Abra is a traditional boat made from wood used to transfer people in the Dubai creek. It takes 10 minutes to go from Deira to the other side (Bur Dubai).

Abras used to be the main way of transport between the two sides before cars could cross the creek on two bridges or the Shindaga tunnel. Now it is mostly used by tourists or workers with low income although it remains an essential and frequently used part of Dubai transportation. The Abras charge a nominal rate of AED 1 per trip.

It is the best way to see the many impressive buildings along the Creek is from the waterway itself. Climb aboard a local Abra which is a small barge powered by a diesel engine that can hold up to 20 people and crosses from either side of the creek.

From the Abra, you will be amazed at the sights on either side of the creek. It is particularly enjoyable late in the evening and even more so when the shopping festival is in full swing as a firework display is launched from the middle of the creek at 8pm every evening

The Dubai Metro is the world's longest driverless automated railway system with of about 76 kilometres of rail tracks and 47 stations. Ten of the Red Line’s 29 stops are available: Nakheel Harbour & Tower, Mall of the Emirates, Financial Centre, Al Jafiliya, Khalid Bin Al Waleed, Union Square, Al Rigga, Deira City Centre, Airport T3 and Rashidiya Terminal. The 19 stops that are not opening today should all be operating by February next year. Then, in June 2010, the Green Line – stretching from Jadaf on the Creek to Al Qusais – should open. The Red Line is also going to be extended, taking it to the Jebel Ali/Abu Dhabi border. In 2012 the Purple Line will link Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport in Jebel Ali (which should open June 2010). There are plans for a Blue Line to serve the two airports along Emirates Road and even a Yellow Line, but it’s unknown where this will run. Every stop will be served by buses, abras or water taxis, all with air-conditioned waiting areas. The whole caboodle should be in business by 2015.

The train runs from 6am-11pm, Saturday to Thursday, and from 2pm-midnight on Fridays. During peak hours they will run every three minutes and 45 seconds, although initially the frequency will be every 10 minutes. Tickets will be rechargeable cards, which you can purchase from the vending machines in every station.

Transport in Dubai is controlled by the Roads and Transport authority. The public transport network faces huge congestion and reliability issues which a large investment programme is attempting to address, including over AED70 billion of improvements planned for completion by 2020, when the population of the city is projected to exceed 3.5 million.