Dubai Municipality has started work on the Dh80 million Dubai Creek Lights project. DUBAI MUNICIPALITY
Dubai’s historic Creek is set for a dramatic nighttime transformation as work begins on the Dh80 million Dubai Creek Lights project, an ambitious initiative that will illuminate one of the emirate’s oldest landmarks while preserving its rich heritage.
Launched under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the project will stretch across eight kilometres of Dubai Creek and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.
For generations, Dubai Creek served as the lifeline of the emirate, guiding wooden dhows carrying goods from around the region. Soon, the same waterfront that once relied on simple navigation lights will glow with more than 5,000 advanced lighting units, creating a new experience for residents and visitors after sunset.
The project will illuminate six key locations: Creek Quay, the Creek Promenade at the Gold Souq, the Creek entrance at Infinity Bridge, Al Shindagha Historic District, Bur Dubai Souq and Al Seef Marina. The lighting display will be visible from more than 1,500 feet above ground.
Dubai Municipality said the project is designed to celebrate the Creek’s historical, architectural and cultural identity while enhancing public spaces and supporting tourism, business activity and quality of life.
The lighting system will highlight traditional markets, waterfronts, heritage buildings and iconic landmarks while using sustainable technology designed to minimise its impact on marine life.
Works will also include upgrades to promenades, Creek entrances, waterfront walkways and building façades, supporting the objectives of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033.
Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said Dubai Creek remains at the heart of the emirate’s story.
“Dubai Creek has served throughout the emirate’s history as a vital artery for trade and commerce and as the starting point of Dubai’s urban and economic development. It remains a landmark that has witnessed defining moments in the city’s growth and transformation,” he said. “Through the Dubai Creek Lights project, we are bringing part of that journey back to life along its banks. The project will celebrate the Creek’s cultural heritage, showcase its urban identity and present it through a distinctive nighttime experience for residents and visitors. It reflects our commitment to making Dubai the world’s most beautiful and attractive city through an urban vision that preserves local identity while embracing advanced urban solutions.”
Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, said the project combines heritage with modern engineering. “Dubai Creek Lights is a landmark project that will transform the Creek into an exceptional nighttime destination combining architectural beauty, history and culture. The project will deliver an integrated lighting system using advanced technologies and engineering solutions tailored to the architectural and heritage characteristics of each area,” he said. “The lighting has been designed to highlight waterfronts, traditional markets and historic buildings while ensuring visual comfort, enhancing pedestrian safety and elevating the overall nighttime experience.”
The initiative follows Dubai’s recognition as the World’s Most Beautiful City at Night for 2026 in a global study that assessed safety, public spaces, evening attractions and the quality of the city’s nighttime environment. CAM/Expat Media
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