Dubai launches abra trips around Burj Lake

Dubai has launched a new tourism attraction - a boat trip around the 30-acre Burj Lake, which is lined by the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building.

The Dubai Fountain Lake Ride is the latest leisure addition to Downtown Dubai, the $20bn flagship mega-development of Emaar Properties.

For the first time, visitors have the opportunity to navigate Burj Lake, which is home to The Dubai Fountain, the world's tallest performing fountain.

Burj Lake is lined by several global icons including Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, Souk Al Bahar, an Arabesque retail and dining out destination; and The Palace Downtown Dubai, a five star hotel.

Visitors will be able to travel on abras, the traditional boats used for ferrying passengers across the historic Dubai Creek.

The service will be operated by the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) with abras plying the Burj Lake every half hour, with the provision to introduce more abras in due course.

Ahmad Al Matrooshi, managing director, Emaar Properties , said: "The Dubai Fountain Lake Ride is extremely special as we are offering the experience of a traditional abra ride in a modern luxury setting in Downtown Dubai.

"The abras are environment-friendly and offer visitors the unparalleled experience of viewing the various iconic developments of Downtown Dubai."

The Dubai Fountain Lake Ride will be held from Saturday to Thursday from 5.45pm to 11.15pm. The rides will be held in between performances of the fountain to ensure the safety of the visitors. Each abra can accommodate six people per trip.