Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has introduced two new major marine transport routes that link Dubai Creek to key tourist spots. These routes, which now connect Dubai Creek Harbour with Al Khor Metro station and Dubai Festival City, have seen a significant surge in popularity since their initial launch in 2022.
Back in August 2022, the routes catered to an average of 3,000 passengers each month. However, due to rising public demand, this number has skyrocketed by 900 percent, reaching 30,000 monthly passengers in 2024. To accommodate this increase, the transport lines have been enhanced with more ticket kiosks and additional berths for various marine vessels.
The route between Dubai Creek Harbour and Dubai Festival City operates on weekend evenings from 4 pm to 11.55 pm. Additionally, the other route connects Dubai Creek Harbour with Al Jaddaf Marine Transport Station and Al Khor Metro Station on weekdays from 7.30 am to 10.50 am and from 4 pm to 10.50 pm.
This development is a result of a collaboration between RTA and Emaar Properties, aimed at improving the waterfront community and enhancing tourist destinations and residential areas in Dubai. These marine transport lines now offer essential links between Dubai Creek Harbour and significant city attractions.
Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency, noted the success in meeting public demand. He highlighted that the launch of these lines in 2022 saw an average of 3,000 monthly passengers, a figure that has dramatically increased in 2024. The enhancements are expected to further boost marine transport users in line with RTA’s Marine Transport Master Plan 2020–2030.
Ahmed Al Matrooshi, an executive board member of Emaar, emphasized that the partnership between RTA and Emaar enhances Dubai’s appeal as a global destination for residence and investment. The improved infrastructure in Emaar Properties’ sea-view developments now makes public movement to and from these areas more convenient, thanks to RTA’s marine transport services.
Taking an abra ride in Dubai remains one of the city’s most affordable and picturesque activities, with fares for these routes set at just Dhs2.
