubai which had until then been dependent on Abu Dhabi. By the early 1900s Deira had become an important port, known primarily for pearl exports. Foreign merchants settled here and the town grew into an international trade centre.
In 1970 Port Rashid at the mouth of Dubai Creek opened to shipping and rapidly became a major world port, but by 2008 all commercial shipping was using Port Jebel Ali at the other end of Dubai. Port Rashid closed and is now earmarked for residential development.
Nevertheless, maritime trade established Deira as the ‘capital’ of Dubai and it is here and on the opposite banks of the Creek that government buildings, law courts and foreign embassies are to be found.
Most residential buildings are older than the buildings in ‘New Dubai’ making it cheaper to live here. There are not many villas so most accommodation is in apartment buildings. These may not have the amenities that newer buildings offer but there are plenty of hotels with pools and gyms that non residents can use.
Shoppers who prefer streets to malls will love the eclectic mix of shops and stores, and when looking for somewhere to eat you’ll be spoilt for choice.
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Deira Amenities
Built largely in the 1960s, Deira bears little resemblance to the towering glass and steel districts of New Dubai and its gated garden suburbs. This is a genuine Middle Eastern township, with its narrow streets, schools, hospitals, markets and bustling souks selling spices, gold, perfume and electronic goods. The textile souk is to be found across the Creek in Bur Dubai.
Traditional wooden boats known as ‘abras’ ferry people to and fro across the Creek for the princely sum of one dirham, providing an easy way to get about when travelling on foot.
And yes, there is a golf course, at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club.
Deira in the News

Gulf News, 24th Jun 2019
Nearby Attractions
Road Access
The main highway through Dubai, the E11 Sheikh Zayed Road, runs past Deira linking it to the neighbouring Emirate of Sharjah to the east and to New Dubai and Abu Dhabi to the west. Dubai International Airport is right next door and can be reached by car in 15 minutes.
On a good day, driving to the Dubai Mall takes 15 minutes, to the Mall of the Emirates 20, Dubai Marina 25, Jebel Ali race course 30, and Abu Dhabi 2 hours.
Public Transport
Deira is well served by the metro and by public buses. There are seven red line and three green line metro stations in this busy district making it very easy for commuters to get about.
The ride from Union Square, where the two lines meet, to the airport Terminal 1 takes just eight minutes and to Terminal 3, 11 minutes. Dubai Marina is a 45 minute ride and costs just AED 4.50.
Deira Communities
We currently maintain records for 51 sub-communities in Deira.
Deira Buildings
We currently maintain records for 23 building developments in Deira.
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Deira Reviews
See what the residents have to say by reading 10 user reviews courtesy of flatreviews.com
Deira receives an overall rating of 3 based on 10 reviews. Users were asked to consider many factors including the view, finishing, layout, noise levels, traffic, public transportation, parking, security, swimming pool, gym, and maintenance.
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