Marine transport services

Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure offers maritime transport services catering to businesses, individuals and government entities across various categories:

• pleasure boat services
• seafarers’ affairs services
• commercial vessels services
• Public relation officers’ (PROs) services
• port services.

Modes of water transport

Abu Dhabi

In Abu Dhabi, Integrated Transport Centre operates ferry services for passengers and vehicles between Delma Island and the mainland of Abu Dhabi (Mugharaq Port, Marsa Jabal Al Dhanna). The ferries operate daily. They are free for those below 12 years. Others will be charged AED 20. For every vehicle to be transported, the charge is 100 AED. Passengers must carry a valid ID card and the car registration card, if taking car along, to travel on the ferry.

Source: the official website of Integrated Transport Centre, Abu Dhabi

Dubai

In Dubai, Roads and Transport Authority regulates water-taxis, water-buses, ferries and abras.

Water-taxi

Water-taxi is a luxurious mode of transportation. It can transport a maximum of 10 passengers at a time. It operates between Al Mamzar and Dubai Marina via Dubai Creek. It has 32 pick-up points all over Dubai. 

Route of water-taxi

Water-taxi operates between 10am and 10 pm every day. Refer to the time-table for water-taxis.

Daily commuter fares vary on the distance. Check water-taxi fares. Water-taxis can be rented or chartered for private use. Hourly rate for chartering is AED 400. Book your ride on a water-taxi or manage your booking.

Water-bus

Water-bus cruises around Dubai Marina.

Route of water-bus

From Saturday to Thursday, it operates between 10am and 11pm at a gap of every 20 minutes. On Fridays and public holidays, it operates between 12pm and 12am. Refer to the time-table for water-buses. Fares are AED 3 or 5 depending on the destination. Water-buses can be rented or chartered for private use on an hourly basis.

Ferries

Ferries offer scenic rides around BurDubai, Deira, Jumeirah and Dubai Marina. 

Route of ferry

Ferry schedule varies on the route. Refer to the time-table for ferries. Gold class ticket costs AED 75 per person and AED 210 for a family of 2 adults and 2 children. Silver class ticket costs AED 50 per person and AED 140 for a family of 2 adults and 2 children. Children aged 2-10 years receive a 50 per cent discount on the single ticket fares, while children under 2 years ride for free. Ferries can be rented or chartered for private use on an hourly basis. Refer to the handy guide for using Dubai ferry (PDF).

Read also about ferry service to Sharjah which operates  between Al Ghubaiba Marine Station in Dubai and Sharjah Aquarium Marine Station.

Abras

There are three types of abras: motorised, electrical and air-conditioned. Motorised abras run across the creek between BurDubai and Deira. Electrical abras offer joy rides in the Burj Khalifa lake and the water passage in The Global Village.

Refer to the time-table for abras.

Fare for:

• motorised abra is AED 2
• air-conditioned abra is AED 2
• electrical abra is

• AED 65 per passenger in Burj Khalifa lake for a trip of 25 minutes
• AED 50 per passenger in The Global Village for a trip between 12 and 15 minutes
• AED 60 per passenger in Al Mamzar for a trip of 30 minutes and AED 120 for a trip of 1 hour.

To travel on the water-taxis, water-buses, ferries and abras, you need to buy a Nol card or ticket.

*On the motorised abra, you cannot use Nol Red Ticket and Nol Personal card.

Source: Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai