The creek has always been the lifeline for business in Dubai and the traditional wooden boat - Abra - was the most prominent mode of transport on this fascinating waterway. Abras used to ply the Dubai Creek for almost two centuries and are thus an integral component of the legacy of the emirate. Even today, the 150 plus Abras are one of the main modes of transport in the older parts of Dubai. However, with the expansion of the creek, new routes and services are being planned and water transport will become a major mode for getting around Dubai.

Crossing the creek by abra is a common method of transport for local residents and tourists alike. The popularity of this mode of transport can perhaps be attributed to its low fare and frequency. For two decades, each crossing cost a mere 50 fils. This was recently increased to AED 1 per trip. An Abra leaves as soon as it filled to capacity - which is about 20 persons. This means there is hardly any waiting time. You will see abras streaming back and forth across the creek. An estimated 20 million passengers used the abra services in 2008 and it is expected to go up to over 25 million in 2009. With this growth in user numbers and to revive and protect the heritage of this old water transport system, the RTA has launched a marine transport project.

The marine transport project entails construction and upgrading of eight stations at Dubai Creek to meet the current and projected needs of abras, water bus and the water taxi. The project, which costs about Dh100 million, includes construction of two new stations at Dubai Creek such as, Bastakiya Station near the Ruler's Court, and Shindagha Station near the Heritage Village, in addition to upgrading six existing stations; namely: Dubai Old Souq Station, Seef Station, Bur Dubai Station, Bani Yas Station, Sabkha Station, and Deira Souq Station.

The designs for the stations are modeled after the heritage architecture, and modernity. The heritage design was adopted to fit well with the heritage neighbourhood and uphold the cultural identity of Dubai Creek. The RTA was keen to ensure that all designs are compatible with the standards of green buildings, in implementation of the directives of Shaikh Mohammad to make Dubai a green city. Each station includes a two-storey building spanning an area of 450 square meters. The main station comprises service outlets, waiting area, customer service area, and retail outlet, with a direct exit to the marinas of the water bus and the water taxi. In abra marinas boarding and alighting traffic is being separated to ease passenger movement and provide higher levels of safety and security. Covered corridors extending 350 meters are being provided at each station; a key requirement suggested by the existing abra users.

Dubai Waterbuses
The RTA has introduced the air-conditioned, safe and luxurious Dubai Waterbus. These spacious, high-tech boats are a twin hull design making them stable and very comfortable. They feature luxury seats, a panoramic view and even an on board snack bar. The waterbuses ply daily between 8 am to midnight. Each trip costs AED 4/- per trip.

There is also a special sightseeing 45 minute cruise along the Dubai Creek everyday. The tourist waterbus line (B5) shuttles between: Al Shindagha, Bur Dubai, Deira Old Souk, Al Seef, Creek Park and back to Al Shindagha station. Each trip costs AED 50/- for adults and AED 25/- for children up to 6 years of age. Tickets are valid for one full day from 9 a.m. until 12 midnight. You can call 04-3963135 to book a journey, check reservation status and departure schedules.

For more information on the Dubai Waterbus, visit: http://www.rta.ae