Dubai marine transport: Dubai's marine transport network to grow by 188%

We often forget that there is a marine transport network in Dubai as we usually use the Metro, buses, taxis or drive ourselves.

But soon, hopping on a ferry or abra during your commute may be more common as the city’s marine transport network is set to grow by a whopping 188 percent.

The total length of the marine transport network in the city will grow from 55km to 158km and prepare for new marine transport stations to pop up with 31 new stations going along the Dubai Creek, Dubai Water Canal, the coastline of the Arabian Gulf and various waterfront projects.

Another key highlight is that passenger transport lines will increase from seven to 35, marking a 400 percent surge, and the marine transport fleet will be boosted from 196 to 258 marine vessels.

This will lead to a 400 percent increase in passenger lines and there are plans for the manufacturing of the world’s first electric abra using 3D printing technology (peak Dubai, or what?).

It’s all part of the Dubai Marine Transport Master Plan 2030 headed up by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council.

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There’s also been a trial run of the world’s first autonomous electric abra.

The trials involved operating the abra entirely autonomously and without the need for a captain between Al Jaddaf Station and Dubai Festival City Marine Transport Station, adhering to the route with 100 percent accuracy. It’s hoped that it will complete the next level of testing by 2024.