A desert land where once only the camels roamed has transformed into a metropolitan-like city where luxury police cars race the streets and a berthing yacht is passed by an abra. The intertwining of the old and modern, traditional and urban never seems to fascinate anyone who knows the history of Dubai. A country that only 43 years ago was a vast amount of an arid desert, now attracts millions of people from around the world. The rapid development of every structure, from modern architecture, high level of infrastructure with an automated metro system, world’s highest building to other numerous achievements, didn’t get in the way of preserving the culture and age-old traditions. Even the desert has turned into a sports hub in the form of Desert Safari.
The amalgamation of culture is seen everywhere across the Emirates. You can see a luxury yacht and a wooden dhow passing by each other in the same waters. To experience an ultra-luxury environment, one must try and charter a luxury yacht in Dubai. It will give that high class lifestyle that the current Dubai offers. However, you can’t miss out on the cultural and historical side of the UAE.
Go for a dinner on the cruise on a traditional wooden dhow. These Dhows were earlier used for trade & transport, but are now refurbished into floating restaurants that take you into the sea. This is nothing short of an extraordinary experience. You can save it for a really special occasion of your life. You have the option to try out Dhow in – Marina or Creek. For a modern picturesque you can go for this in Marina. However, a more traditional and cultural aura can be experienced in the Creek. Hence, the dhow cruise dinner is yet another must do in Dubai. You can try out http://www.alwasldhow.com/, they have the biggest Dhow cruise in Marina which was purpose built for a floating restaurant.
Why not give a try to cross the creek on an abra. An abra is a traditional water taxi. Resembling something like the dhow, abras are commuter boats while dhows were initially used for trade, thus the difference between the sizes. Today an abra fits around 20 people and takes them across the Dubai Creek linking Deira and Bur Dubai. The water taxis are very popular as several commuters take daily trips. Especially when traffic hits the area, an abra is one of the best options to take.
Tourists however should try out the abra to explore a more cultural part of the UAE. Enjoy the views of the busy creek as you cross to the water. The ride will barely cost you anything; if you go with other commuters you will have to pay around 1 dirham. You can also rent the whole boat which will cost you around 20 dirhams. Abras are an official part of the Roads and Transport Authority.