Abra (boat)



An abra (عبرة abra) is a traditional boat made of wood.

Abras are used to ferry people across the Dubai Creek in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. They travel between the water station at Shindagha/Al Ghubaiba on the Bur Dubai side, and the water station at Al Sabkha on the Deira side. The abras depart every few minutes. The fare is 1 dirham, which is paid to the ferry driver.

History
Abras were the oldest form of the public transport system in Dubai. They enabled the movement of men and materials between the two shores of the creek called Deira and Bur Dubai. Interestingly, these are still used as water taxis to this day and are run by the government of Dubai. They also serve the purpose of a tourist attraction.