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29 March 2024

Dubai ferry offers daily iftar and suhour trips

Published
By Majorie van Leijen

Dubai ferry of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has started a special tour during the current month of Ramadan. Twice a day –once for iftar and once for suhour - the vessel turns into a restaurant on water while taking guests on a tour of Dubai's popular attractions.
 
The ferry departs from Dubai Marina Mall. The interior of the ferry has been redesigned into a dining setting and the route has been altered

.If they choose the iftar ferry ride, guests will be able to board on time to break the fast. Although the ferry does not take off until 7.30pm, guests can take their places from 7pm onwards: the food is ready.

Every table has a plate of dates, dried apricots and raisins. The usual iftar lemonades are going around. Appetizers are aplenty, so are the sweets. In addition to what is offered in the open buffet, a plate of shawarma is served on the side

.The Ramadan offer is a collaboration between RTA and Bazerkan, which is part of Byblos Hospitality. "It is the first time that we are offering our services on Dubai Ferry," said Georges Hachem, operation manager of the restaurant chain.

Culinary surprises include seafood dipped in béchamel sauce, cheese salad and pastrami rolls.
However, it is not only about the food. The ferry takes guests on a tour of some of Dubai's best waterfronts. After tracing Dubai Marina Walk, the ferry heads towards Jumeirah Palm, where it takes a turn.

"The whole trip takes about 1.5 hours and is adjusted to suit the iftar ride. We have another trip with a suhour buffet," says Baha Al Qudrah, Director of Marine Transport, RTA.

Although the trip serves Ramadan guests, it is meant for residents as well as tourists, he says. "On the first day we had a mix of people. There were some Russian tourists, and some people living in Dubai.

The Suhour ride takes off at 10.30, and costs Dh120, while the iftar ride costs Dh180. "It is a meal and a tour. It offers people the opportunity to see some of Dubai's attractions while enjoying good food," said Baha.

A normal trip with Dubai Ferry costs Dh50 for a silver ticket and Dh75 for a gold ticket. Services were launched in 2011, and the ferry operates on a daily basis offering two tours: one tour departing from Ghubaiba water station and passing Burj Al Arab, while the second tour departs from Dubai Marina Mall passing Atlantis on Palm Jumeirah.

The offer will only be available during Ramadan. Reservations can be made at Bazerkan Restaurant: 04 4420129.