Dubai Creek Harbour – Area & Neighbourhood Guide

Dubai Creek Harbour is one of Dubai’s newest urban developments, masterfully designed and developed by Emaar Properties along the shores of Dubai Creek. Strategically located near the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, this area sits between the city’s historic districts (Deira and Bur Dubai) and its modern hubs such as Downtown Dubai and Business Bay. Positioned along the creek itself, the area is bordered to the north by Ras Al Khor Road (E44) and to the south by Nad Al Hamar Road (D62), providing quick and efficient access to the rest of the city.

Accessibility and Transportation

In addition to its excellent highway connectivity, Dubai Creek Harbour benefits from a well-planned public transportation network. Currently, the closest metro station is Creek Station on the Green Line, located just a few kilometers away in the Al Jaddaf area. From there, a short taxi or bus ride brings you to the heart of Dubai Creek Harbour. Bus routes such as 53 and X64 also serve nearby stops, including the Waha station. Moreover, a ferry service operates between Dubai Festival City and the Creek Harbour Marina. Travel times by car are particularly convenient—for example, it takes approximately 10 minutes to reach Dubai Mall in Downtown or Dubai Design District (D3), around 20 minutes to Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the Burj Khalifa, and no more than 30 minutes to destinations like Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah. Proximity to Dubai International Airport is also a major advantage, with just a 15-minute drive required to reach its terminals.

Nearby Areas and Access to Key City Destinations

Dubai Creek Harbour is located within the larger Dubai Creek region, bordered by the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary to the west and the creek’s waterway to the east and north. It is situated close to other major developments such as Dubai Festival City and Al Jaddaf. With key highways like Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Sheikh Zayed Road within a 15-minute radius, it also offers direct access to more distant areas, including Expo City and Dubai South. Overall, Dubai Creek Harbour’s central position on the city map ensures that most of Dubai’s key destinations are reachable in under 30 minutes.

Attractions and Reasons to Invest in Dubai Creek Harbour

As a mixed-use waterfront development, Dubai Creek Harbour offers a wide range of attractions for residents, investors, tourists, and professionals alike. One of its key advantages is its unique location—merging stunning views of Dubai Creek with the iconic skyline of Downtown Dubai. Residents can wake up each morning to views of the Ras Al Khor natural wetland and its famous pink flamingos, all while being just minutes away from the vibrant heart of the city. The presence of a private waterway and marina enables recreational activities such as sailing and leisure boating. This rare blend of nature and urban living makes Creek Harbour a truly distinctive area—combining the serenity of wildlife with the energy of a modern metropolis.

From an investment standpoint, Dubai Creek Harbour is developed by Emaar, one of the most reputable real estate developers in the Middle East. The community’s master-planned design offers high growth potential. According to recent reports, in the first half of 2024, this area recorded the highest price increase per square foot among all Dubai neighborhoods—an approximate 7.96% year-on-year growth. Additionally, the return on investment (ROI) for rental apartments in Creek Harbour is estimated at around 6.3% to 6.5%, outperforming the average in many other districts. Its proximity to major business hubs, upcoming landmark projects within the community, and a wealth of premium amenities all contribute to making this area appealing to both local and international investors. Furthermore, the availability of 100% freehold ownership for foreign nationals adds a strong legal incentive for investment.

Lifestyle and Quality of Life

Dubai Creek Harbour has been thoughtfully designed to offer a luxurious yet family-friendly lifestyle. The layout of the community gives residents the feeling of living in a self-contained modern town, complete with pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, commercial boulevards, expansive green parks, and dedicated cycling tracks that promote a healthy and community-centered way of life. For families, there are children’s play areas, swimming pools, recreational zones, and even nurseries integrated within residential complexes. Round-the-clock security, professional maintenance, and property management by Emaar-affiliated companies ensure a consistently high standard of daily living.

The marina promenade is lined with stylish cafés and waterfront restaurants, offering diverse options for dining or enjoying a relaxing evening with views of the water and cityscape. Retail experiences are also part of the vision for the area, with a major shopping destination—Dubai Square—currently under planning, set to transform the community into a shopping and leisure hub. In essence, the lifestyle at Dubai Creek Harbour represents a harmonious blend of nature-oriented living (close to water and wildlife) and modern urban comfort (luxury amenities and social vibrancy).

