Deira is one of the oldest and most established areas of Dubai, its origins date back to the mid-1700s, it developed along the canal called Dubai Creek, this saltwater canal separates Deira from Bur Dubai. The canal enabled the area to develop in importance; it facilitated the sea trade, which is still operational today, thanks to the traditional dhow boats which still load and unload hundreds of tons of goods on the canal docks every day.