Dubai’s Abra ride is an authentic way to experience its culture and heritage, offering rides across multiple routes for up to 20 passengers at any one time. All fares must be paid directly to the driver; children traveling free.
At present there are two primary abra routes, both offering round trips. Route 1 connects Bur Dubai with Deira Old Souk while route 2 operates 24 hours a day.
Abra is a traditional wooden boat
The traditional wooden abra can be seen gliding along Dubai’s waterways. Resembling both a raft and deck boat in design, its name derives from Arabic word abara meaning to cross. Riding an Abra is one of the city’s most beloved heritage experiences, and no visit to Old Dubai would be complete without taking one for a ride on this iconic craft.
There are also multiple abra routes operating throughout the city that provide tourists with stunning views of Dubai Fountain, Global Village Lake and Dubai Water Canal. Their prices are very competitive; you pay your driver directly.
There are also petrol abras which run along various Dubai Creek routes; though more expensive, these provide an enjoyable open-air experience and an intriguing glimpse of old Dubai.
It is a form of transportation
An Abra ride is one of the iconic experiences in Dubai, transporting visitors along 14 kilometers of Dubai Creek that divides Bur Dubai and Deira districts. Not only is this affordable but convenient mode of transportation!
Abras are traditional wooden boats used by RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) to transport people across Dubai Creek. There are over 150 operating on two routes at any given time; every trip costs only AED 1. You can purchase tickets for single journeys or book the entire abra for sightseeing tours.
Choose between petrol or electric abras; petrol ones tend to be cheaper and can accommodate more passengers than electric ones. On Dubai Creek, petrol abras sail between Shindagha/Al Ghubaiba marine transport stations while electric ones sail on Dubai Water Canal; both types provide 60-minute sightseeing cruises.
It is a tourist attraction
Abra rides along Dubai Creek are an immensely popular tourist attraction among both locals and foreign visitors alike, costing only 1 dirham per rider to pay directly the driver as you board. An Abra ride is an unforgettable way to see historic sites on both sides of the creek, such as Gold Souk and Spice Souk.
Recently, fancier motorised abras have been introduced for private rental, equipped with diesel engines and capable of seating up to 20 passengers at once. Furthermore, these wheelchair accessible vessels also boast extra amenities.
The Abra runs every few minutes between its four stations along Dubai Creek and has recently been improved to include Dubai Canal for spectacular views of waterway attractions like IMAGINE fountain. Please keep in mind this attraction only opens weekday evenings; vouchers must also be displayed prior to boarding for safety reasons and you should dress comfortably and wear comfortable shoes during your journey.
It is a fun activity
Dubai’s traditional water taxi, commonly referred to by its Arabic name of “abara,” or crossing, has become an iconic icon and one of its signature heritage experiences, drawing visitors and locals alike for decades. Now used for both tourism and public transit alike.
Abra rides can be found along Dubai Creek between Deira and Bur Dubai in Old Dubai, offering visitors an insight into this ancient city as they pass wind towers with old houses built of them. Abra rides also make for a fantastic way to view sights such as Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood or Ras Al Khor Sanctuary.
An Abra ride is an inexpensive and fun way to explore the sights of any city on a budget. Air-conditioned abras are also available if the heat becomes unbearable; these vehicles feature windows that open and close for an experience similar to taking a tour bus tour.
