A new water taxi service using a traditional wooden abra has been launched to connect two of Abu Dhabi’s prime waterfront tourist destinations.

Operating on weekends to begin with, the 25-minute journey will run one return trip every hour, starting from the Souk Qaryat Al Beri Marina and arriving at Eastern Mangroves Marina with stops at the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal and Fairmont Bab Al Bahr hotels.

Currently the boat runs from 10 am until 6 pm on Friday and Saturday with the service expected to become daily in the near future.

Antonio Neto, who manages the tours and events company Captain Tony’s, which is operating the Abra Water Hopping Service, said: “Passengers can experience the beautiful views of the mangroves, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the hotels and marinas and enjoy a trip that is not only fun, but also practical and affordable.”

The new route will complement the company’s recently launched free water taxi service linking the three five-star Khor Al Maqtaa hotels, running daily from 6 pm until midnight.

Both 31-foot abras in the fleet have been designed and built in Abu Dhabi at a local boatyard, with a third currently under construction.

“Since the inauguration of Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara we have we have been excited to make exploring the mangroves accessible to as many people as possible,” said Wael Soueid, Area general manager, Anantara Hotels & Resorts Abu Dhabi.

The cost of a one-way adult ticket is Dh50 ($13.6) with a return costing Dh80 ($22). Children aged from 6-12 pay Dh30 ($8) and Dh50 respectively, while children aged under five travel free. – TradeArabia News Service