An 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
Deira ( ; Old Welsh/ or ; or ) was an area of Post-Roman Britain, and a later Anglian kingdom.
Etymology
The name of the kingdom is of Brythonic origin, and is derived from the Proto-Celtic , meaning 'oak' ( in modern Welsh), in which case ...
side. The abras depart every few minutes. The fare is 1
dirham
The dirham, dirhem or drahm is a unit of currency and of mass. It is the name of the currencies of Moroccan dirham, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates dirham, United Arab Emirates and Armenian dram, Armenia, and is the name of a currency subdivisi ...
, which is paid to the ferry driver.
History
Abras were the oldest form of the
public transport
Public transport (also known as public transit, mass transit, or simply transit) are forms of transport available to the general public. It typically uses a fixed schedule, route and charges a fixed fare. There is no rigid definition of whic ...
system in Dubai. They enabled the movement of men and materials between the two shores of the creek called Deira and Bur Dubai. These are still used as water taxis run by the government of Dubai. They also serve the purpose of a tourist attraction.
3D printed abras came into operation in July 2024.
Cultural significance
The abra is more than just a means of transportation; it is a vital link to Dubai's maritime past and has played a significant role in the city's cultural heritage. Historically, Dubai Creek served as the main artery for trade and commerce, connecting the city to the broader Arabian Peninsula and beyond. Abras, along with the larger dhows, ferried spices, textiles, and pearls, contributing to the growth of Dubai's early economy and facilitating trade with regions as far as Persia and India.
See also
*
Water taxi
A water taxi or a water bus is a boat used to provide public transport, public or private transport, usually, but not always, in an Urban area, urban environment. Service may be scheduled with multiple stops, operating in a simil ...
References
Transport in Dubai
Boat types
Arab inventions
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