Amenities: Retail, Education, Healthcare, and Leisure

For everyday shopping needs, Dubai Creek Harbour is well-equipped with supermarkets and grocery stores operating within residential complexes and hotels throughout the community. Additionally, retail outlets and convenience shops located along the main streets and the marina promenade make daily errands simple and efficient. For more upscale shopping, as previously mentioned, a large-scale, modern mall is part of the future development plans—expected to host approximately 800 stores and international brands.

In terms of education, the area already includes several private nurseries and early childhood centers. Prominent international schools are located within a short driving distance—for instance, the Swiss International Scientific School in Al Jaddaf and Universal American School in Nad Al Hamar are both accessible within around 15 minutes. Other notable schools within a 15–20 minute radius include Kindergarten Starters, Deira International School, and several more, ensuring that resident families have ample access to high-quality educational options. Moreover, the Dubai Healthcare City area, with its medical university and specialized colleges, is also within a 15-minute drive.

Regarding healthcare, a branch of the renowned Mediclinic group has recently opened within Dubai Creek Harbour, offering primary medical care and emergency services. In addition, well-equipped hospitals such as Rashid Hospital, Emirates Specialty Hospital in Healthcare City, and Nad Al Hamar Health Center are all located within approximately 15 minutes. This proximity ensures that residents have reliable access to advanced healthcare services without inconvenience.

Recreational facilities and green spaces are an integral part of life in Creek Harbour. A large central park is planned on Creek Island, offering areas for picnics, outdoor sports, and community events. The continuous waterfront promenade along the marina and creek provides a scenic route for walking, jogging, and cycling by the water. Nature lovers can easily access pedestrian bridges that connect to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, where they can enjoy the natural park and birdwatching platforms to observe the sanctuary’s iconic pink flamingos.

For health and fitness, nearly all residential towers are equipped with modern gyms and swimming pools. Additionally, a sailing club and marina operate within the area, attracting enthusiasts of water sports and recreational boating.

From a commercial and business perspective, the master plan for Dubai Creek Harbour includes approximately 300,000 square meters of office space, which has yet to be officially launched by Emaar at the time of writing. Once completed, this business zone is expected to attract companies and entrepreneurs, creating local employment opportunities for residents. While the office component is still under development, the community’s proximity to key commercial districts like Business Bay and DIFC has already made it a preferred residential location for professionals working in those areas.

Key Projects and Major Developers

The development of Dubai Creek Harbour was initially conceptualized in 2006, with construction officially commencing in 2008 as a joint venture between Emaar Properties and Dubai Holding, a government-owned entity. In recent years, Emaar acquired full ownership of the project, becoming the sole developer and landowner. The master community is divided into nine distinct districts, the most prominent being Creek Island and Creek Beach. Creek Island is situated in the heart of the water and connected to the mainland via bridges, and it hosts the majority of the high-rise residential towers—either completed or under construction. Creek Beach, by contrast, stretches along the shore and features mid-rise apartment buildings with direct access to a man-made beach.

Among the most notable completed projects in Creek Harbour are Dubai Creek Residences, the twin towers of Harbour Views, the Creekside 18 towers, the Creek Horizon development, and the iconic high-rise The Grand. Additionally, the luxurious Address Harbour Point towers, operated under the prestigious Address Hotels brand, stand as signature landmarks on Creek Island. In the Creek Beach area, lower-rise residential buildings such as Breeze, Sunset, Lotus, Orchid, and Grove have been completed or are nearing completion, offering residents a beachfront lifestyle with family-friendly open spaces. Palace

Residences, another signature project, is a residential tower connected to the adjacent Palace Hotel, positioned along the waterfront.

A major milestone in the area’s evolution was the phased development and eventual activation of the Dubai Creek Marina, which began in 2018. Today, it is fully operational and hosts leisure boats and waterfront events. The opening of Vida Creek Harbour Hotel in 2019, followed by Address Grand Creek Harbour Hotel in 2022, introduced luxury hospitality options to the area, further enhancing its appeal for visitors and contributing to the district’s overall vibrancy.

Demographic Analysis and Resident Community

Since the handover of residential units began, Dubai Creek Harbour has experienced rapid population growth. Based on the latest unofficial statistics, the area is currently home to more than 30,000 residents. The demographic profile predominantly consists of young families, professionals, and individuals working in the city’s commercial sectors. The presence of child- and family-friendly amenities—such as playgrounds and nurseries—highlights the significant number of family households. At the same time, the availability of smaller units such as studios and one-bedroom apartments appeals to singles and young couples without children.

