Good news for holiday-makers who would like to avoid inland traffic congestions on New Year’s Eve: try the marine transit services.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced special offers aboard the water bus, water taxi, Dubai ferry and abra on New Year’s Eve (which falls on Saturday, 31 December 2016). “This service is offered in the context of the RTA’s ongoing engagement with customers,” said Abdullah Yousef Al Ali, CEO of RTA’s Public Transport.

“RTA is stepping up efforts to offer a new marine transit experience availing riders a superb opportunity to live the thrilling moments of festivities at the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, the Atlantis and Dubai Water Canal, through sea cruises aboard marine transit modes. The experience is bound to leave fond memories for residents, visitors and tourists,” Al Ali added.

Dubai Ferry journeys start at 9pm and continue up to 1:30AM (past midnight) while the water bus and abra journeys start at 10:30PM and continue up to 1AM (past midnight).

The water bus starts service from the Terrace and Promenade Station (Dubai Marina) and heads towards the assembly point next to the Palm Jumeirah Bridge. The fare is AED 125 per person, while babies under two years can travel for free.

Dubai Ferry starts journeys from Marina Mall Station (Dubai Mar-ina), Ghubaiba Station (Dubai Creek), the Dubai Water Canal Station (Dubai Water Canal), to the assembly point near the Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa and Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. Dubai Ferry fare is AED 300 for the silver class, AED 450 for the gold class, with 50 per cent discount for children aged between two and 10 years; and free for infants aged less than two years.

Abra journeys start from Dubai Festival City Station, Jaddaf Marine Transport Station heading to Dubai Creek, at a fare of AED 125 per person, and free of charge for infants less than two years.
Al Ali said: “The RTA would wish to avail this opportunity to share the joyful moments with celebrators of the jubilant festivities marking the New Year.

“Dubai would be turned out for the first time in festive gear free from inland traffic congestions and crowds in places like the iconic Burj Khalifa; the tallest building in the planet, and the Dubai Water Canal. The Dubai ferry, water bus, and the water taxi have special appeal to Dubai residents, visitors and tourists, thanks to the picturesque beaches of the city, which also boasts of an array of fabulous tourist icons such as the World Islands,” he added.