Thing to do
Deira Gold Souk
Deira's covered gold market, where lanes of jewellers display necklaces, bangles and bridal sets in their windows, close to the spice souk and Dubai Creek.
Abra ride across Dubai Creek
A short crossing of Dubai Creek on a traditional wooden abra, the cheapest and most atmospheric way to travel between Bur Dubai and the Deira souks.
At a glance
- Type
- Traditional boat crossing
- Area
- Bur Dubai / Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Official site
- rta.ae
Good to know
- Runs from early morning
- Cash fares
Why we recommend it
Wooden abras have ferried people across Dubai Creek for generations, and they remain a working form of public transport run by the Roads and Transport Authority. The crossing between Bur Dubai and Deira takes only a few minutes, but sitting low on the water among dhows, with the old souks on both banks, is one of the most memorable things you can do in the city.
The standard crossing costs just AED 1, and boats leave every few minutes from 6am, setting off as soon as they fill. Hand the fare to the driver once on board. For something longer, you can hire a whole abra for a private loop of the creek; agree the price and duration before setting off. Sunset is the prettiest time, when the minarets and wind towers glow.
Abra ride across Dubai Creek FAQs
How much does it cost?
A standard crossing costs AED 1.
How often do abras run?
Every few minutes from 6am, leaving as soon as they are full.