Residents in the UAE have been turning to the Dubai Ferry as their preferred mode of transportation when commuting between Dubai and Sharjah, in a bid to avoid the stresses of road travel. Following its temporary suspension due to the pandemic, the marine transportation line resumed operations on August 4 as part of the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority’s efforts to provide an alternative commute for residents.

Suleiman Ibrahim, a spice and dry fruit trader in Deira, shares his experience of saving both time and money by taking the ferry for his daily commute. “I used to spend over 3 hours on the road daily, either by bus or driving. When I first travelled to work by ferry in the beginning of September this year, I saved 2 hours of my time over Dh50,” says Ibrahim. He also highlights the decreased mental stress and increased focus on work as additional benefits of the ferry commute.

Engineer Arjun Jaykumar echoes these sentiments, expressing that the ferry journey has made his commute much easier. He emphasizes the accessibility of the marine station and the peacefulness of the ride. “The ferry has made our lives much easier,” he adds.

Another passenger, businessman Ardashir, values the quiet and peaceful environment of the ferry for conducting meetings and discussions while on the move, which he finds to be both time-saving and productive.

In addition to time and stress savings, commuters also report significant financial benefits, particularly during major events in Dubai such as Gitex and Gulf Food. With the elimination of fuel expenses and expensive parking fees in Dubai, residents like Ahmed, a businessman based in Sharjah, are able to save both time and money when choosing the ferry for their commute during these events.

The Dubai Ferry operates on a weekday schedule that includes two departures from Sharjah in the morning and three departures from Dubai in the evening. On weekends, the ferry offers six journeys, with three from each side starting from noon. These timings allow for convenient and flexible commuting options for residents looking to travel between Dubai and Sharjah.

Overall, the Dubai Ferry has provided residents with a reliable, stress-free, and cost-effective alternative for their daily commute between the two emirates. With its convenience and numerous benefits, it has become the preferred mode of transportation for many who are looking to save both time and money.