Marine Transportation Resumes Between Dubai and Sharjah
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) resumed the marine transportation line between Dubai and Sharjah on August 4, providing a welcomed alternative to the stress of road travel for many residents.
Time and Cost Savings: A Commuter’s Perspective
Among the ferry’s regular passengers is Suleiman Ibrahim, a spice and dry fruit trader in Deira, who resides in the Al Khan neighborhood of Sharjah. Relying on the Dubai Ferry for his daily commute, Ibrahim shared, “I used to spend over 3 hours on the road daily, either by bus or driving. When I first traveled to work by ferry in the beginning of September this year, I saved 2 hours of my time over Dh50.”
Beyond the time and cost savings, Ibrahim highlighted the mental relief from road traffic, stating, “It’s a very peaceful journey every day. I can focus on my work more, and I believe the business has also risen.”
Efficient Commuting: Navigating Work and Travel
Engineer Arjun Jaykumar, working in Al Jaddaf, echoed the sentiment, noting his preference for the ferry during his return commute. “My workplace is a short walk from the metro station. After alighting at Al Ghubaiba metro station, I stroll to the nearby marine station, which is only a 2-minute walk. The ferry journey lasts 35 minutes, making my total commuting time around an hour to reach home,” said Arjun.
Ardashir, a businessman, praised the ferry’s tranquility, allowing him to utilize travel time efficiently. “The ride is very quiet… that I can talk to my clients and employees, hold morning and evening meetings while I am on the move. This not only saves my time but makes [the commute] more fruitful,” he added.
Financial Gains: Smart Choices During Events
Residents also emphasized substantial financial savings, especially during events like Gitex and Gulf Food in Dubai. Opting for the ferry not only reduces fuel expenses but also eliminates the need for expensive parking in Dubai, where fees can reach up to Dh250 at locations like the World Trade Centre.
“Choosing the Dubai ferry during big events like Gitex and Gulf Food is a game-changer. I save Dh350 a day and a whopping 3 hours on my commute,” shared Ahmed, a businessman based in Sharjah. “It’s not just about money; it’s about saving precious time and enjoying a stress-free journey to these major events.”
Ferry Schedule: Convenience at Its Core
The ferry schedule includes two departures from Sharjah at 7 am and 8:30 am on weekdays, with one from Dubai at 7:45 am. In the evening, two trips depart from Sharjah at 4:45 pm and 6:15 pm, and three trips depart from Dubai at 4 pm, 5:30 pm, and 7 pm.
During weekends, there are six journeys—three from each side—starting from noon. Departure times from Sharjah are at 2 pm, 4 pm, and 6 pm, while journeys from Dubai start at 3 pm, 5 pm, and 8 pm.
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