Sheraton Hotel on the Creek 1978

In early 1970s Dubai's Creek became the base for manufacturing offshore structures, oil support industries and supply boat operations associated with Dubai's growing offshore oil industry. Almullah Enterprises of Saudi Arabia decided to build a hotel in the midst of this industrial activity - what is now Dubai's iconic Sheraton on the Creek Hotel. Work began in mid 1970s on reclaimed land. Italian Architectural Rome Group in association with Rader Mileto Associated, Rome designed the 255 room Sheraton Hotel Complex as an advanced bio-climatic building. The Complex comprised a hotel and residential apartments. Dubai's Sheraton Hotel on the Creek opened in 1978. Hotel Guests and Residents then enjoyed uninterrupted views across Dubai Creek to a Dubaiside yet to be developed and onward to Dubai's World Trade Centre under construction.

Dubai Municipality began developing adjacent reclaimed land soon after the Sheraton Hotel's opening. Creekside Car Parks were built and soon began to fill with cars. Car Parking was free in 1978. Then Dubai Municipality soon learned "Car Parking Pays" and paid car parking introduced for the first time.

Dubai's Iconic Architecture

Dubai's Sheraton Hotel on the Creek was one of the first of Dubai's buildings to present cutting edge architecture. Despite being dwarfed by many surrounding architectural wonders, Sheraton on the Creek today retains its distinctive silhouette and looks as fresh as it did in 1978. Although Dubai's many new hotels are larger and more opulent, none enjoy Sheraton on the Creek's unique location and outlook. The hotel was refurbished in 2002. Stay at the Sheraton on the Creek and you can walk, or take an Abra, to all the major sites of Dubai as it used to be. Stay at the Sheraton and discover the real Dubai!