In a move that blends ancient traditions with modern technology, Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched the trial operation of the world’s first electric abra (a traditional boat made of wood) manufactured using 3D printing technology.
The 20-passenger vessel was manufactured by Abu Dhabi’s global maritime organization Al Seer Marine in collaboration with Tasneef Maritime, Japan’s Mitsubishi, and Germany’s Siemens and Torqeedo, according to an RTA press release on July 14.
The RTA said the abra was designed to retain its traditional identity while supporting Dubai’s 3D printing strategy, which aims to transform the UAE into a leading hub of 3D printing technology by 2030. This innovative approach is expected to reduce manufacturing time by 90 percent, slash costs by 30 percent, and cut operation and maintenance expenses by 30 percent.
The electric abra also aligns with RTA’s environmental sustainability strategy for maritime transport, aiming to reduce Dubai’s carbon footprint.
Technical specification and trial operation
Technically, the new abra boasts several notable features. It includes the longest monocoque structure (a design where the external skin supports the load) created using 3D printing technology, measuring 36 feet (11 meters) in length and 10.1 feet (3.1 meters) in width.
The vessel 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 begin 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 fiberglass abras,” Al Tayer stated.
RTA’s comprehensive modernization plan
While the electric abra represents the future of Dubai’s water transport, RTA is also focusing on enhancing existing infrastructure. As part of its master plan to improve marine transport services, the authority is upgrading four traditional abra stations in Dubai Creek.
Two stations have been completed, with the remaining two set for completion by August 2025. Improvements include new floating docks, expanded waiting areas, and enhanced accessibility features, aiming to better serve the 14 million annual passengers while reducing maintenance costs.
Progress on the upgrades has been steady. 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.
The comprehensive improvement works include replacing floating docks to ensure passenger safety, providing retail spaces for enhanced customer services, and adding facilities for employees and operators. Bike racks will be installed to promote transport integration.
Passenger waiting areas will be expanded and improved, with priority seating and dedicated spaces for People of Determination. The project also involves widening docking spaces by 15 percent, increasing shaded waiting areas by 100 percent, and expanding commercial spaces by 27 percent. These changes will boost compliance with the Dubai Code by 87 percent.
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The RTA said it will upgrade the stations using sustainable, low-cost materials, reducing annual maintenance costs by 10 percent.
These improvements, coupled with the introduction of the 3D-printed electric abra, demonstrate RTA’s commitment to modernizing Dubai’s traditional water transport while preserving its cultural heritage.
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Kapil Kajal Kapil Kajal is a journalist with a diverse portfolio spanning defense, politics, technology, crime, environment, human rights, and foreign policy. His work has been featured in publications such as Janes, National Geographic, Al Jazeera, Rest of World, Mongabay, and Nikkei. Kapil holds a dual bachelor's degree in Electrical, Electronics, and Communication Engineering and a master’s diploma in journalism from the Institute of Journalism and New Media in Bangalore.
