The Dubai Creek and the Abra boat service

[StephenAbraham]

Dubai is a city when old meets new, and to really know a place, one needs to partake of the history and ways of the olden days.

[Photo above] My visit to the old city of Dubai around the around the area of Al Shindagha, Al Ras and Al Dhagaya, is made more complete with taking the Abra (historical wooden boats) crossing the Dubai Creek (instead of using the bus or metro). This is an important transportation service that both locals and tourists depend on to cross over between the Deira side and the Bur Dubai side of old Dubai.

Read also about the Souq markets around the area in this separate post here.

[Picture above] One of the major Abra connection lines is between Deira Old Souk station (where the old Souqs or markets are), to the Bur Dubai side (where new part of the city stands). It’s about a 5 minute boat ride one way. The Abra goes both ways and also connect different stations along both sides of the Creek.

[Photo above] At each Abra station, one finds many wooden boats parked at the station. Some are providing the periodic single ride service (AED 1 per ride), and some provide private charters of the Abra for private rides for tourists (prices varies). Just standing at the edge of the Creek looking at the wooden boats moving with the waves is in itself a mesmerizing activity. The above photo is taken at the Deira Old Souk station.

[Photo above] The very picturesque Abra boat ride, gives a good view of both sides of the Creek and all the activities along the waterway. Come especially in the late evening when the sun is just starting to set, will give amazing opportunity to capture photos and experience the sunset in the area. With the small cost of AED1 which is about USD 0.30, one can ride the Abra over and over to get different perspectives along the Creek.

[Photo above] Snapshot of the Abra service signboard, opening times and prices.

Also, watch a quick summary video and time lapse of some of the Abra rides that I have taken.

Dubai Creek

This is one of the must do when visiting Dubai, riding the Abra across the Dubai Creek.

Check out other posts about Dubai and UAE in my visit.

1. A visit to Old Dubai and the Souq markets

2.The Dubai Creek and the Abra boat service

3. The Dubai Museum

4. posts upcoming

*All photos and videos here are self taken

[moshtak786]

@StephenAbraham thanks for sharing the information about boat service in Dubai. The pictures are live.

[Saidulkarim]

Awesome! Write up, thanks @StephenAbraham to sharing your travel story with us. I truly love those photos? Could you please tell me which phone you used to capture that pic.

[AkmalB]

Yes the Abra bout ride is a life time experience,and to look Dera from different angles,

Thanks again @StephenAbraham for bringing back some golden memorie,

[LuigiZ]

Nice post @StephenAbraham, thank you for sharing.

I have visited many times Dubai and I really like the creek, like you say where new meets old.

[Tanvir_Hasan]

Wow, beautiful place. And I love the boat riding. Thank you, @StephenAbraham for the video.

You can check out the busiest river port of Dhaka here. It’s beautiful in the evening.

[JacquesSlabbert]

Can you tell me if it is possible to take an abra down the creek say from Al Ras all the way to Dubai Festival City. Are there abras that will do that kind of trip privately? If so what more or less will it cost?