Jet ski enthusiasts face a $1,362 (AED5,000) fine if they venture into the Dubai Water Canal territory.
The $736 million (AED2.7 billion) canal was officially opened this month. Work started on the 3.2-kilometre-long project in October 2013 which now connects to the Arabian Gulf through Al Safa, Al Wasl and Jumeirah 2. The canal is up to six metres deep and has a width of 80 to 120 metres.
Gulf News reported that fishing boats, towing vessels, passenger boats exceeding 35 metres and traditional wooden dhows transporting cargo also face $1,362 (AED5,000) fine if the enter the canal.
“The Dubai Water Canal is open for a wide range of vessels including private boats that don’t exceed the limit of 35 metres, including luxury yachts, but jet skis are not allowed because they are not safe for a water body like the canal,” Mansour Al Falasi, director of Marine Transport, Roads and Transport Authority, said.
Amer Ali, executive director, Dubai Maritime City Authority, the regulator of all marine activities in Dubai, said they were closely monitoring the activities in the canal so to regulate the traffic and ensure safety of all.
Vessels exceeding maximum speed of seven knots in the 12-kilometre waterway including the Business Bay stretch and found obstructing movement of the RTA’s ferries and other boats face fines of $545 (AED2,000).
Boats allowed to navigate include “pleasure” boats, tourist vessels and public transport vessels.
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