Abra rides popular with Dubai tourists

Marine transit being promoted to visit historical buildings and landmarks

Europeans were seen as they embark on a journey that will take them to the other side, which is the Deira side.  The travel time by water taxi is about 5 minutes.  At the Bur Dubai abra station, on 13/03/08.  Photo by; Jeffrey E. Biteng/The Nation. *** Local Caption *** JB0360-W.Taxi.jpg
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Residents and tourists hopped on to abras during the first half of the year making it the preferred mode of marine transport in Dubai.

More than 6.2 million commuters rode in abras, according to the Roads and Transport Authority.

“The attractiveness of abras underscores their nature as true historical marine transit modes involving a unique blend of the past and the future,” said Abdullah Yousef Al Ali, chief executive of the RTA’s Public Transport Agency.

“Abras of all types, traditional, electrical or air-conditioned, have accounted for the lion-share of ridership. This is indicative of the public keenness to use these transit modes which offer users enjoyable and convenient rides.”

The water bus came in second with 243,020 riders, followed by the ferry that carried 127,385 riders and water taxi that was used by 16,705 commuters.

Marine transit has been promoted by the authority to visit historical buildings and tourist attractions across the emirate.