An environmentally-friendly alternative to the current petrol-powered boats…

One of the more fun things to do when visiting the cultural melting pot that is Global Village is to take a ride along its man-made water canal in an abra.

Designed to mimic the experience that can be had when crossing the Dubai creek between Deira and Bur Dubai it has proven to be popular with visitors.

Traditionally though, these passenger boats have been petrol-powered which, let’s face it, is both not great for the environment and gives off an unpleasant smell. So, in an effort to clean things up a little, the RTA has announced that it will be working closely with the management of Global Village to roll out several all-electric abras as an eco-friendly alternative.

Mansour Al Falasi, Director of Marine Transport at the RTA said in an official statement: “The growing popularity of the Abra service contributes to the growth of tourist numbers in the Global Village. The RTA is keen on taking part in the annual event, which runs for about five months. The service is part of our vision to generate a positive experience to this annual event by availing riders an opportunity to board a transit means powered by renewable energy,”

The new initiative falls into the RTA’s ‘Safe & Smooth Transport for All’ roadmap, with Al Falasi noting that the new abras will follow a “heritage-inspired” design to help maintain a traditional look.

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Images: Dubai Media Office