I needed to go the ‘other side’ of Dubai – other side with reference to where I work and live, that is. Dubai is divided into two areas by a natural water inlet called The Dubai Creek: Deira (old Dubai) and Bur Dubai side (new Dubai).
I needed to go near Bur Dubai bus station where car parking is almost non-existent and weekday traffic classically a nightmare. What I did was take a bus to the abra water taxi station in Deira Old Souk and rode the tradional wooden boat called “abra” to cross the creek.
Here’s the current abra route map, from the RTA website (click to enlarge, if you’re interested):
It’s November already so the weather is nice. It was a great ride, I even took a video while on it.
The ride lasted but less than 10 minutes and costs 1 dhs (US$0.27) one way.
Riding an abra while in Dubai is not to be missed – it’s a great break from all that huge commercial malls and other touristy stuff. However, note that there are no safety provisions in that small wooden motor boat other than a mere couple of round orange life saving devices for 20 people on board. No seat belts, no individual life jackets!
God forbid – I can’t swim so I make sure to befriend the person beside me, especially if he looks like a swimmer. I mean, he must be!
Finding Backroads 
Great post. I love the abras in Dubai. It’s such a unique way to get around!
.-= Dina´s last blog ..Dubai Desert Safaris =-.
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I like the feeling riding on an abra it is much better than riding the water bus and taxis.
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I rode an abra the last time I was in Dubai for a trip. It was such a pleasant experience, and agree – it beats taking the water bus or taxi.
.-= Henway´s last blog ..Best Cameras =-.
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A nice interesting post Grace. I love going anywhere by boat. .27 cents is a deal, over here they wont let you even let you touch the little ferry (sea bus) that goes from Vancouver to North Vancouver let alone get on it. A 12 minute ride is $2.75
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Greta post! I 100% agree that abras are a much better alternative to water taxis. Much, much smoother.
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Oh man, that sounds like so much fun! Kind of like a gondola in Venice. A perfect little break.
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Rachel
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Sounds like a great mode of transportation.
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Veronica from Installment Loans
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Oh man, that is THE coolest!
It looks like you had a great little trip-I can see how it can be a 10 minute break from reality just leisurely chugging along. Lol
.-= Kayla´s last blog ..Sick =-.
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Swimming is easy to learn in this situation. Live or die?
Ahhh, just a joke. ^_^
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lovely it is good video i really enjoy this video:)
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one more think what about cruise video kindly share with us
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Hi Grace. Thanks for your excellent website! I’m visiting Dubai soon for the first time, and found all your information and videos very helpful. And so beautifully written and presented!
Cheers, Lisa
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When the people will go in Desert Safari they take a chance to sliding on beautiful sand.
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Hi, Grace.
The abra is a must ‘try’ for a tourist. Not only one would travel fast especially during the peak hours. It also is a fun way to see what remains of the old Dubai and cross over the new Dubai. The new Dubai route takes you to the Dubai Mall, passing through Bur Juman, then Mall of the Emirates, then Marina Mall then Ibn Battuta Mall. In fact if one knows how to use the METRO, a visitor can almost hop from one mall to the next (using the metro).
The Metro is like Dubai your palm. ;)))
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Fantastic Website, Stick to the good work. thnx!.
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