Sailing Through History: The Enchanting Abra Lake Ride in Dubai

For those who are unfamiliar, an abra, which means “to cross” in Arabic, is a common site in Dubai and falls under a vital aspect of UAE tradition. Way back in centuries, these traditional wooden boats have been a means of transportation in the city, and even in the 21st century, their design and construction have largely remained unchanged. The skilled boatmen who paddle the Abra are proud of themselves for carrying on this ancient tradition, ensuring that visitors can fully experience the cultural significance and culture of Dubai.

Dubai’s growth is closely tied to the creek, which has been functioning for ages. The ancient waterway existed way before the times unknown. As per the ancient manuscripts, legends even connect it to the ancient river Zara. The Creek’s real tale began a few hundred years ago. Previously, in the early 1950s, When the population of Dubai was 50,000, the area of Bur Dubai served as the commercial sport of the city, where the Abra played a crucial role in this burgeoning city, channeling the movements of men and materials between the two shores of the creek. They stood as essential conduits of communication by ferrying people and goods between the bustling markets of old Dubai and more distant places.

Gradually, it became a major trading hub where merchants from various parts of the world stayed for a week and left after conducting their business. However, the challenge was the lack of infrastructure. The city hasn’t progressed enough to build a bridge connecting both sides of the creek. And finally, it was not until the Maktoum The Bridge, which opened in 1963, offered a permanent link between Deira and Bur Dubai.

Moreover, the eccentric journey served by these wooden boats, with their distinctive designs and alluring decorations, elevates the overall waterway experience in Dubai. The stunning designs of abra are indeed unique and are a fusion of a raft and a boat that is long and narrow, crafted from wood, and powered by a small outboard motor. Therefore, this specific design offers the ability to navigate the shallow waters of Dubai’s creeks and provide smooth and effective transportation for both locals and tourists. Interestingly, these are still used as water taxis to this day and are currently run by the government. Dubai currently has 149 abra boats, which carry more than 16 million passengers annually.

What’s more important is not just their convenience but also their affordability. Abras are known for their cost-effective way of travelling, gaining appeal among locals and visitors alike. They let you cross the creeks and vice versa for just one dirham trip. As of now, you can take different kinds of abrasives in Dubai. While all the abras, apart from the creek, are mostly tourist attractions.

Motorised abras are traditional abras that are commonly used for commuting between the creeks of Dubai. Without making any difference in the shape, the motorised abra is run by a motor cranked by a diesel engine. Motorised abra are ubiquitous in the creek. You can enjoy a perfect ride along the iconic Dubai Creek through the Old Souk and other parts of Bur Dubai. These Abras operate between the stations in Bur Dubai and Deira.

• Route: Al Sabhkha Abra Station to Dubai Old Souk Station and then back to Bur Dubai Abra Station and Deira Old Souk Abra Station
• Timings: Dubai Old Souk to Al Sabkha Abra, 24 hours, and Bur Dubai to Old Souk, 05:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• Abra fare: AED 1 per person for a single trip

Private reservations: Abras is available for AED 120 per hour on a private charter for a cruise down Dubai Creek.

Air-conditioned abras are far more advanced than the former ones. Unlike the motorised one, this one provides a much more comfortable cruise ride during Dubai’s summer climate. Unlike their other traditional counterparts, these modern innovations feature glass windows, providing passengers with a comfortable environment on-premise. The AC cruise operates between Festival City and the Creek Metro station. With improved seating arrangements and facilities, these airfares cost a mere 2 AED per trip. You can have a fairly calm and enjoyable trip through the creep while staying cool and relaxed under the scorching sun.

• Route: Every ten minutes, an abra departs from Al Jaddaf Marine Station for Dubai Festival City (BM2).
• Timings: Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Abra Fare: 2 AED per person for a single ride.

• The petrol-abra ride in Dubai preserves the essence of the traditional experience
• There are usually two types of petrol abra. The first one operates in the creek like a traditional one, ferrying passengers between both sides. 
• The second one is the tourist abra, which traverses through the Dubai Water Canal and offers scenic views of the city’s landmarks. 
• If you wish to have a dinner experience on a wooden boat known as a Dhow Cruise, you can take Dubai Creek, the Canal, and Dubai Marina Dhow Cruises.
  
