Dubai begins Dh80mn Creek Lights project to transform historic waterfront after dark
More than 5,000 lights to illuminate six heritage locations
DUBAI – Dubai Municipality has started work on the Dubai Creek Lights project, an ambitious Dh80 million initiative that will transform the emirate's historic waterfront into a landmark nighttime destination.
Launched under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the project will stretch across eight kilometres of Dubai Creek. It aims to create a striking visual and urban experience while celebrating the area's rich history, architecture and cultural significance.
The project is part of Dubai Municipality's wider efforts to enhance public spaces, improve quality of life and strengthen Dubai's position as one of the world's leading cities to live, work and visit. By bringing new life to the Creek after sunset, it is expected to make one of the city's oldest districts even more attractive for residents and visitors alike.
Dubai Creek Lights
Dubai Creek Lights follows Dubai's recognition as the World's Most Beautiful City at Night for 2026 in a global study that assessed factors including safety, the quality of the nighttime urban experience, the diversity of evening attractions, the availability of dedicated public spaces and the visual appeal of the urban environment.
The lighting project is designed to reflect that vision by creating an immersive experience that showcases the Creek's heritage while embracing modern urban design. More than 5,000 lighting units will be installed across six key locations, with the illuminated landscape visible from more than 1,500 feet above ground level.
The six areas included in the project are 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. Each location will feature a customised lighting concept that highlights its unique architectural, historical and cultural identity.
According to Dubai Municipality, the advanced lighting system will strengthen the visual identity of each district while drawing attention to waterfronts, heritage buildings, traditional markets and other landmark structures that have played a central role in Dubai's development.
Sustainable design
Alongside its visual impact, the project incorporates sustainable lighting technologies that are intended to minimise environmental effects on marine life within Dubai Creek. The approach balances urban enhancement with the protection of the Creek's natural ecosystem.
The works will also include extensive upgrades to lighting along promenades, Creek entrances, building façades and waterfront walkways. These improvements are expected to create safer, more attractive public spaces while supporting the objectives of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033.
Dubai Municipality said the initiative reflects the emirate's continued focus on developing innovative urban experiences that improve everyday life while preserving the distinctive character of historic neighbourhoods.
Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, described Dubai Creek as the historic artery of the emirate, serving for generations as the centre of trade and commerce and the foundation of Dubai's urban and economic growth.
He said the Dubai Creek Lights project will revive part of that journey by celebrating the Creek's cultural heritage and presenting its urban identity through a distinctive nighttime experience for both residents and visitors. He added that the initiative reflects Dubai's commitment to becoming the world's most beautiful and attractive city while preserving local identity through advanced urban solutions.
Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, said the project would transform Dubai Creek into an exceptional nighttime destination combining architecture, history and culture. He noted that the integrated lighting system uses advanced technologies and engineering solutions specifically tailored to the heritage and architectural characteristics of each location.
According to Anwahi, the lighting has been designed to highlight historic buildings, traditional markets and waterfront areas while ensuring visual comfort, improving pedestrian safety and enhancing the overall visitor experience after dark.
For decades, traditional trading dhows and commercial vessels relied on lights lining the Creek to guide their journeys as they transported goods that fuelled Dubai's early economy. Through the Dubai Creek Lights project, illumination will return with a contemporary purpose, creating a new urban experience that also supports commercial activity and tourism along the waterfront.
The Dubai Creek Lights project is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2027 and forms part of Dubai Municipality's broader portfolio of waterfront and public space developments aimed at creating integrated global destinations that support tourism, economic growth and quality of life.