A new abra and ferry station has opened on Dubai's Deira Islands, and passengers will enjoy free rides for the first five months.
The new station at Souk Al Marfa offers direct access to and from Dubai Old Souq, Deira Old Souq and Al Ghubaiba.
The waterfront souq and marketplace can be accessed by a 25-minute abra journey between 5pm and 10pm on weekdays, and 10am to 10pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with a break between midday and 5pm.
The 20-minute ferry trip runs between Souk Al Marfa and Al Ghubaiba from 6pm to 10pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only.
“The new abra and ferry service brings a new and memorable way for local residents and visitors from further afield to reach our newest retail destination," said Muath Abdelkader AlRais, general manager of Souk Al Marfa.
"It’s part of our commitment to continually enhancing Souk Al Marfa as a key retail and entertainment destination in Dubai."
The abra and ferry journeys will offer visitors views of the Deira Corniche, Deira Old Souq, Dubai Creek and the Gold Souq.
Souk Al Marfa is home to more than 900 shops with another 200 set to open, selling goods as diverse as carpets, lights and spices.
“We are pleased to join forces with Nakheel to launch the abra and ferry service, the city’s most traditional mode of transport," said Ahmed Bahrozyan, chief executive at the RTA's Public Transport Agency.
"This transportation method is an exciting new way to access Souk Al Marfa in an easy and seamless way and is in line with the comprehensive marine transport plan 2020 – 2030, which aims to enhance the service model as well as support Dubai’s strategic objective of improving overall quality of life."
Souk Al Marfa: in pictures
The Vile
Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah
Director: Majid Al Ansari
Rating: 4/5
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Ultramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica content
Ophiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on land
Olivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour
Essentials
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct from the UAE to Delhi from about Dh950 return including taxes.
The hotels
Double rooms at Tijara Fort-Palace cost from 6,670 rupees (Dh377), including breakfast.
Doubles at Fort Bishangarh cost from 29,030 rupees (Dh1,641), including breakfast. Doubles at Narendra Bhawan cost from 15,360 rupees (Dh869). Doubles at Chanoud Garh cost from 19,840 rupees (Dh1,122), full board. Doubles at Fort Begu cost from 10,000 rupees (Dh565), including breakfast.
The tours
Amar Grover travelled with Wild Frontiers. A tailor-made, nine-day itinerary via New Delhi, with one night in Tijara and two nights in each of the remaining properties, including car/driver, costs from £1,445 (Dh6,968) per person.
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