The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has announced a partnership with the Roads and Transport Authorities (RTA) of Sharjah and Dubai to facilitate access for visitors travelling from Dubai to the 43rd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2024).
As part of this partnership, Sharjah RTA will operate ten boats, providing free transportation for visitors from Dubai and Sharjah throughout the fair. The boats will run from Sharjah Aquarium station directly to Expo Centre Sharjah, where a temporary docking area has been established to accommodate this service.
Badr Mohammed Saab, Director of Government Communications at SBA, said: “The new partnership enhances SIBF 2024 visitors’ experience, ensuring seamless access from Dubai. As the fair has become a key annual destination for thousands of visitors from both the UAE and abroad, our initiative to provide free boat services from the Sharjah Aquarium Station to a temporary dock at Expo Centre Sharjah is a vital step forward, providing convenience for our guests and promoting sustainable transport options, reinforcing our commitment to accessibility and visitor satisfaction.”
Dubai’s RTA will also run scheduled water transport services daily between Dubai’s Al Ghubaiba Marine Station and Sharjah Aquarium Station, ensuring smooth access between the two emirates across the week. From Friday to Sunday, boats depart from Sharjah Aquarium at 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm, 6:00 pm, and 9:00 pm, with return trips from Dubai’s Al Ghubaiba Station at 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm, 8:00 pm, and 10:00 pm.
During weekdays, from Monday to Thursday, boats depart from Sharjah Aquarium at 7:00 am, followed by services at 8:30 am, 1:00 pm, 4:45 pm, and 6:15 pm. Return trips from Dubai’s Al Ghubaiba Station are scheduled for 7:45 am, 10:00 am, 4:00 pm, 5:30 pm, and 7:00 pm.