Dubai is a bustling city filled with personal cars and luxury vehicles, yet it boasts a highly efficient public transport system. Beyond the many taxis available on the street or through apps, the emirate offers a comprehensive bus network and a smooth metro service operating with impressive punctuality. Additionally, certain areas are linked by a modern tram system.
Before the rise of these various transport options, the UAE was known for its beautiful Arabian Sea, which served not only for fishing and pearl diving but also as a crucial trade route.
Despite rapid development, the UAE still values its heritage. Traditional abras continue to transport people across the waterways, ensuring that historical methods of transit are not forgotten. Along with buses, the metro, and tram services, Dubai features a well-organized marine transport system.
Here’s a guide on how to navigate Dubai’s marine transport options, including water taxis, ferries, and abras.
What You Need for Marine Travel
To use marine transport, you need either a vessel ticket or a Nol card with enough balance for your trip. If you plan to explore the Dubai Marina area, a one-day pass is required.
Fares for Marine Transport
Fares vary by route, ranging from Dh1 to Dh75 per person.
How to Book Tickets Online
To avoid queues, you can book your marine tickets online through the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) website. Here’s how:
- Visit the RTA marine ticketing page.
- Select your area, transport mode, and route.
- Choose the number of tickets you need.
- Fill in your personal details and proceed to payment using the available options.
- After payment, you’ll receive your ticket(s) via email.
- Show your ticket for validation before boarding and after deboarding.
How to Get Tickets at Marine Stations
You can buy tickets directly at marine stations or use your Nol card. Present the ticket for validation or tap your Nol card on the validator before boarding and after leaving.
Important Points to Remember
- Ticket fees are non-refundable.
- Children under five and People of Determination (PoD) can travel for free.
- Designated seating is available for People of Determination.
- PoD individuals using the Abra can request a free wheelchair by showing their PoD card to customer service before boarding. Only one wheelchair can be accommodated per trip.
- Children aged two to ten receive a 50% discount on round-trip fares on the Dubai Ferry, with tickets available only at marine stations.
- Children under two can travel for free on the abra and Dubai Ferry round trips, but tickets must be purchased at the marine stations.
- Children under 12 must be with an adult, who needs to provide valid identification for the child, such as an Emirates ID or passport, at the marine station.
- Children traveling with an adult must wear life jackets during the trip.
- Commuters should arrive at the marine station five minutes before their trip for the abra and 15 minutes early for the Dubai Ferry.
- Routes may change or be canceled due to weather or safety concerns.
- Commuters can be fined for misconduct according to the list of violations and fines.
- While most marine stations accept Nol, credit, and debit cards, carrying cash is advisable as some stations may not support electronic payments.
Routes and Fares for Water Taxi and Ferry Services
Water Taxi Services:
- Marina Mall to Marina Walk (BM1): Dh7
- One Day Pass: Dh25
- Marina Promenade to Marina Mall 1 (multiple stops): Dh7—Dh21 based on stops
- Marina Mall to Bluewaters (BM3): Dh7
- One Day Pass: Dh25
The One Day Pass allows unlimited hop-on and hop-off rides.
Dubai Ferry Services:
- Al Ghubaiba to Dubai Canal station (FR1): Dh25 Silver, Dh35 Gold (one way), free for kids 0-5.
- Dubai Canal to Bluewaters to Marina Mall (FR2): Dh25 Silver, Dh35 Gold (one way), free for kids 0-5.
- Marina Mall Station to Palm Jumeirah (Round Trip FR4): Dh50 Silver, Dh140 for a family package (2 adults and 2 children).
Children aged 2-10 years get a 50% discount, while under 2 travel free.
Abra Services:
- Petrol Heritage Abra, Dubai Old Souq to Baniyas (CR3): Dh2 per person (one way).
- Al Sabkha to Al Fahidi (CR4): Dh2 per person (one way).
- Al Fahidi to Deira Old Souq (CR5): Dh2 per person (one way).
All routes and fares are subject to change, so check the RTA website for updates.
