Tag Archives: abra

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced the completion of the revamping of four traditional abras stations along Dubai Creek. The project aimed to enhance the experience of abra riders, and step-up security & safety at marine transport stations used by 14 million riders annually. The project also aimed to fulfil the requirements of the Dubai Universal Design Code for People of Determination and increase the capacity of Bur Dubai Station by 33%. “The launch of this project is part of RTA’s master plan for overhauling marine transport systems in Dubai, which is recognised as a primary mobility mode, and enriching the marine transport network in the emirate. The plan envisages the development of four key stations: Bur Dubai Model Station, Deira Old Souq Station, Dubai Old Souq Station, and Sabkha Station,” explained Al Tayer. “Marine transport has seen consistent growth in terms of the transportation modes, stations, and riders since the inauguration of the Dubai Water Canal linking the Dubai Creek to the coastal area,. The sector is poised to see further improvement with the completion of the urban and touristic amenities on the shores of the canal as well as the construction of marine stations. It plans to make marine transport means the ideal mobility choice for citizens, residents and tourists savouring picturesque tourist and urban structures overlooking the Dubai Creek, Water Canal and beaches. “The revamping of Bur Dubai model station took into consideration maintaining the historic and cultural identity, providing advanced amenities for users, building a sheltered outdoor space, offering retail outlets to serve abra riders and visitors, and upgrading the technological …

Traditional abras are now available for a ride on the Dubai Canal, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced. Catering mainly to tourists, the 20-seater abras will be available from the Shaikh Zayed Road station at Dh25 per ride per person. The abras will also be available for chartering at Dh300 per hour. According to Abdullah Yousuf Al Ali, CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency, the operation of traditional abras in the Dubai Canal is part of a plan to expand marine transit services, particularly targeting tourists. “The traditional abra, which would be available on demand, has a capacity to accommodate 20 riders, with a minimum eight riders required for a trip and [it] ferries them on a journey that starts from the Shaikh Zayed Road station. 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,” said Al Ali. The service will be available from 4 pm to 11.30 pm throughout the week. Al Ali said ferries are also available on demand in case of congestion experienced by the traditional abras. The RTA is projecting a significant demand for the service with 23,000 people expected to use it this year. He added that the operation of a tourist service through one of the oldest transit means in the region on the Dubai Canal enables the public to savour and explore the new tourist landmark of the emirate. He said that the RTA has already endorsed the operation of marine transit services at nine new stations — five on the Dubai Canal and four on the Business Bay stretch of the canal.