Abra (boat)
An abra is a traditional wooden boat used in Dubai. It ferries people across Dubai Creek between the Bur Dubai side (Shindagha/Al Ghubaiba) and the Deira side (Al Sabkha). Abras depart every few minutes and charge 1 dirham, paid to the ferry driver. They are one of Dubai’s oldest forms of public transport and once moved people and goods between Deira and Bur Dubai. Today they still operate as government-run water taxis and are a popular tourist attraction. In July 2024, 3D-printed abras began operating. The abra is part of Dubai’s maritime heritage, connecting the city’s past with its present by carrying spices, textiles, and pearls between the shores.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 00:01 (CET).