Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has initiated the trial operation of the world’s first electric abra, a traditional wooden boat, produced using 3D printing technology.
This 20-passenger vessel was crafted by Abu Dhabi’s global maritime organization Al Seer Marine, in collaboration with Tasneef Maritime, Japan’s Mitsubishi, and Germany’s Siemens and Torqeedo, as announced in an RTA press release on July 14. The abra’s design preserves its traditional identity while embracing Dubai’s ambitious 3D printing strategy, which aims to position the UAE as a global leader in 3D printing technology by 2030. This approach promises to reduce manufacturing time by 90%, lower costs by 30%, and cut operation and maintenance expenses by 30%.
Technologically advanced, the abra features the longest monocoque structure ever created using 3D printing, measuring 36 feet (11 meters) in length and 10.1 feet (3.1 meters) in width. It is powered by an electric propulsion system with two 10-kilowatt motors and lithium batteries.
Mattar Al Tayer, RTA Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors announced that the abra would commence trial operations at the Sheikh Zayed Road Marine Transport Station on the TR6 line. “During this phase, we will monitor the abra’s performance and compare it with our current 20-passenger fibreglass abras,” Al Tayer stated.
While the electric abra symbolizes the future of Dubai’s water transport, RTA is also dedicated to enhancing existing infrastructure. As part of its master plan to improve marine transport services, the authority is upgrading four traditional abra stations along Dubai Creek. Two stations have already been completed, with the remaining two set for completion by August 2025. Upgrades include new floating docks, expanded waiting areas, and enhanced accessibility features, aiming to better serve the 14 million annual passengers and reduce maintenance costs.
Progress on these upgrades has been consistent. In February 2023, RTA completed improvements to the Bur Dubai Marine Transport Station, followed by the Deira Old Souq Station in February 2024. The remaining two stations—Dubai Old Souq and Al Sabkha—are scheduled for completion by August 2025. These comprehensive improvements include replacing floating docks for passenger safety, adding retail spaces for enhanced customer services, and providing facilities for employees and operators.
Passenger waiting areas will be significantly improved, with expanded seating and dedicated spaces for People of Determination. The project involves widening docking spaces by 15%, increasing shaded waiting areas by 100%, and expanding commercial spaces by 27%, thereby boosting compliance with the Dubai Code by 87%.
RTA plans to upgrade the stations using sustainable, low-cost materials, reducing annual maintenance costs by 10%. These improvements, alongside the introduction of the 3D-printed electric abra, show RTA’s commitment to modernizing Dubai’s traditional water transport while preserving its cultural heritage.