Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched two new marine transport stations, Old Dubai Souq and Al Sabkha, situated along the Dubai Creek.
According to the Dubai Media Office, these stations are part of the RTA’s broader initiative to enhance marine transport infrastructure across Dubai’s development zones.
This development phase mirrored the approach used at Bur Dubai and Old Deira Souq stations, balancing cultural preservation with modern conveniences by adding amenities for passengers, enlarging shaded waiting areas, and introducing retail spaces for abra users.
On 1 September 2025, the Dubai Media Office tweeted that the RTA officially opened the Old Dubai Souq and Al Sabkha marine transport stations along the Creek, highlighting that shaded waiting areas were increased by 50 percent and new investment zones were established as part of the project’s final phase.
The inauguration of these two stations marks a significant step forward for Dubai’s marine transport system under the RTA’s 2020–2030 Marine Transport Strategic Plan, which seeks to strengthen marine transit as a key mobility option. In the first half of 2025, marine transport usage reached 9.7 million trips.
As part of this development phase, the RTA increased shaded waiting areas by 50 percent and introduced new investment zones to align with Dubai’s accessibility standards for People of Determination. The upgrades also enhanced lighting and used eco-friendly, sustainable materials in the marine berths.
The RTA also added an air-conditioned rest area for abra operators, aiming to improve their working conditions, enhance comfort, and increase operational efficiency.
Both stations were developed concurrently to speed up delivery, make efficient use of resources, improve financial returns, and bolster economic effectiveness.
The RTA instituted an operational strategy to preserve strict scheduling, ensure passenger safety and security, and maintain smooth navigation and services at both stations.
