Watch NY festival from Dubai water

dubai — How about ringing in the New Year aboard a water vessel as fireworks from the Dubai skyline sail past you? The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is gearing up for the launch of special offers for you to spend the New Year’s Eve aboard the Water Bus, Dubai Ferry and Abra.

Mansour Rahma Al Falasi, director of marine transport at the public transport agency, said: “The RTA is stepping up efforts to offer a new marine transit experience, giving riders a superb opportunity to live the thrilling moments of festivities at the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Atlantis and Dubai Water Canal through sea cruises aboard marine transit modes. The experience is bound to leave fond memories for residents, visitors and tourists.”

Dubai Ferry trips will start from 9pm on New Year’s Eve and continue up to 1.30am, while the Water Bus and Abra trips will start at 10.30pm and end at 1.30am.

The Water Bus starts service from the Terrace & Promenade Station and Marina Mall (Dubai Marina). The fare is Dh125, while children under two years can go for free. “Dubai Ferry trips will start from the Marina Mall (Dubai Marina), Ghubaiba, Dubai Festival City (Dubai Creek) and Sheikh Zayed Road stations (Dubai Water Canal). The fare is Dh300 for silver class and Dh450 for gold, with a 50 per cent discount for children aged between 2 and 10 years. Abra trips start from the Dubai Festival City, Jaddaf and Ghubaiba stations at a fare of Dh125 per person, and free of charge for infants less than two years,” said Al Falasi.

The RTA said in a Press statement that the step is part of the RTA’s “keenness to partner with community members of various nationalities as well as visitors and tourists descending on Dubai from all corners of the globe in celebration of this annual extravaganza”.

Residents and tourists wanting to avail the service can contact the RTA via toll-free number 8009090 or mobile phone number 0507932662.

reporters@khaleejtimes.com