Dubai Creek abra crossing
About Dubai Creek abra crossing
The Dubai Creek abra crossing is the traditional wooden boat service run by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) across the creek between Bur Dubai and Deira. It is ordinary public transport for residents and a cheap way for visitors to reach the old souqs, the Gold Souq and the Al Fahidi historical area.
Routes, times and fares
The RTA lists two commuter abra routes on this part of the creek (RTA abra page):
| Route | Between | Hours | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| CR1 | Bur Dubai Abra Station and Deira Old Souq Abra Station | 6:00 am to 12:00 midnight | AED 1 per person per trip, cash only |
| CR2 | Dubai Old Souq Abra Station and Al Sabkha Abra Station | 24 hours | AED 1 per person per trip, cash only |
The RTA also offers a private group charter: AED 60 for 30 minutes or AED 120 for 1 hour, cash only. This is a separate booking, not the regular crossing.
Before you go
The RTA marine transport flyer (September 2026 edition) says the abra is the city’s most traditional means of transport and explains that “abra” comes from the Arabic word for “to cross”. It names the Al Fahidi historical area, traditional souqs and the Gold Souq as places near these stations. It also says departure times vary from station to station, and timings during Ramadan and public holidays may differ from the published ones.
Good to know
- Bring coins or small notes: the regular fare is cash only.
- The flyer asks passengers to be at the station 5 minutes before the listed time.
- A Friday prayer break applies from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm.
- People of determination and children under 5 travel free on commuter trips.
- Some routes can be suspended for a time; check the S’hail app or rta.ae, or ask at the customer service office inside the station.
Description written from official sources, checked 18 October 2026: rta.ae. Confirm details with the business before you go.
Sources: www.rta.ae · www.rta.ae
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