01 Dirham Ride - Dubai’s Famous Abra Boat Service
In this travel photography blog, I take you on a virtual photo tour of Dubai’s famous & touristy “01 Dirham” Abra Boat Service.
Dubai has probably the most tourist attractions in the world. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that this beautiful city has everything in terms of the tallest, biggest and the uniquest. Probably majority of the tourists are attracted towards world famous landmarks like Burj Khalifa or Palm Jumeirah, but there are travelers and especially photographers who are interested in the history and culture of this magnificent city. One of such places where Dubai’s history and culture can be witnessed is the Abra Boat Service or Dubai Creek Crossing, which lies in the heart of both Deira & Bur Dubai districts.
History of Abra Boats
Everything in this world has a history and don’t think Abra Boats were just introduced some years ago.
Abra boats were the old mode of transportation and commutig in Dubai. The old city of Dubai also lies at the banks this creek channel, at both Deira and Bur Dubai districts. As it is adjacent to the Persian Gulf, Creek Channel has had significant economical and cultural value to the city and in the region. Majority of the trade that time was being held through this point and thats why the former Royal Palace of the Ruler of Dubai is also at the bank of Dubai Creek. That is the same palace, converted later into a museum, where Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai (HRH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum) was born and spent his childhood.
Tecnological advancements came to the Dubai City which converted them all into passenger carrying boats. These days, almost every Abra Boat is in vibrant blue and yellow colors with UAE flag on the top.
How Abra Boats are run?
Abra Boats are made of wood, keeping the old tradition of Arabia. During earlier days back in the 70s, these boats were peddled manually but now they are equiped with diesel powered engines. Manned by one captain, these boats can carry up to 17 passengers at a single time from one side of the Creek Channel to the other.
Abra Boats have roofs too, which works as a shade during hot summer weather. There are no specific seating system for passengers on these small wooden boats. Everyone has to sit alongisde others on a wooden rectangular pannel, which is placed on top of the boat engine. Captain’s seat is kind of below deck so he can maneuver the boat easily.
If someone is wondering about the speed and safety of these boats, let me add here that in my opinion the avearge speed on an Abra Boat is no more than 25Km per hour and journey from one point of the creek to another is no more than 10 minutes. There are regular patrols by both Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) as well as Dubai Police in the area, that is why I haven’t heard or seen any unfortunate incidents in the past 8 years of my life in United Arab Emirates.
The Culture around Abra Boats
Remember you are in a Muslim country where the culture is attached with religion. So, when you are walking around you will see a lot of Mosques on both sides of the creek, people feeding pigeons and birds, a day break around 03 pm which will last till 04:30 pm, so that the people can rest during peak summer time and come back to work later. Day break is culturally embeded in the Arab and some Asian cultures, so that people can avoid heat of the sun and rest too after lunch and midday prayer.
I personally love the overall ambience created by the Call to Prayer. Someone from the Mosque is calling everyone, “Come to the Success, Come to the Prayer” and then everyone is closing down their businesses and affairs and heading towards the mosque.
The above routine can be observed at these Abra Boats too. You will notice many Abrah Boat Captains are resting on the deck of their boats or praying, even though the floating boat is not really stable but that is the devotion of majority of the Muslims towards five times prayer.
Book an Abra Boat for yourself
Booking an Abra Boat for a personal trip is totally fine and common among tourits arriving at these stations. On both sides of the creek stations, one can find boat captains or owners, usually sitting next to their boats and inquire about the price of a tour. Price is totally dependant on the kind of tour you are looking for and how long it will take for them to tour you around.
The price I paid personally for a complete tour, back and forth of the entire creek, was USD 17 which is equivalent to AED60 but negotiations are quite possible.
The Experience
The experience having an Abra ride is beautiful. You will cross the creek channel on a boat which is completely different from the ones we usually see at such places. Most importantly, it reflects the history and culture of Dubai and provides ambience of what this great city look like a few decades ago.
You will not be alone too. If you have taken up the normal ride which will cost you exactly 01 Dirham (27 Cents), you will have company a dozen other people, taking selfies and making videos or someone like me taking photos of the nature around. The most fascinating part is when multiple Abra boats are crossing each other and birds and flying around. Its simply beautiful.
The Neighbourhood of Abra Stations
Abra Boat service has multiple stations on both sides of Deira and Bur Dubai districts. On Bur Dubai side, you can roam around in the local markets selling dry fruits and artifacts of the Arabian region. The old Palace which is now convereted into Meuseum will also be in your access to explore. There are loads of public benches and cafes where one can rest and enjoy traditional food along with persian sheesha pipes. If your are travelling by public transport, the Al Shindaga bus station will be ideal and if you are going there by your own vehicle, don’t forget to look for RTA admintered parking plazas to park your car. Parking on both sides can be tricky sometimes due to old narrow streets and traffic.
The other side of the creek is called Deira Dubai. A financial and trade hub that is why the area is filled with commercial buildings, banks, money exchange centers and small to medium size supermarkets. One can walk along the Creek side for 5 miles at least seeing similar strcutures which includes Government buildings too.
The most visited spot of Deira Dubai is its Gold market, the Gold Souk of Dubai. There are tons of shops selling jewellary items of several kinds and during day time, you will witness huge amount of people shopping there. Don’t forget ! this area is very populated and not really ideal for traffic during peak hours. Make sure you park your vehicle somewhere close and walk into the Gold Souk area.
Other attractions at Dubai Abra Creek Channel
Not just the traditional Abra Boat service, you can also get a chance to ride an adventrous water bus service, a dinner on Dhow Cruise and RTA administered boats. Although Dhow Cruises are administered by private companies, both water bus and spcialised boats are run through Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai. Fare for both such adventures is quite minimal but dinner on Dhow Cruise can cost you arounf AED60-80 per person. They will take you to the open sea towards Dubai Marina and serve you with nice continental and Arabian food with music and other touristy things.
Click here to learn more about RTA’s administered Marine Services.
The above photos were taken with multipl cameras and lenses by Nikon, Fujifilm & Tokina Japan.
Summary
Dubai’s Abra Boat service is without any doubts is one of the most exciting, fun oriented and cultural experiences in Dubai. Counting on it’s neighbourhood, the place is quite significant and famous among both tourists and residences for number of reasons. If you are coming to Dubai, don’t forget to experience this amazing traditional boat ride and tourist attraction in just 01 Dirham.
Disclaimer: this blog is to provide relevent and helpful information to both residents and tourists ariving in Dubai. Photos shown are captured with the sole goal to promote Dubai’s tourism, without focusing on any human element. In case you are part of any of the photos displayed here, please feel free to reach me (through contact me section) and I will do the needful to take that particular photo down from my website. None of the photos displayed here were and will not be used in commercial activity.
