Abras in Dubai

To reach the Deira district, visitors have two options: either take the metro or hop on one of these traditional wooden boats called abras. You’ve probably already taken one to get here — it’s actually one of the most popular means of transport to get around Dubai, both fast and affordable. Some even offer short one-hour tours—a great way for you to discover some landmarks while sailing along the Dubai Creek. There are two main abra routes: the first connects the Deira Old Souk to the Bur Dubai station, while the second links the Dubai Old Souk station to the Al Sabkha station. These boats are a true symbol of the city and a powerful reminder of its past—back when Dubai was still just a small fishing village, not so long ago. Here, people lived off camel herding, fishing, and pearl trading. They needed to transport goods to other towns, and these wooden boats were the answer. Even though they are now motorised and mostly used for tourism, they still have the same traditional feel. They are now mostly used to cross Dubai Creek, connecting the two historical neighbourhoods of Deira and Bur Dubai. Every year, more than 16 million people hop aboard these boats — not just tourists, but also locals commuting to work!