RTA Completes Final Development Phase of Dubai Creek Stations: Old Dubai Souq and Al Sabkha Marine Transport Stations

• The initiative enhances the happiness of abra users and improves their mobility

Dubai. Roads and Transport Authority. 1^st September 2025:

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has inaugurated Old Dubai Souq and Al Sabkha marine transport stations, which serve the marine transport network along Dubai Creek. The move is part of RTA’s comprehensive plan to upgrade marine transport facilities in line with Dubai’s broader development across all sectors.

The final phase of the project delivered enhancements modelled on those introduced at Bur Dubai and Old Deira Souq stations in the previous phase. The upgrades preserved cultural identity by providing user amenities, expanding shaded waiting areas, and establishing retail outlets to serve abra riders.

The inauguration of both stations marks a key milestone for Dubai’s marine transport sector. Their completion falls under RTA’s Marine Transport Strategic Plan 2020–2030, which seeks to advance the marine transport system as a key mobility mode in the emirate. Marine transport modes reached 9.7 million during the first half of 2025.

As part of this phase’s development plan, RTA expanded shaded waiting areas by 50%, created new investment spaces, to fulfil the requirements of Dubai’s Code for People of Determination. The upgrades also improved lighting and used sustainable, eco-friendly materials in the marine berth.

In an initiative to enhance the working environment of operators, RTA introduced an air-conditioned rest area for operators of traditional wooden abras, ensuring comfort and boosting operational efficiency.

Both stations were developed simultaneously to accelerate delivery, optimise resources, improve financial returns, and reinforce economic efficiency. RTA also carried out an operational plan to maintain trip schedules, uphold riders safety and security, and ensure seamless navigation and operations at both stations.