As you hop onto an Abra, you will see many historical sites and traditional souks in old Dubai, and as it paddles, you will see the new and more modernised Dubai. In short, a 5-minute Abra journey will let you witness Dubai’s evolution!
This is why it is said that you must take an Abra at least once when visiting Dubai. Before getting on board, let’s learn more about Abra Dubai.
About Abra
In the Emirates, traditional wooden ferry boats are called Abra. Abra comes from the Arabic word “Abara” which means “to cross,” describing the primary function of these boats. They are used to transport and navigate through the waters of Dubai Creek, connecting the neighbourhoods of Bur Dubai and Deira.
Types of Abra
Abras play a crucial role in preserving Dubai’s cultural traditions and offer a unique and authentic experience for both; locals and visitors.
1. Traditional Motorised Abra
The traditional Abras are handcrafted from wood, featuring a simple and lightweight design. Initially, they used to have a flat bottom and a single paddle that was hand-steered by a boatman. The current ones, however, have a motor installed, which makes them more efficient.
The wooden flat bottom remains. And, their lightweight construction allows them to sail through the shallow waters faster, making them ideal for short, frequent trips.
Routes
- From Deira Old Souq Marine Transport Station (close to Gold Souk and Spice Souk) to Bur Dubai Abra Station (close to the Textile Souk), and vice versa – CR1
- From Al Sabkha Marine Transport Station to Dubai Old Souq Marine Transport Station, and vice versa – CR2
Fares and Booking
These rides can be booked on the spot by paying the driver cash.
- A one-way trip costs AED 1 (USD 0.27)
- For private booking
- AED 60 (USD 16.34) for a 30-minute trip
- AED 120 (USD 32.67) for a 1-hour trip
Air-conditioned Electrical Abra
These are the more advanced and revolutionised versions of the traditional Abras. Unlike the traditional ones, they have an air-conditioned closed deck, which offers privacy, comfort and climate control. The electrical ones are great for the hot climate of Dubai, maintaining a cool and pleasant environment inside the abra.
Despite having a close deck, the electrical ferry-cum-boat still has large windows that let passengers enjoy panoramic views of the eye-pleasing Dubai Creek.
Routes, Fare and Booking
The electrical Abras are more like personalised experience boats that don’t have a route, but they will take you to the following destinations.
- Dubai Mall ride would cost AED 68.25 per person for 25 min
- Burj Plaza ride would cost AED 68.25 per person for 25 min
- The Palace ride would cost AED 68.25 per person for 25 min
- Global Village ride would cost AED 52.5 to book the entire Abra per trip for 12 to 15 min
Booking and timings are subject to change depending on service availability. Cash and cards are accepted; nol cards are not accepted.
2. Patrol Heritage Abra – RTA
Patrol Heritage Abras are intended to promote tourism and preserve Dubai’s heritage sites. These Abras exhibit traditional wooden designs with modern touches and can accommodate around 20 passengers.
Routes
- From Baniyas Marine Transport Station to Dubai Old Souq Marine Transport Station, and vice versa – CR3
- Al Sabkha Marine Transport Station to Al Fahidi Marine Transport Station, and vice versa – CR4
- Al Fahidi Marine Transport Station to Deira Old Souq Marine Transport Station, and vice versa – CR5
- Al Seef Marine Transport Station to Baniyas Marine Transport Station, and vice versa – CR6
- Al Seef Marine Transport Station to Al Fahidi Marine Transport Station to Dubai Old Souq Marine Transport Station, and vice versa – CR7
- Dubai Festival City Marine Transport Station – Dubai Creek Harbour Marine Transport Station, and vice versa – CR9
- Al Jaddaf Marine Station to Dubai Creek Harbour Marine Transport Station, and vice versa – CR11
- Al Jaddaf Marine Station to Dubai Festival City Marine Transport Station, and vice versa – BM2
- Pick up at Sheikh Zayed Road Marine Transport Station for a roundtrip – TR6
Fares and Booking
Except for TR6, all rides will cost AED 2 (USD 0.54) for a one-way single trip. Cash, nol, debit and credit cards are the modes of payment at all service stations.
