The traditional wooden boats are now being upgraded with digital screens, new seating and better access for all.
Dubai has skyscrapers, the metro and flying taxis on the way, but one of the best rides in the city is still a small boat on the water. This week the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has added four new Dubai abras to its marine fleet. These are fourth generation traditional abras and they come with a few modern upgrades to the old-school method of getting about.
What Is New on Board
The four boats are very traditional in appearance but are equipped with all the new technology. They have digital screens which display real time travel information, safety messages and passenger awareness messages. They also have electronic destination boards (the RTA says this is a first for the 4th gen model). Emirates 24/7 describe the Dubai new abras as “advanced, accessible and eco-friendly”.
Room for 24
Each abra carries up to 24 passengers. They have upgraded seating and flooring, and the RTA says the interior space is used much more efficiently. In simple terms the Dubai new abras are all about being more comfortable on a short hop. The articles don’t say anything about air conditioning or the power source so there’s nothing there on that front.
Built for Everyone
Accessibility is a major part of the update. The boats have dedicated areas for People of Determination and conform to the Dubai Universal Design Code. They also hold the relevant certificates of conformity under the Gulf Standard Specifications and the RTA states that they are in line with the safety regulations. For a new boat in Dubai that’s a very reassuring blend of comfort and safety.
What the RTA Says
Khalaf Belghuzooz Al Zarooni, Director of Marine Transport at the RTA’s Public Transport Agency, said the addition is in line with “ongoing efforts to develop our marine transport services”. He added that it will “ensure a safe and comfortable travel environment which will meet the needs of all segments of society”. The RTA also states that the move is in line with its broader vision of an integrated transport network and increased public transport usage. The Dubai new abras are a small part of that larger ambition.
A Quick Reminder: Why Abras Matter
If you’re new to Dubai an abra is a traditional boat which you use to cross the Creek and for many it’s just the thing to do to get a view of the old city from the water. That’s why it’s so significant when the RTA goes ahead and upgrades them. The new abras in Dubai maintain the traditional appearance but are part of a modern transport system.
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What We Do Not Know Yet
The information is a bit thin on the ground. They don’t tell you which stations/routes the four boats will serve, the size of the total fleet, what the fares will be or when each boat will commence service. If you’re planning a trip, then you’ll need to keep a close eye on the official RTA updates to find out where you might see the Dubai new abras first.
The Bottom Line
Dubai isn’t replacing its heritage, it’s polishing it. Four new boats won’t transform the city overnight but they do indicate that even the oldest elements of the transport network are being looked at. If you’ve never been on an abra then this might well be as good an excuse as any to give it a go.
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