Long before Dubai’s skyline became a global icon, there was a quiet revolution taking shape along the banks of Deira Creek. In 1975, the InterContinental Dubai opened its doors—marking the city’s first true foray into five-star hospitality.
Back then, it was a bold move. Dubai was still more known for its trading ports than for tourism. The InterContinental stood out—not just for its size, but for what it represented: a confident step into the future. With sweeping views of the creek and interiors that felt straight out of a Western capital, the hotel quickly became a magnet for VIPs, diplomats, and visiting royalty.
Ask any long-time resident and they’ll likely have a story about the place. Maybe it was a family dinner at one of its popular restaurants, a wedding reception in one of the ballrooms, or just sipping coffee on the terrace while watching wooden dhows float past.
In 2006, the hotel changed names, becoming the Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek. But what didn’t change was its atmosphere. There’s a sense of calm and continuity here—a quiet elegance that has aged gracefully amid the city’s rapid change.
Today, nearly five decades since it first opened, the Radisson Blu might not be the flashiest hotel in town—but it doesn’t need to be. Its legacy lies in being first, in setting the tone, and in quietly watching Dubai grow around it.
