Now enjoy a ride aboard a traditional abra on the Dubai Water Canal!

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced the operation of a traditional abra on the Dubai Water Canal as part of the plan of the Marine Transport Department for expanding the delivery of tourist services, and the deployment of modern transit means at  various tourist attraction points. The step is taken in the context of RTA’s endeavors to bring happiness to people, and further enhance the tourist credentials of the Emirate.

Abdullah Yousef Al Ali, CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency said, “The traditional abra, which would be available on demand, has a capacity to accommodate 20 riders (minimum 8 riders) and ferry them on a journey that starts off Sheikh Zayed Road Marine Transport Station. The fare is AED25 per rider or AED300 per hour for charting the abra. The service hours start from 4:00 pm to 11.30 pm during all weekdays. Tourist journeys on Dubai Ferry are also available on demand in case of congestion experienced by the traditional abra.

“It is forecasted that the ridership of the service would be in the order of 23,000 (twenty three thousand) riders per annum, and the service would be running tentatively for three months. The service is aimed at supporting RTA’s pioneering efforts to provide tourist services capable of enhancing the profile of Dubai and bringing happiness to people, a strategic goal of RTA. The operation of a tourist service through rejuvenated traditional transit means on the Dubai Water Canal enables the public to savor & explore the new tourist landmark of the Emirate i.e. the Dubai Water Canal,” reported Al Ali.

“The Department had already endorsed the operation of marine transit services in 9 new stations; 5 at the Dubai Water Canal (Sheikh Zayed Rd, Safa Park, Al Wasl, Jumeirah, and the Dubai Water Canal) and 4 stations at the Business Bay (Dubai Design District, Waterfront, Marasi and the Business Bay),” added the CEO of Public Transport Agency, RTA