For visitors wanting to experience the melting pot that is Dubai, the Bur Dubai Abra dock is probably the best place to embark on a journey to discover both the heart of old Dubai and the glitter of the new. Abras or traditional water taxis are the most popular ways of getting across from Bur Dubai which translates into mainland Dubai to Deira on the opposite bank of the Dubai creek. Since an estimated 20 million passengers use this cheap, quick and efficient mode of transport, Bur Dubai abra dock is one of the busiest places along the creek.
The main routes of the abras are from Bur Dubai abra dock to the abra dock in Deira and from the Dubai old souk abra dock to Sabkha abra dock. The Bur Dubai abra dock is also where many visitors take a public boat or hire one for around Dhs 50 per hour to enjoy the city’s glittering sky scrapers by day and their lights reflected in the water at night with views of glorious sunsets in between and to experience a bit of the culture of the old city. The abra docks on both sides of the creek also offer some of the best places to shop as they are crammed with boutiques and souks. In fact the newly rehabilitated Dubai old souk area with its grand wooden entrance and alleyways full of colourful merchandise, covered sidewalks and the historic Bastakia area are close by. Visitors can glimpse old coral stone houses with wind towers here.
However the abras are the main attraction at the dock. These open crafts have been used by the people of Dubai as a mode of transport for centuries and pictures of them when they were propelled by oars can be found at the heritage sites of the city. Now motorized, they feature a bench in the middle for passengers and a flimsy roof as protection from rain and sun. The service is available from 6 am to 12 pm for the incredible price of Dhs 1.50 and is a good alternative to traffic jams.
With a location in the best part of town, the Grand Millennium Dubai offers its guest not only an ideal location but modern and comfortable accommodation and a host of facilities and amenities meeting the needs of modern travellers. As one of prominent 5 star hotels Dubai the hotel’s accommodation of rooms, suites and serviced residences are very much in demand as are the Asian and international menus at its food and beverage destinations. Stay at this Dubai luxury hotel to experience its high standard of hospitality.