• Embarking on the Petrol Heritage Abras along Dubai Creek is an incredible chance to delve into the historical legacy of Dubai. 
• You can explore the Al Fahidi Historical District, souk mosques, as well as discover heritage sites like the Dubai Museum, Dubai Creek, and Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum’s house.
• Petrol abra costs 2 AED per trip and is commonly used for regular commuting.
•  Dubai Water Canal charges 25 AED per person for a guided tour and 300 AED for the whole boat per hour, it is especially aimed at tourists.

Timings and Routes

Al Sabkha to Al Fahidi and Deira Old Souk (Abra CR5):

• Saturday to Thursday, 07:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
• Friday, 10:00 a.m.–01:00 a.m.

Dubai Old Souk to Baniyas( Abra CR3)

• Saturday to Thursday, 07:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. and 05:00 p.m.–10.00 p.m.
• Friday and public holidays, 10:00 a.m.–01:00 a.m.

Al Seef to Baniyas (Abra CR6)

• • Sunday to Wednesday, 07:00 a.m.–09:55 p.m.
  • Thursday and Saturday, 7:00 a.m.–10:55 p.m.
  • Friday and public holidays: 10:00 a.m.–12:50 a.m.

• Electrical vehicles resemble regular motorised abra but run on electricity, offering environmentally friendly transportation.
• The Electric Abra is exclusively set up to move to Burj Khalifa Lake, Global Village Lake, Madinat Jumeirah, and Al Seef.
• Boarding points to these destinations are available at three abra stations near Burj Khalifa, the Palace Hotel, or Burj Plaza.

Route and Highlights

Burj Khalifa Lake (Burj Lake)

The lake is spread over 30 acres, covering a trip of 25 minutes that offers the chance to witness an exhilarating Dubai Fountain performance up close.

• Route 1 timings: tourist routes: 06:00 p.m.–11:30 p.m.; commuter routes: 12:00 p.m.–11:30 p.m.
• Fares: AED 68.25 per person for a 25-minute trip; AED 20 per person for the commuter route.

Global Village

Global Village is an artificial canal designed for whale cruises.

• Route 2 timings: commuter routes: 04:00 p.m.–12:00 p.m.
• Fare: AED 52.5 for booking the entire abra for a single trip lasting 12 to 15 minutes.

Route 3: Al Seaf Station

• Sunday to Wednesday, 04:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 04:00 p.m.–11:30 p.m.
• Abra Fare: AED 60 per 30-minute trip; AED 120 for a 1-hour trip.

• Have an idea of types of abras operating in Dubai, suitable for different preferences and routes.
• Understand the schedules and destinations served by each abra of different types
•  Know the fare structures for different abras, enabling budgeting for trips across Dubai’s waterways.
• Ensure your belongings are secure during the ride. 
• Avoid leaning over the sides of the abra during the ride.
• Listen to to safety guidelines provided by the boatmen for a secure and enjoyable journey.
• Familiarize with the locations and accessibility of abra stations for convenient boarding and disembarking.
• Explore any extra offerings, private charters or guided tours, to enhance the abra journey.

So far, we have provided a complete guide to Dubai’s most iconic historical site. Abras remains a mirror reflecting ancient Dubai, persisting as one of the most reliable means of transportation even in the 21st century. The abra is not only a popular mode of transportation for locals and tourists, but it also offers a unique and authentic experience of Dubai’s rich history and culture. With its affordable fares and convenient timing, it is an ideal way to explore the city’s iconic landmarks and enjoy breathtaking views of Dubai Creek. Whether you’re looking for a quick commute or a leisurely cruise, abra is a must-try experience for all visitors to Dubai. 

What is a Lake Abra ride in Dubai?

Lake Abra ride in Dubai is a unique experience where the world most modern city takes you back in time to enjoy a  waterway ride through wooden boat known as Abra.

Where can I find Lake Abras in Dubai?

Lake Abras are commonly found at various stations across Dubai’s water bodies, including Dubai Creek, Dubai Water Canal, or designated tourist spots along the city’s lakes.

What’s the cost of a Lake Abra ride?

Typically, the cost is quite affordable and cheap, ranging a few Dirhams for a single trip, providing an inexpensive way to explore Dubai’s waterways for locals and tourists.

How long does a typical Lake Abra ride last?

The duration of a Lake Abra ride can vary, but a standard trip may last around 20-30 minutes.