Abra Deira Dubai is a traditional boat service that links Deira and Bur Dubai through Dubai Creek. The wooden boats are cheap to cross the Creek and land at historic places or souks and markets on the opposite side. The main commuter routes have a fare of AED 1 per person per ride and the abra is a popular mode of transport for short trips across the water.
When boarding, please verify the route and station name, as the station names are different for Deira Old Souq and Al Sabkha. The time and service of each route vary. The correct station, fare and timing ensure that you plan your trip and reach the correct side of Dubai Creek without any confusion.
Abra Routes in Deira Dubai
There are a number of abra routes in Dubai Creek; two of them are important for commuters going between Deira and Bur Dubai. RTA refers to these as CR1 and CR2. They both offer a direct crossing, but to different stations.
CR1: Bur Dubai to Deira Old Souq
Bur Dubai Marine Station is linked to Deira Old Souq Marine Station by CR1. It is the right one to take when travelling between the Bur Dubai waterfront and the Deira Old Souq area.
Service is available from 6:00 am until midnight and is classified as on demand. The published fare is AED 1 per person per trip and cash is required. This walk is helpful for accessing the historic souqs that make up Deira Old Souq and for crossing to the Textile Souq in Bur Dubai.
CR2: Dubai Old Souq to Al Sabkha
CR2 links Dubai Old Souq Marine Station with Al Sabkha Marine Station. It is an independent crossing from CR1 and travels passengers who have their destinations nearer to Al Sabkha or Dubai Old Souq.
RTA lists this service as operating 24 hours a day. AED 1 per passenger per trip is the traditional commuter fare, which has to be paid in cash. It’s a very convenient service for those who want to cross the Creek when other scheduled abra services are not running.
Other abra routes serving Deira
Other RTA marine services link the areas around the Creek districts such as Baniyas, Al Fahidi and Al Seef. They have different fares, times and routes to CR1 and CR2.
| Route | Main connection | Published fare |
| CR1 | Bur Dubai–Deira Old Souq | AED 1 |
| CR2 | Dubai Old Souq–Al Sabkha | AED 1 |
| CR3 | Dubai Old Souq–Baniyas | AED 2 |
| CR4 | Al Sabkha–Al Fahidi | AED 2 |
| CR5 | Al Fahidi–Deira Old Souq | AED 2 |
| CR6 | Al Seef–Baniyas | AED 2 |
The table shows the primary traditional Creek routes that are relevant to the Deira area. The two AED 1 commuter crossings have different fares and operating schedules from CR3–CR6. Please refer to the most up-to-date RTA service information before travelling, especially for routes that have service schedules.
Abra Fares and Payment Methods
The price of the abras in Deira is dependent upon the route and the service type. For traditional commuters on CR1 and CR2, the cost is AED 1 per passenger per trip. Other traditional abra routes that are scheduled are CR3, CR4, CR5 and CR6, with a fare of AED 2 per passenger/per trip.
RTA has indicated cash payment for 2 (AED 1) commuter crossings. According to RTA’s published service information, there are other scheduled marine services that have more payment options such as Nol cards, bank cards and more. Don’t take it for granted that the payment system is the same on all abras.
Private abra hire
RTAs are also available for private traditional abra charters for those looking for a boat for their own group, not just a regular passenger crossing. RTA’s promotional information states that the charter rate is AED 60 for 30 minutes and AED 120 for one hour. Please check the price and terms at the station before you hire.
Private hire does not compare to paying for a regular crossing. The Charter price is calculated for the duration and the hired boat, not per passenger for a one-way fare.
Abra Timings in Deira Dubai
Hours of operation are subject to change by route. CR1 is available from 6 am until midnight and CR2 is available 24 hours a day. The two routes are useful for passengers whose journey time demands that they cross directly between Deira and Bur Dubai at different times of the day, as they are timed.
