The boat
The abra, Dubai's water taxi
What an abra is, where it works on Dubai Creek, and why the Burj Lake ride borrows the same traditional wooden boat for a short fountain trip.
Reserve a place on the lake ↗Quick answer
An abra is a traditional wooden boat used mainly as a ferry on Dubai Creek. The lake ride uses the same kind of boat on Burj Lake, so it is a ticketed ride in a boat with a public working life elsewhere in the city. The two are different outings that share a design, and the Creek is a separate waterway from the lake.
A wooden ferry on the Creek
Wikipedia describes the abra as a traditional boat made of wood. On the Creek, abras run between water stations on the Bur Dubai and Deira sides and leave every few minutes, and the article says they operate today as water taxis that also draw tourists.
The Creek behind the boat
Dubai Creek is a natural saltwater inlet of the Persian Gulf that has long served as a harbour for trade and transport. Historically it divided the city into Deira and Bur Dubai, and traditional abras carried passengers between the two sides. Four bridges and a tunnel now also connect them.
Why the lake borrows it
Burj Lake is a new waterfront beside a very tall tower, and the abra links it to an older Dubai. The Creek ferry is a public water taxi, whereas the lake ride is a booked ride, so the two are different outings that share a boat design.
Frequently asked questions
What is an abra?
A traditional wooden boat used mainly as a ferry on Dubai Creek.
Is the lake ride on the Creek?
No. It is on Burj Lake in Downtown Dubai.
How many people does the lake boat carry?
Up to eight, according to the booking page.
Where do Creek abras run?
Between water stations on the Bur Dubai and Deira sides.
Sources
- English Wikipedia article: Abra (boat) (read 13 November 2026)
- English Wikipedia article: Dubai Creek (read 13 November 2026)
- English Wikipedia article: Dubai Fountain (read 13 November 2026)
- English Wikipedia article: Downtown Dubai (read 13 November 2026)
- English Wikipedia article: Burj Khalifa (read 13 November 2026)
- English Wikipedia article: Dubai Mall (read 13 November 2026)