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

Abu Dhabi Maritime operates ferry services for passengers and vehicles between Saadiyat island and Al Aliah island, and between Dalma island and Al Dhana port.

It also operates water taxi services between:

• Marsa Mina and Louvre Abu Dhabi
• Yas Marina and Yas Waters Edge
• Yas Bay and Yas Marina
• Yas Bay and Yas Waters Edge.

Cاeck ferries/water taxi schedule, tariff and steps to book tickets.

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 20 passengers at a time. It operates between Al Mamzar and Dubai Marina via Dubai Creek. It has 40 pick-up points all over Dubai. 

Refer to the time-table and fares for water-taxis.

Water-bus

Water-bus cruises around Dubai Marina.

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. 

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 and fares for abras.

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.