By Ferry, Dubai

Take an abra to cross the creek. This is a cheap and convenient way to move between Deira and Bur Dubai without getting caught in a massive traffic jam on the road. The abra departs from its station when it's full - which happens very fast. The fare is only Dh1. There are two stations on each side of the creek conveniently located near tourist spots like the textile souq, gold souq, Dubai Museum etc. While crossing, you can have a nice view of the merchant dhows on the Deira-side as well as a beautiful skyline of Bur Dubai and Deira.

If you do not want to share the abra with mostly South Asian commuters, you can pay for the whole abra. I think it costs Dh30.

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Dubai's waterfront epitomizes the city's personality, and a cruise along the 10km-long Creek is the best way to witness the clashing of the historically old & the new modernity.

It costs 1 Dhs (Dirham) to cross the creek, or you can hire the boat for only yourself/your group & pay Dhs 10.-

Many people use Abras to go to work, as they are cheaper than taxis or buses & avoid the ever-increasing traffic on the 2 bridges & 1 tunnel that enable you to cross the creek (Shindagha Tunnel, Maktoum Bridge & Garhoud Bridge).
The boats seat up to 30 people and fill up quickly. Be careful as you really do NOT want to fall into the creek... it is not the cleanest of waters! Crossing from to the other side takes about 5-10 minutes.

TIP: Most Abra drivers are now also cashing-in on the massive flow of tourists that want a more "private" experience during a creek cruise. They will take you up and down the creek for about 1 hour, a great opportunity for some gorgeous photographs of the city. The price for this should not exceed Dhs 80.- Anything more & you are being ripped-off.

(1 US Dollar = 3.67 Dirhams.)

There are several Abra stations along the creek,
but the main points are located near the Gold Souk (Deira), near the Rivoli Building (Deira) and near the Textile Souk/HSBC Building (Bur Dubai). There are very useful tourist maps (see picture) at the Abra stations, and the main stations have been rennovated for passenger safety. There is also a Tourist Information Counter near Bur Dubai Abra station.

MEN: Please try to not sit exactly next to a woman on a full Abra. Respect this gender-seperated society & let women sit next to women. You'll notice that even if the Abra is very full, men will try to leave a gap between themselves and a woman.

News Article: http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Traffic_and_Transport/10098380.html

--> There are also Water 'Buses' that are airconditioned & seat approx. 25 people. One crossing with the bus costs Dhs 4 (one-way).

We hired an Abra [water taxi] for a personal tour of the Dubai Creek. As we walked down to the wharf, I saw the Abra driver push his full load of men off the boat, so he could take us two ladies on the tour. I was mortified.

Firstly, because the disgruntled men had to find another boat to take them across the river, and second, if the driver could get rid of 14 people and make enough money with the two of us, we were probably paying way too much! But we had a lovely cruise up the river.

Next time around we did the local thing and paid 1 dirham (30 cents) for a ride across to the other side.

A ride across the Creek is a great way to see close up the old & new buildings that line either side. The departure points on both sides are close to the entrances of the souks.

As these are commuter vehicles they can get busy at certain times. This however allows you an insight into Dubai for many of its citizens. It is possible though to hire your own Abra & have a tour of the Creek.

The main mean of transport in the city center in the Abra. Dubai’s old town is divided by the Dubai creek, which is also the harbour of old Dubai. There are no bridges in the northwestern part of the city center, just two tunnels close to the coast. This makes the Abra the ferry of the old town. For just a Dirham perperson, you’ll can get on board of this archaic wooden boats which bring you to the other side of the creek. The Abras have lost a little of their old tradition after becoming motorized. But at least, the Abras are still there and part of everyday life. There are two stations of them on every side of the creekwhere you will find somebody pointing out which one is the next Abra to leave. Although some of the people look as shady as the ones wanting to sell you a Dubai Creek tour, you can trust them as long as they show you one of the small wooden Abras. Just get on board, pay when money is collected (preferable by coins, but smaller bills are also changed) and enjoy the view while you’re being transported to the other side.

RTA (Road and Transport Authority) is doing a splendid job in easing traffic congestion in Dubai. They have introduced water taxis which are air conditioned. these taxis ply across the Dubai creek. the fare is affordable and experience a pleasure.
RTA is also working on the Metro Rail Project with it Green & Red Lines connecting most of Dubai Metropolis - work is in progress and expected to be completed on or before the completion time, as is the case with most of the Government projects in Dubai.
New Air Conditioned buses have been pressed in service. It is a must have experience to feel the hectic pulse of growth in Dubai. RTA Toll Free Number in Dubai 800 90 90.

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The most scenic way of getting across the Creek between Deira and Bur Dubai is by taking a ride on a traditional Abra (long boat). You just kind of jump on and off. Watch your step! Seating is on long benches. The cost is half a Dirham (about 15 cents US) and only takes about 5 minutes. Take your camera because you will get some of the best views of Dubai. Magic!

Please note: For Female travellers, please allow room between you and local men. They don't see many ladies on these boats and cultural modesty means they need to afford you extra space.

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One great way to see Dubai from a different perspective is to travel bz abra (water taxi) on Dubai Creek. You can simply just cross the creeck for 500 fils or else you can rent a boat for yourself and travel up and down the city at leisure; the price here really depends on your baraganing skills. The best time to make such "cruise"? Just before sunset - when the buildings reflect the light of the sun going down, and the entire city looks like it's made of gold.