Overall, the community is diverse and multinational, reflecting Dubai’s global character. Residents include individuals from various Asian, European, and Arab countries. According to long-term planning, Dubai Creek Harbour is expected to accommodate over 200,000 residents upon full completion. This figure would make it one of the largest residential communities in Dubai. For comparison, the projected population capacity of Creek Harbour is estimated to be nearly twice that of Downtown Dubai. Such growth is anticipated to unfold gradually over the next 5 to 10 years.

The forecasted demographic composition includes a high percentage of expatriate professionals alongside Emirati nationals seeking a contemporary lifestyle. As commercial and office hubs within Creek Harbour begin to take shape, the number of residents who both live and work in the area is expected to increase—adding to the dynamic, self-sustained nature of the local community.

Projects, Towers, and Residential Units – Facts and Figures

Dubai Creek Harbour features dozens of high- and mid-rise residential towers. As of early 2025, over 20 residential towers have been fully completed and handed over. These include the six original Dubai Creek Residences towers (delivered in 2019), as well as major developments such as the Harbour Views twin towers, Creekside 18, Creek Horizon, Creek Gate, Harbour Gate, Creek Rise, Address Harbour Point (two towers), The Grand, and several mid-rise projects in Creek Beach such as Sunset and Bayshore. In total, the number of ready-to-occupy units in the area is currently estimated at between 6,000 and 7,000 units.

Just a few landmark projects account for a significant portion of these units:

• Dubai Creek Residences: approx. 928 units
• Palace Residences: approx. 927 units
• Harbour Views: approx. 794 units
• Address Harbour Point: approx. 802 units

Together, these developments alone account for more than 3,000 units. When factoring in other completed towers—each offering between 300 and 600 units—the total number of residences easily climbs into the several thousands, which helps explain the area's rapidly growing population.

In addition to completed projects, a large number of developments are currently under construction. According to the master plan, Dubai Creek Harbour is projected to accommodate approximately 48,500 residential units upon full completion. This means that tens of thousands of units are still slated for delivery over the coming years.

Several new projects launched between 2022 and 2024 are now under development. These include:

• Creek Waters: a high-rise tower with approx. 900 units
• Creek Crescent
• The Cove II: 806 units
• Creek Edge: 564 units
• Savanna, Creek Harbour Gateway, and others

These are scheduled for completion between 2025 and 2027. Meanwhile, in the Creek Beach section, mid-rise buildings such as Orchid (ready in 2025) and Rosewater (also 2025) will introduce several hundred additional units. As such, the area offers a substantial and growing supply of residential inventory—both currently available and in the pipeline.

In terms of residential typology, nearly all properties in Dubai Creek Harbour are apartments. Approximate unit sizes are as follows:

• One-bedroom apartments: average of 70 to 80 sqm
• Two-bedroom apartments: around 110 to 130 sqm
• Three-bedroom apartments: 150 to 200 sqm
• Four-bedroom apartments and larger penthouses are available in select luxury towers.

Transaction data indicates that one- and two-bedroom apartments are the most frequently sold, reflecting strong demand in these categories. Four-bedroom units are relatively rare and are usually offered as upper-floor penthouses in luxury towers such as Address and Palace. A limited number of duplex townhouses are also available on the ground floors of some Creek Beach buildings, offering villa-style living within the city, although their share of the total housing stock remains minimal.

Search for floor plans in Dubai Creek Harbour

Residential Property Sale Prices (Past 6 Months)

The residential sales market in Dubai Creek Harbour has been notably active over the past six months (September 2024 to March 2025), showing a strong upward trend. By the end of 2024, the average sale price of apartments in the area stood at approximately AED 2,400 per square foot (around USD 7,050 per square meter), with a modest increase observed in early 2025. A more detailed assessment by area shows that prices rose from an average of AED 2,300 per square foot in Autumn 2024 to around AED 2,500–2,600 per square foot by Spring 2025. This is equivalent to approximately USD 7,000 per square meter. Overall, the price increase during this six-month period is estimated at 10–15%, reflecting robust demand within the community. According to Dubai real estate search platforms, the annual price growth for apartments in Creek Harbour has been the highest among luxury districts.

