Abra rides popular with Dubai tourists

Marine transit being promoted to visit historical buildings and landmarks

Tourists take a ride in an abra from Dubai's Bur Dubai abra station recently. Jeffrey E. Biteng / The National

Residents and tourists hopped on to abras during the first half of the year making it the preferred mode of marine transport in Dubai.

More than 6.2 million commuters rode in abras, according to the Roads and Transport Authority.

“The attractiveness of abras underscores their nature as true historical marine transit modes involving a unique blend of the past and the future,” said Abdullah Yousef Al Ali, chief executive of the RTA’s Public Transport Agency.

“Abras of all types, traditional, electrical or air-conditioned, have accounted for the lion-share of ridership. This is indicative of the public keenness to use these transit modes which offer users enjoyable and convenient rides.”

The water bus came in second with 243,020 riders, followed by the ferry that carried 127,385 riders and water taxi that was used by 16,705 commuters.

Marine transit has been promoted by the authority to visit historical buildings and tourist attractions across the emirate.