Dubai Creek Harbour is a major development under construction east of the old city, intended to become a new downtown district around the Tower (Dubai Creek Tower) — a supertall structure designed to surpass the Burj Khalifa in height when completed. As of the mid-2020s, the area is partially built out with residential towers, the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary just to the south, and a growing promenade and retail strip along the Creek lagoon.
The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, technically a separate destination immediately adjacent, is a Ramsar-listed protected wetland where thousands of flamingos winter from October to March. Three observation hides give close views of the flamingos and associated wading birds, and entry is free. It is one of the most surprising natural experiences available from the centre of Dubai.
story: > Ras Al Khor means "Head of the Creek" in Arabic — the point where Dubai Creek meets the desert. The sanctuary sits within sight of the Downtown skyscrapers, meaning that from the observation hides you can watch flamingos feeding in a protected wetland with the Burj Khalifa as a backdrop. It is one of the most improbable wildlife viewing experiences in the world.