ABU DHABI // Residents and tourists can now enjoy stunning views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Grand Canal aboard a traditional wooden abra.
The new service was rolled out on yesterday, ferrying passengers on a 20-minute round trip along the Khor Al Maqtaa.
Supporters of the project include Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), the beachfront hotels and boat tours and events company Captain Tony’s. The abras offer hotel guests, diners and shoppers the flexibility to explore both sides of the Grand Canal.
The abra will make four calls: Souk Qaryat Al Beri; Shangri-La Hotel; the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Canal; and the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr.
“We’ve been discussing this for the past one and a half to two years,” said Nils Axing, general manager at the Fairmont.
“All the hotels here are ramping up, trying to create a destination within the Khor Al Maqtaa and the service allows our guests to shuttle between the hotels.”
Thomas Guss, general manager of Shangri-La, agreed.
“It’s all about creating a destination,” he said. “We’re here working closely with the TCA to promote Abu Dhabi as a world-class destination.”
The 31-foot boat runs daily from 6pm until midnight. Rides are free and although it is open to the public, hotel guests are given priority.
“We are extremely excited about this new abra service, ” said Pep Lozano, general manager at the Ritz-Carlton,
“The abra is going to be an added value to the experience. This traditional boat gives a sense of place and they are able to catch a glimpse of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is very important to our high-end guests from all over the world.”
rruiz@thenational.ae
