A Hot Afternoon Stroll in Al Seef, Dubai

“Meet me at Burjuman Station.” My friend, Kevin, messaged me. I think I was only just a week fresh in Dubai by the time. And I was somewhere along downtown for a job interview before noon and as soon as it was finished, I rushed down towards the nearest metro station until I reached the meeting spot with my friend Kevin.

I met Kevin in 2014. And this is a different Kevin from my housemate in Dubai, who was also my former colleague in the same-store from 2015. He was a batchmate when I was still applying to Starbucks. Just like me, he also resigned in the Philippines and was currently a barista in Starbucks Dubai at that time. And since I was a jobless friend who crossed borders in search of a better life, Kevin was kind enough to treat me for a day. We went to Burjuman Mall, in Mang Inasal for lunch, because I said I was missing Filipino food after many peking duck meals in Singapore a week ago.

Soon after we wander a bit, he asked me where do I want to go. “I don’t know!” I said. And then he mentioned about Al Seef.

Where The Old Meets The New

Al Seef is nothing but a charming destination on the creek side of Dubai with dining, shopping, and leisure destination. The tagline is pretty much self-explanatory. If I was walking there alone, I’d probably put my earphones on and stream ‘A Whole New World’ unapologetically.

What I love about it is that it can take you to the ancient days of Arabian culture. With windtowers and stones that reflects back to the history of the UAE. It’s really a magnificent place especially the ‘old’ part of Al Seef that is really a perfect stroll especially at night.

The Afternoon Stroll at Al Seef

But we got there at three in the afternoon and mind you, it was so fucking hot. And since it was hot, there were only a handful of tourists walking around the area.

I read somewhere that the creekside is rich in history as this is where the pearl-divers, fishermen, and tradesmen started. And while Dubai continues to surprise me with modern, eye-popping structures, it’s nice to have somewhere that keeps the charm and the history of the country.

The Old Town

The attention to detail of this place is amazing AF. The lampshades, the buildings, the doors, the boats, and even the comfort rooms! They all designed it to look like it was designed fifty years ago. It’s nothing but authentic, heritage-based touches.

After a few walks, Kevin invited me to Starbucks in Al Seef. It was so hot that I ordered a coffee-free frappuccino. Anyway, this Starbucks is in a unique old Dubai style. The interior of the store is just exceptional and the view in front is fantastic and undeniably, it was one of the most unique Starbucks store that I’ve been in.

Leaving Al Seef

After a wandering around, Kevin and I decided to go home since he got a basketball game to prepare to and we were both exhausted by the heat of the Arabian sun. When I left Al Seef, I didn’t know that I was actually leaving it forever. I thought there will be next time.

I promised myself to go back during the winter when the stroll in the afternoon isn’t a pain in the ass. But my days in Dubai went very fast and the next thing I know, I only have a few days to squeeze everything into my bucket list before I leave Dubai forever.

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Featured photo from timeoutdubai.com