Timings
The traditional Abras (CR1) start operating at 6 a.m. and continue to steer through the canal until 12 midnight. CR2 is one of the busiest and in-demand routes that remains open 24 hours a day.
All of the other routes and Abras have different timings. Before planning your trip, it is suggested that you confirm yours from the RTA website or mobile application.
The Significance of Abra
Abra is the traditional mode of transport, starting every day at 6 a.m. Initially, they were small wooden boats with an open deck, steered by skilled boatmen using a single paddle. Thanks to these boats, navigating through Dubai Creek was a matter of a few minutes, which would otherwise take much longer by road.
People use Abras to commute to the old souqs and view the old heritage sites. Keeping the Abra tradition alive also benefits the pearl fishing industry in the UAE, particularly during the off-season.
A Bit About Dubai Creek
Dubai Creek boasts a culturally rich waterfront lifestyle and is a testament to Dubai’s history as a trading hub. As the emirate’s first port and home to the then-successful pearl fishing industry, it remains a must-visit spot for visitors all year round.
Spanning a distance of around 14 km, Dubai Creek covers several popular neighbourhoods and communities. Bur Dubai and Deira being the most notable ones. As you steer through the waters, you can overlook the Dubai Museum (closed now), Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Deira Clock Tower, Creek Park, Dubai Dolphinarium, Dhow Wharfage, Al Garhoud Bridge and Al Seef, among several other tourist attractions.
Witness the Evolution of Dubai
As the journey begins, passengers sit on a central wooden bench for a short trip. Morning trips overlook local merchants arriving to trade, colourful wooden dhow boats, ships passing by and glistening water.
One can enjoy views of old Dubai with its traditional heritage sites, old-style houses, wind towers and sacred minarets. Overlooking the signs of growth and evolution, one can witness high-rise and glass buildings like the Deira Twin Towers reflected in the waters. You will also be able to see tourist attractions like Creek Park, Dubai Dolphinarium, Al Seef and the Museum of Illusion.
Nearby Hotels and Restaurants
The following hotels and restaurants are located close to Dubai Creek, offering a true Emirati experience. That said, the last three mentions are quite budget-friendly.
Hotels
- Radisson Blu Hotel is on the Deira side of Dubai Creek, at a drive of 2 minutes from Al Sabkha Abra Station.
- Park Hyatt Hotel is a 2-minute drive from Dubai Creek Marina.
- Al Seef Heritage Hotel is at walking distance from Al Seef Marine Transport Station.
Restaurants
- Themar Albahar Restaurant is located on the outskirts of Dubai Creek.
- Local House Restaurant is a popular Middle Eastern restaurant in Fahidi neighbourhood.
- Doors Freestyle Grill is a popular spot for steaks.
Nearby Attractions
There are plenty of heritage sites and attractions to witness and explore.
- Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is at walking distance from Al Fahidi Marine Transport Station.
- Al Seef is a waterfront promenade dotted with restaurants, stores, cafes and art galleries. Equidistant from Al Seef Marine Transport Station and Al Fahidi Marine Transport Station, it is at a walking distance of 8 minutes.
- Museum of Illusions is also a must-see, a 2-minute drive from Al Fahidi Abra Station.
- Dubai Gold Souq is at walking distance from Deira Old Souq Abra Station.
Dubai Gold Souq is a famous souq that gathers a myriad of customers. There are several other souqs in the Deira neighbourhood where customers can get good products at nominal rates.
FAQs
Most Abra rides can be booked on the spot, and you can buy the ticket directly from the driver. For a private trip, you can book from any nearby Abra station, visit the RTA website or the RTA Dubai app to book in advance.
One can find Abras near Dubai Creek and book one on the spot. There are more traditional ones as well as motorised ones to choose from. People take Abras to reach the souqs and nearby attractions across the Creek or simply experience the serenity of sailing through the waters.
Getting to the Abra stations in Dubai is easy using several modes of transportation, including a metro, taxi, or cab. Taking an Abra ride is one of the many things you can do when visiting the emirate. That said, there are several other things you can do in Dubai without overspending.
