DUBAI // From their luxury hotels on the fringes of The Palm Jumeirah, tourists can see Dubai’s skyline across the water, less than a kilometre away.
But to get there by car takes 20 minutes in busy traffic.
So the hotels on the Palm are introducing a more scenic way to leave the man-made island and see Dubai in all its glory: shuttle boats to the mainland.
As new hotels open on the Palm, the more established resorts are seeking ways to ensure they stay on top of an increasingly competitive market.
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, which opened in 2012, has just launched a free shuttle-boat service to take its guests from the hotel on the west crescent of the Palm to Dubai Marina.
It is the fourth hotel to run such a service, offering guests easier access to attractions on the mainland.
Fernando Gibaja, the hotel’s general manager, said the launch was vital for his business to keep ahead of the competition.
“For our guests staying here five to six days, it’s important for them to get to places like the Madinat [Jumeirah],” Mr Gibaja said. “The boat is shorter than going by road and it’s beautiful on the water.”
The trip takes about 20 minutes, about the same as by road, but allows tourists to see the Palm from a different view.
The hotel hopes to expand the route to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, where tourists can get close to the Burj Al Arab and Madinat Jumeirah.
“People do still perceive the Palm as far but our guests coming here want the privacy we offer, so with the boat they can have the access to more of Dubai and the privacy,” Mr Gibaja said.
Mouhamad Hadla, manager of Rixos The Palm hotel, said its boat shuttle to Dubai Marina had operated since the hotel opened in 2012.
Mr Hadla said it had been important for guests as the hotel is on the farthest point of the east crescent.
“Being on Palm Jumeirah, we do need to offer guests a choice of transport,” he said. “When you travel on the boat, it’s a totally different experience to see the island, itself a landmark of Dubai.
“It’s important to have that connection to the mainland so we’re also looking to expand to members of the public when they come to dine here or use the spa.”
Atlantis, The Palm, which opened in 2008, launched its abra service in October, in association with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority.
But service is limited to the coastline around the hotel, and it costs Dh65 a person.
Serge Zaalof, president and managing director of Atlantis, said it was a way of merging UAE culture with a functional service.
“The abra is a traditional means of water transport in the UAE, considered one of the oldest modes of transport,” he said.
“We believe that it will add a lot of value to our guests’ overall experience of the resort, bringing a touch of heritage to their visit.”
mswan@thenational.ae