Dubai › Bur Dubai & Al Fahidi

Abra ride across Dubai Creek عبرة

Cross the Creek on a traditional wooden boat for one dirham.

Dubai Creek seen from a traditional abra

Photo: CT Cooper / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

Wooden abras have ferried people across Dubai Creek for generations, and they still do: small boats with a central bench leave as soon as they fill up. The crossing between Bur Dubai and Deira takes only a few minutes and gives a great view of the dhows, souks and old waterfront.

It is one of the cheapest and most memorable things to do in the city, and the easiest way to link Al Fahidi with the Deira souks.

Tickets / priceAED 1 per person per crossing, paid in cash to the driver. A private abra for a longer creek tour costs about AED 120 per hour for the whole boat. Source: RTA marine transport timetable, checked 2026-10-10

Opening hoursThe Bur Dubai–Deira route runs daily from about 6:00 to midnight; the Dubai Old Souk–Al Sabkha route runs 24 hours. Source: RTA marine transport timetable, checked 2026-10-10

Time needed10–30 minutes

Best timeLate afternoon and sunset

Getting thereAl Ghubaiba or Al Fahidi (Green Line), 5–10 min walk

AddressDubai Old Souk abra station, Bur Dubai

Booking advice

No booking needed. Keep a few one-dirham coins handy; drivers do not always have change.

Insider tips

Sit on the side facing upstream for photos of the dhows and old buildings.
At sunset the light on the Creek is beautiful; time your crossing for the end of an Al Fahidi visit.
Ignore touts offering expensive "private tours" at the station unless you really want one.

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