There are several different schedules for other Creek services. According to RTA’s published information, the following are the timings for selected routes:
| Route | Published operating hours |
| CR3: Dubai Old Souq–Baniyas | Monday–Saturday, 7:00 am–11:45 pm; Sunday, 10:00 am–11:45 pm |
| CR4: Al Sabkha–Al Fahidi | Monday–Saturday, 8:00 am–11:45 pm; Sunday, 9:30 am–11:35 pm |
| CR5: Al Fahidi–Deira Old Souq | Monday–Thursday, 8:00 am–11:30 pm; Friday, 8:00 am–11:40 pm; Saturday, 8:00 am–11:45 pm; Sunday, 9:30 am–11:45 pm |
| CR6: Al Seef–Baniyas | Monday–Saturday, 7:30 am–11:45 pm; Sunday, 10:00 am–11:50 pm |
These are timetable particulars and are not a guarantee that all services will run as scheduled. Timings may vary on public holidays and during Ramadan, RTA says. The departure times may also differ at each station, so people taking the scheduled trains should check the current train timetable before travelling.
On-demand services versus scheduled routes
An on-demand service is not one that runs on a set schedule, as would a route with a timetable. CR1 and CR2 are on-demand services in RTA’s timetable. There are operating schedules published for the other routes mentioned above.
This is important when planning to connect to a bus, metro, or other marine service. Be sure to verify the specific operating schedule of the route, not presume that a route is going to take out every hour.
Abra Deira Dubai Station Locations
The most crucial detail to consider is the station name while selecting a station to board. There are several abra terminals in Deira; the names attached to them do not indicate one common boat stop.
Deira Old Souq Marine Station
Deira Old Souq Marine Station is the crossing of CR1 to Bur Dubai and CR5 from Al Fahidi. It’s applicable to those who visit the traditional market area around Deira Old Souq.
The station is helpful in case you are travelling to the historic souks or between the shopping streets of the Deira market and the Bur Dubai waterfront. Check the route code at the terminal, as not all abras following the wider Creek are the same route.
Al Sabkha Marine Station
CR2 is connected to Dubai Old Souq via Al Sabkha Marine Station and CR4 is connected to Al Fahidi. Though both are located on the Deira side of the Creek, it is a different terminal from Deira Old Souq Marine Station.
Select Al Sabkha if the destination or origin is the same as Al Sabkha. Before going to Bur Dubai, consider which of the services, such as CR1, will be more appropriate for your needs and destination.
Dubai Old Souq Marine Station
Dubai Old Souq Marine Station is on the Bur Dubai side and is the gateway to Al Sabkha on the CR2 and to Baniyas on the CR3. It is also included in CR7, but the status of this route should be verified before using it.
The station name can be confusing as it has “Old Souq” but is not Deira Old Souq Marine Station! Verify the name and destination before getting on the bus.
Al Fahidi Marine Station
Al Fahidi Marine Station is the station with connections to Al Sabkha and Deira Old Souq. It’s applicable for passengers who are crossing between the historic district of Bur Dubai and the other bank.
On journeys that include Al Fahidi, do not presume that CR1 is the direct route, but check CR4 and CR5. The type of service required is based on the station of origin and direction along the Creek.
How to Reach Deira Abra Stations
The historic Creek Districts are accessible by Dubai Metro and the bus network. Each terminal is uniquely suited for a particular connection, so it is important to plan the station, not just look for “Deira abra”.
By metro
The metro stations of Sharaf DG and Al Ghubaiba prove useful when travelling to the side of the Creek, which is traditionally known as Bur Dubai. These are only a few stations from which to walk for about 10 minutes to the nearest abra station, depending on the terminal and walking route, to visit Dubai.
There are stations in the metro network on the Deira side where access to the souks and the nearby Creek terminals can be achieved. Pick the station depending on which direction you are travelling to: Deira Old Souq or Al Sabkha.
By bus
There are a few bus lines that run around the traditional abra crossings. Visit Dubai marks routes 29, C10 and 33 as being in range from the Dubai side of Bur Dubai and routes C09 and C28 from the Dubai side of Deira.
Routes and stops may be subject to change. Before you depart, please consult the latest RTA journey information for your departure time and the marine station you want to arrive at.
By taxi
If using a taxi, ask for the entire station name. If you request an abra without designating the terminal, you might end up at an alternate crossing to the one that is desired.
This is particularly important if you have a planned meeting or need to continue your journey on a particular route. The names Deira Old Souq and Al Sabkha and Dubai Old Souq can not be used interchangeably.
Places to Visit Near Deira Abra Stations
Most people who use the old abra crossings are going to the markets and heritage areas that surround Dubai Creek. The Deira side boasts of its traditional souks while the Bur Dubai side offers up historic waterfront attractions and streets.
Gold Souk
Deira’s famous traditional markets include the Gold Souk. This has jewellery shops with gold designs and other items made of precious metals, which makes it a popular shopping hub.