Prices vary depending on unit type and exact location. The table below outlines the average sales prices for various apartment types over the past six months:

It is important to note that the figures above represent general averages. Several factors can influence the pricing of a specific unit, including the view (direct waterfront or Burj Khalifa skyline), floor level, total area, whether the property is furnished, or if it belongs to a hotel-branded residence such as Address, Palace, or Vida. For example, units with a view of the Burj Khalifa and city skyline typically sell for 10–20% more than similar units facing inward.

In recent months, the resale market has also become more active. Some original buyers who purchased off-plan directly from Emaar are now selling their units at substantial profits.

From a global perspective, the current average price per square meter in Creek Harbour (around USD 7,000 per sqm) remains significantly lower than comparable waterfront areas in major cities such as London, New York, or Hong Kong. This price advantage adds to the district’s appeal for international investors.

See Villas & Apartments for Sale in Dubai Creek Harbour

Average Annual Rental Rates

 According to current data, the average annual rent for an apartment in Dubai Creek Harbour stands at approximately AED 138 per square foot. One of the reasons for the relatively high rental levels in this area is the notable presence of larger units—particularly luxury two- and three-bedroom apartments—which command higher rents due to their size and features.

To provide greater clarity, the average annual rent by unit type as of early 2025 is as follows:

• One-bedroom apartment: approx. AED 100,000 per year
• Two-bedroom apartment: approx. AED 155,000 per year
• Three-bedroom apartment: approx. AED 230,000 per year
• Four-bedroom apartment: approx. AED 480,000 per year

The rental yield in Creek Harbour, as previously noted, is in the range of 6%, which is considered attractive for the Dubai market. This means that an investor purchasing a unit and renting it out can expect to earn an annual rental income equivalent to about 6% of the property’s value. For smaller units, this yield may reach up to 7%, while for larger luxury apartments, the yield might be closer to 5%.

See Villas & Apartments for Rent in Dubai Creek Harbour

Market Trends and Outlook for 2025–2026

 Several factors support a positive outlook for Dubai Creek Harbour’s real estate market:

1. Continued strong demand and increasing interest from international investors
2. The release of new inventory contributing to a more balanced supply-demand dynamic
3. Ongoing infrastructure completion, enhancing the area's overall livability and appeal
4. Positive economic prospects and Dubai’s ongoing role as host to international events

Based on these drivers, analysts expect sales prices in Dubai Creek Harbour to continue rising in 2025 and 2026, albeit at a more moderate pace compared to previous years. The market is forecasted to approach a point of saturation around 2027–2028.

Additionally, a potential migration of tenants from older communities to Dubai Creek Harbour may take place in the coming years. As the area matures into a fully established community with complete infrastructure and amenities, it is likely to attract tenants from Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and other older districts—particularly those seeking newer, higher-quality units.

Professional Advisory for Informed Real Estate Decisions

 If you're looking to make a well-informed and strategic decision regarding buying, selling, or renting property in Dubai Creek Harbour, the expert advisors at homeland are here to support you with data-driven, analytical, and credible insights.

We provide access to:

• The latest market updates and trends
• Detailed knowledge of upcoming projects—including those yet to be publicly announced
• Exclusive listings and off-market opportunities not available on public platforms

By conducting precise comparisons with other areas of Dubai, we help ensure you make the best decision, at the right time and place, and maximize your investment returns.

See Villa for Sale in Dubai

See Apartments for Rent in Dubai

Search for floor plans in Dubai

FAQs about Dubai Creek Harbour

What types of properties are available in Dubai Creek Harbour?

Dubai Creek Harbour offers a wide variety of properties, including luxury apartments, villas, and townhouses. There are also off-plan properties for those looking to invest in future developments.

What are the average rental prices in Dubai Creek Harbour?

Rent prices for apartments in Dubai Creek Harbour generally start from around AED 90,000 annually for a 1-bedroom unit, with larger properties like 3-bedroom apartments or villas going up to AED 150,000 or more.

Are there schools and healthcare facilities in the area?

Yes, Dubai Creek Harbour offers a range of international schools and clinics, with plans for more as the community continues to grow.

How far is Dubai Creek Harbour from Downtown Dubai?

Dubai Creek Harbour is located just 10-15 minutes away from Downtown Dubai, making it an ideal location for those who want quick access to the city center.

For more information on properties and investment opportunities in Dubai Creek Harbour, feel free to contact us or explore our off-plan properties page.