Dubai's Abras as they used to be

Rowing Abra was the only way to cross Dubai Creek in Dubai as it used to be. Fare was 25 Fils one way. Changing seats in the middle of the Creek had its risks!

A sunshade was about the only concession to comfort in the summer. But traveling in a rowing abra was not about comfort, it was about convenience. They took you where you wanted to go and waited for you to return if you asked.

Dubai Creek was redeveloped in the mid 1960s. Abra landing stages were provided. Here Rowing Abras wait for passengers on the new landing stage in Diera.

Growing demand for transport across Dubai's Creek led to the powered abras being introduced. They are faster, bigger, more expensive and noisier than Rowing Abras and less interesting!! But travelling on Dubai's Creek by any Abra is fun. An experience not to be missed, particularly at night. An Abra Trip is one the essential things to do for any Dubai Holiday.

A "New Dubai" Water Bus has been introduced with four routes from Al Sabkha to Bur Dubai, from Bani Yas to Old Dubai Souk, Al Sabkha to Al Seef and Bani Yas to Al Seef. Passengers need to buy a pre-paid ten trip Ticket for Dirhams 40. Dirhams 4 will be deducted on each trip. A single trip costs Dirhams 25. That's a 1,000 times more than Abra Rowers charged in Old Dubai!!

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Air conditioned, comfortable and more organised but somehow not the same as the Abras of Old Dubai.

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