If you are going to the Gold Souk by abra, make sure to look at the walking route from the station you have selected (Deira side). The nearest crossing will depend on your starting point and the exact section of the market you are looking to visit.
Spice Souk
Another historic and traditional market is the Spice Souk, located in the historic Deira trading district. Spices, herbs, dried fruits and their related products are sold in the shops and give the area a different focus as opposed to the jewellery shops of the Gold Souk.
A visit to the Spice Souk can be made and combined with a traditional Creek crossing with attractions in Bur Dubai. Carefully choose what your return crossing will be as there are two terminals in Deira.
Textile Souk and Al Fahidi
Other interesting places to visit while exploring Old Dubai are found on the opposite side of Bur Dubai, namely Textile Souk and Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. It has traditional market streets and historic buildings and it is a natural continuation of a Creek crossing from Deira.
On arrival from Deira, if you plan to visit these areas, you should find out which marine station would be best suited to your walking route. Do not assume that any crossing into Bur Dubai is a crossing to any attractions on the other side of the Creek.
Traditional Abra and Electric Abra Services
Abra services are not the same as traditional commuter abras. The classic wooden boats, which are powered by a motor, make the short sea crossings between Deira and Bur Dubai well known and other marine services are available either on different routes or for private hire.
The difference is in fares, departure arrangements and type of journey provided. It should be noted that the AED 1 ticket for the traditional commuter crossings refers to traditional RTA crossings only and not all Dubai boat services.
RTA has also published details of an electric abra service running between Al Seef, Baniyas and Al Fahidi. The cost quoted is for the boat and the length of time it is in use, not for an AED 1 boat for one person. Verify the availability of electric service before travelling around any service.
What to Check Before Boarding
If you can avoid the following common pitfalls, you’ll be better prepared for using Deira’s abra services.
- Check the destination: Deira Old Souq and Al Sabkha are different terminals with different crossings.
- Look at the fare: The traditional CR1 and CR2 commuter services have the cost of AED 1, others could be more expensive.
- Have cash to pay for traditional commuter crossings: The RTA indicates that cash must be paid for these commuter crossings.
- See the existing schedule: The on-demand crossings are different from those with set departures.
- Permit temporary changes to the route: Ramadan, public holidays, service interruptions, etc. could impact planned services.
These checks are especially important when you are going to meet someone, get on another mode of transport, or head off to a particular market before it closes.
Conclusion
Abra Deira Dubai is a cheap option to cross Dubai Creek to travel between Deira and Bur Dubai. The traditional wooden boats link people to the traditional markets such as souks in Deira and Bur Dubai. The fare of AED 1 per passenger per trip on the two major commuter lines is an economical choice for shorter crossings.
Check the name, route and operating times of the station before travelling. There are two CRs: one from Bur Dubai to Deira Old Souq (from 6 am to midnight) and the other from Dubai Old Souq to Al Sabkha (24 hours). Both services operate on an ad hoc basis and are not subject to fixed schedules.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Deira abra fare?
The traditional CR1 and CR2 routes cost AED 1 per passenger per trip. Others Abra Deira Dubai services will cost AED 2 only depending on the path.
Which abra goes from Deira to Bur Dubai?
The route between Deira Old Souq Marine Station and Bur Dubai Marine Station is called CR1. Always check the destination before getting on the bus.
Is Abra Deira Dubai open 24 hours?
CR2 runs 24-hour trains from Dubai Old Souq to Al Sabkha. CR1 is active from 6 am to midnight.
Can I use a Nol card on the abra?
The traditional AED 1 commuter crossings do require cash. Other marine routes may have different payment options.
Which station is closest to the Deira Gold Souk?
The major stations of interest are Deira Old Souq and Al Sabkha. Pick the one that will give you the shortest walking distance to the Gold Souk.
How long does an abra crossing take?
The crossing between Deira and Bur Dubai is about 5 minutes long and is traditional. Time will vary depending on route and operating conditions.
Can I hire a private abra in Dubai?
Yes. Private traditional abra charters are for sale at AED 120 per hour, while 30-minute charters are offered at AED 60. Check the current price before booking.
Do Abra Deira Dubai services run during Ramadan?
During Ramadan or public holidays, the operation schedule may vary. Before travelling, please refer to the latest RTA timetable for the route you intend to travel.
