Bur Dubai Marine Transport Station gets a new facelift
Dubai RTA to renovate more abra stations in Q4 2024
Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has completed the redevelopment of the Bur Dubai Marine Transport Station (abra station), situated on the commercially important Bur Dubai bank of Dubai Creek, which straddles the heart of the modern-day emirate in the UAE.
Dubai RTA aims to increase the capacity of the Bur Dubai marine transport station by 33% by adding four more abra (small wooden boat) berths.
The newly renovated Bur Dubai Marine Transport Station features a 50-person shaded outdoor seating area made of eco-friendly and recyclable materials, an automated abra passenger-counting system at the station gates, an information centre, public utility, and retail outlets.
Three more marine transport stations on Dubai Creek’s Deira and Bur Dubai sides – Deira Old Souq, Dubai Old Souq, and Sabkha – will be fully renovated in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
Popular abra rides
Dubai RTA-owned and maintained marine stations are key public marine transit points for the thousands of commuters in Dubai City who take AED1 rides on the traditional bras that ply regularly between both banks of the historic creek.
Dubai RTA is developing all four marine transport stations in Dubai City to enhance the travel experience of abra riders in Dubai’s often hot and humid weather conditions.
When fully complete, the upgrade project will ensure safety and security at the four marine transport stations used by 14 million abra riders annually.
The renovation project fulfils the specifications of the Dubai Universal Design Code for People of Determination.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai RTA, said: “The launch of this project is part of the RTA’s master plan for overhauling marine transport systems in Dubai, which is recognised as a primary mobility mode, and enriching the maritime transport network in the emirate.
Complete plan
“The plan envisaged the development of four key marine stations: Bur Dubai station, Deira Old Souq station, Dubai Old Souq station, and Sabkha station.
“The revamping of the Bur Dubai model station took into consideration maintaining the historical and cultural identity, providing advanced amenities for users, building a sheltered outdoor space, offering retail outlets to serve abra riders and visitors, and upgrading the technological systems of the station.
“The materials used in the Bur Dubai station construction are environmentally friendly and durable, which will cut maintenance costs and extend asset lifespan by 10%, besides reducing carbon emissions,” Al Tayer added.
Al Tayer said the renovation of the marine transport stations includes a lighting upgrade.
“Dubai RTA has started revamping the Deira Old Souq station and charted plans to develop the Old Dubai Souq and Al Sabkha stations in the fourth quarter of 2024,” concluded Al Tayer.
Enhancement of the four marine transport stations involves deploying a predictive maintenance system that utilises remote monitoring devices and sensors onboard Dubai RTA supervised marine transport modes.
Last Updated on 10 months by Arnold Pinto
