How to take a Dh1 abra ride between Deira and Bur Dubai
Traditional abra rides in Dubai Creek: Routes, timings and more
Dubai: At any hour, sunrise or sunset, a small wooden ferry gently glides across the waters of Dubai Creek, just as it has for hundreds of years. In a city known for its modern lifestyle, the humble abra remains one of the busiest and most beloved ways to travel between Deira and Bur Dubai. And for just Dh1, it’s also one of the cheapest.
Derived from the Arabic word abara, meaning “to cross,” the abra has long been more than just a means of transport, it’s a moving piece of Dubai’s history. For generations, it has carried workers, traders and tourists alike, earning its place as a symbol of the city’s heritage.
Recently, this traditional boat was back in the spotlight when Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, opted for an abra ride to explore one of Dubai’s old souks, reminding residents and visitors of its timeless charm.
If you’re looking to sail through the past and see a different side of the city, hopping on a traditional abra is one of the most authentic ways to experience old Dubai. Here’s everything you need to know.
Where to find traditional abra rides in Dubai
Abra rides operate along the Dubai Creek, a 14-kilometre waterway that divides the historic neighbourhoods of Deira and Bur Dubai. The service runs between four key stations and is available every few minutes, making it a fast and efficient way to get across the creek.
Traditional abra routes and timings
There are two main traditional abra routes:
Deira Old Souk abra station - Bur Dubai abra station
Located near the Spice Souk and Textile Souk
Operating hours: 6am to 12am (midnight)
Al Sabkha abra station ↔ Dubai Old Souk abra station
Near Baniyas Square and the old souks of Bur Dubai
Operating hours: 24 hours a day
These routes are ideal for tourists and residents looking to explore Dubai’s heritage sites, traditional markets, and historic mosques.
Petrol Heritage abra: An alternative route
The RTA also offers a more modern take on the abra ride with the Petrol Heritage abra, which follows a different route along the Dubai Creek and costs Dh2 per trip. This service allows you to discover the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, heritage souks, and mosques along the waterfront.
Petrol heritage abra routes and timings
CR3 – Dubai Old Souk to Baniyas
Monday to Thursday: 7:30am – 11:30pm
Friday: 8am – 11:25pm
Saturday: 8am – 11:40pm
Sunday: 10am – 11:40pm
CR4 – Al Fahidi to Al Sabkha
Monday to Thursday: 8am – 11:25pm
Friday: 8am – 11:30pm
Saturday: 8am – 11:50pm
Sunday: 10am – 11:25pm
CR5 – Al Fahidi to Deira Old Souk
Monday to Thursday: 8:30am – 11:25pm
Friday: 8:30am – 11:20pm
Saturday: 9am – 12am
Sunday: 9am – 11:30pm
CR6 – Al Seef to Baniyas
Monday to Thursday: 8am – 11:25pm
Friday: 8am – 11:20pm
Saturday: 10am – 11:45pm
Sunday: 10am – 11:25pm
How to get to the abra stations
You can easily reach the abra stations on either side of Dubai Creek using public transport:
By Dubai Metro: Take the Green Line and get off at Sharaf DG or Al Ghubaiba stations. Both are around a 10-minute walk to the nearest abra station in Bur Dubai.
By Bus:
For Bur Dubai: Routes 29, C10, and 33 stop nearby.
For Deira: Routes C09 and C28 provide convenient access.
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