Dubai's transport authority will embark on a major expansion of its ferry and marine services over the next nine years.
The Roads and Transport Authority said there would be 35 routes by 2030 – up from half a dozen today.
Overall length of the network will almost triple, increasing by 188 per cent to 158 kilometres.
"The marine sector is expected to expand considerably, with the completion of construction works in urban and tourist facilities on both sides of the Dubai Water Canal and other waterfront development projects," said Mattar Al Tayer, director general of RTA.
The first stage of the expansion will begin later this year and will include four new lines stretching 10km.
Ferries will take passengers between Deira night market, the existing station at Al Ghubaiba and the nearby Waterfront Market station.
The other three lines will link Dubai Creek with Dubai Festival City Station, Blue Water Station with the network at Dubai Marina and Heritage Village with Jaddaf Station and Dubai Festival City mall.
More services will follow in the coming years, officials said.
"Despite undergoing challenges, the ridership of marine transport means last year clocked 8.049 million riders," Mr Al Tayer said.
Alongside the catamaran-style ferries operated by P&O, the city also runs smaller "water taxis" that can be chartered for small groups.
The city's coastline is expanding, with a new island and cruise ship terminal at Dubai Harbour, an extension of the Marina, and the Deira Islands project, which is partly open already.
Dubai Marina's new cruise terminal welcomes first liner – in pictures
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Dubai Cruise Terminal’s location close to the marina, the 250-metre Ain Dubai observation wheel and the Jumeirah Beach Residences promises a spectacular arrival for those onboard. -
Cruise ships from Germany were the first to arrive at the new Dubai Cruise Terminal this week -
Cruise ships from Germany were the first to arrive at the new Dubai Cruise Terminal this week -
Although not yet fully open, the terminal promises to be one of the world’s busiest -
The 300-metre Aidaprima ocean liner and smaller Aaidavita vessel were the first two cruise ships to take part in a recent test run at the new terminal -
Two German cruise ships have become the first to dock at the Dubai Cruise Terminal
