Explore Dubai by ferry

As a city by the sea, Dubai has always used boats to move people around – the oldest examples being the abras which continually cross Dubai Creek to this day. Dubai’s water transport system has also seen some significant upgrades in recent times, most notably the Dubai Ferry, which can take you from one end of the city to the other.

Operated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), which runs all of Dubai’s public transport services, Dubai ferries are fully air-conditioned with comfortable seating for up to 98 people. They are also fully accessible for people of determination and have toilets aboard.

Perfect for visitors looking to see Dubai from the water, there are several ferry routes across the city – some of them specifically designed for sightseeing. Tickets start from just AED25 per person for a single leg, rising to AED75 for some sightseeing routes. Family packages and Gold Class tickets are also available.

Sail the length of Dubai’s coast

The Dubai Ferry FR1 service between Dubai Marina Mall and Al Shindagha, via Bluewaters Island and the mouth of Dubai Water Canal, is a fantastic way to see the city from a whole new perspective. Starting at the Marina end, the ferry makes a stop at Bluewaters, then heads around the outer rim of Palm Jumeirah, past Atlantis, The Palm and other resorts, as well as Burj Al Arab just off the mainland.

After stopping at the Dubai Canal station, the ferry carries on past Pearl Jumeirah and Dubai Maritime City to the mouth of Dubai Creek, where it docks at Al Shindagha. The whole route takes just under two hours to complete. You can join or leave the ferry at Dubai Water Canal – or start your journey at Al Shindagha and head towards Dubai Marina.

See Dubai's sights by ferry

Dubai Ferry FR3 is a sightseeing service in Dubai Creek, allowing you to see the best of the city’s ancient waterway. Catch the ferry at Al Seef, and enjoy a leisurely journey up the creek, past Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and Dubai's souks, along with some of the oldest buildings in the city, before returning.

Ferry service FR4 is also designed for sightseeing; it runs from Dubai Marina Mall, takes you out to Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis, The Palm, and then returns. This is a perfect way to enjoy the impressive towers of Dubai Marina, the majestic Ain Dubai and the wondrous Palm Jumeirah from the sea.

Note that both the FR3 and FR4 services require a minimum number of passengers to operate.

You can find more information, including timetables, on the RTA’s website.

Other ways to travel Dubai by boat

Along with Dubai Ferry, the RTA also operates Dubai Water Bus services in Dubai Marina. With a service zig-zagging from one side of Dubai Marina to the other, via stops at Marina Terrace, Marina Walk, Marina Mall and Marina Promenade, and another going between Marina Mall and Bluewaters Island, the Water Bus is a great way to get around the neighbourhood – at very reasonable rates.

To check timetables and fares, see the RTA website.

For a more personalised trip around Dubai’s waterways, consider booking the Dubai Water Taxi. Just like their land-bound siblings, these taxis can take you between any of 40 stations across Dubai – or you can even hire one for a set period of time.

Dubai Water Taxis have space for up to 10 people, and are fully air-conditioned. Fares vary based on your route. To book a Dubai Water Taxi, email the RTA at: WtBook@rta.ae.

There are also plenty of private companies which operate boat tours of Dubai, including along the magnificent Dubai Water Canal. Why not try a tour on a traditional dhow - or even hire an abra for the trip?

If this has whetted your appetite, there are plenty more ways to discover Dubai from the water. Or why not think about a yachting adventure in Dubai?