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The bustling Dubai Creek has been the lifeblood of locals for generations, as the favoured site for early settlers and where the city’s first port and pearling industry thrived. Today, it is still a lively spot, continuing to attract visitors year-round. For just AED1 (US$0.27), you can hop aboard one of many traditional ferry boats, known as abras, to cross the creek that separates Bur Dubai from Deira, Dubai’s city centre; the journey is one of the most affordable yet authentic experiences in the city.

An abra, which means “to cross” in Arabic, runs every few minutes throughout the day between four stations along Dubai Creek. The first route goes from Deira Old Souk Abra Station (near the Spice Souk) to Bur Dubai Abra Station (west of the Textile Souk). The second, much busier route, runs continuously from Al Sabkha Abra Station (just southwest of Baniyas Square) to Dubai Old Souk Abra Station.

Explore old and new Dubai

Each abra, or ‘water taxi’, holds about 20 passengers, with 150 boats working the two routes between Deira and Bur Dubai, starting around 6am every day. Every crossing on the now-motorised boats only takes about five minutes. Simply buy a one-way ticket, or you can even hire your own abra for an hour to explore further up the waterway.

Riders usually sit on a central wooden bench for the short journey across. Take a trip in the mornings to observe local merchants drop anchor for trade, wooden dhow boats parked in a colourful array and the occasional ships sail past. Admire spectacular views of old Dubai including traditional houses, wind towers and minarets. These sights are interspersed with signs of the city’s trajectory towards modern living, featuring landmarks like the Deira Twin Towers and hotels or commercial buildings in glass facades gleaming against the water.