Dubai has a new marine transport station and it floats

The UAE’s first floating station has been officially inaugurated in Dubai.

The relocatable marine transport station has been set up at Dubai Festival City.

It accommodates more than 25 passengers and currently links the Jadaf-Dubai Festival City line with public buses and the Creek Metro Station.

Abra service will be running every 10 minutes between Dubai Festival City and Jadaf Stations daily from 7 AM to midnight at a fare of AED 2.

HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Roads and Transport Authority was delighted with the opening of the floating marine transport station, saying it marks a quantum shift in the emirate's marine transport sector.

“The construction of this station is part of RTA master plan for improving Dubai marine transit systems, which are used by more than 14 m riders annually,” said Al Tayer.

Smart floating marine transport station which accommodates more than 25 passengers, contributes to the integration of marine transit modes by linking Jadaf-#Dubai Festival City line with public buses and Creek Metro Station. @RTA_Dubai pic.twitter.com/E2ZXxuYMsw

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 4, 2019

Dubai Festival City Station has witnessed a considerable rise in the number of visitors from 42,863 riders in 2016 to 187,000 riders in 2017.

The numbers continued the upward trend in 2018 recording a 24% increase to hit 245,000 riders.

“We are extremely delighted to be part of RTA’s marine transport network. The new station enhances the destinations transportation options which include public buses and taxis making it easier for residents and tourists to get to Dubai Festival City and enjoy its many attractions,” said Omar Al Futtaim, Vice Chairman, Al-Futtaim.