They demanded Dh4,000 for non-existent damage
Back in June, I had gone with a group of eight people for a jet ski ride in Sharjah. I was aware of the tactics of the operators because I had seen a video on YouTube about a similar scam in Phuket, Thailand. Soon after hiring the skis, I took a picture of it as proof. After the ride, when we returned the skis, the operator started demanding Dh4,000 from us for causing damage to his skis. But I showed him the pictures I had taken earlier proving that the damage was there before we had hired the skis. The operator then started arguing with me saying that the pictures were not from that day. We decided to go the police to settle the matter. I want to alert everyone to take pictures of jet skis before going for a ride. Also be sure you read that contract carefully so that you know your rights.
R.M., Dubai
I was hit deliberately; police said ‘go to court’
I would like to share an ugly experience I had with jet ski operators in Al Mamzar last year. I had gone there with my family and hired two skis. After depositing my Emirates ID card with the operator as guarantee, we were given the skis. We had not even started the ride, when one of the workers from a nearby shop smashed his jet ski into my ski causing a dent in front. Though it was not my fault, the manager of the shop from where I had hired my ski demanded Dh3,000 in damages.
I then called Dubai Police to resolve the matter, but they advised me to take the case to the Sharjah Police so I contacted the Buhaira Police Station to settle the matter. The police spoke to the owner of the ski shop and his employees to get the details of the incident. Following discussions with the staff, the policeman asked me to either pay the ski shop and close the issue or file a case in courts. Frustrated after being made to stand under the sun for five hours with my family, I decided to pay the ski shop and end the dispute. I would like to advise everyone not to hire jet skis in that area, you could land in trouble if you’re not careful.
Faiz, Dubai
Authorities’ role needed
Many people are aware of the situation at Mamzar Beach, they don’t understand at what levels the jet ski scam has reached. Seeing that there is so much demand for the water sport, especially from tourists, the authorities should take the initiative and introduce a jet ski centre operated by them.
Sumeet Punjabi, UAE
Clamp down on unscrupulous operators
I went jet skiing with a friend at Al Mamzar a month back. After hiring a ski from one of the shops, I noticed a crack on it and mentioned it to the shopkeeper who acknowledged it. After finishing the ride, I returned the ski to the shop, but to my surprise the shopkeeper who had rented out the ski was not there. Someone else was managing the shop and he was not aware of the damage on the ski. The shopkeeper straightaway put the blame on us and demanded cash. I argued with him and told him that I had already informed the shop about the damage when hiring the ski. But he was not willing to listen. This argument went on for at least two hours. Finally, I got frustrated and paid the shopkeeper Dh800 and closed the matter. Everyone should be aware of such practices. I hope that the authorities clamp down on unscrupulous jet ski operators.
Sunil Nambiar, Dubai
Plain clothes cop negotiated the deal
I too had a bad jet ski experience. I hired a ski after handing my ID card to the operator. He handed me a contract to sign but as soon as I started reading it, he insisted that I hurry up and go for the ride immediately because my time had already started. I was new to jet skiing, and despite knowing that, the operator handed me a damaged jet ski. I had barely taken to the water when I crashed into another ski and landed on top of it. Instead of helping me out, employees from the shop started taking pictures of me and the damaged jet ski. They then demanded money for the damages or threatened to call the police. But I did not give into to the pressure and started arguing with them. A while later, a man in civil dress came across to us and introduced himself as a police officer. After listening to us, he told me to pay the operator for the damages or else he would take me down to the police station. After negotiating for about 30 minutes, I came to an agreement with the ski operator and paid him Dh1,300. I have now decided never to go jet skiing at Al Mamzar. I hope the authorities take strict action against these fraudsters.
Nikit Chawla, Dubai
Mandatory insurance
I had gone jet skiing with my relatives who had come down from Qatar on a holiday. All was going well until I met with an accident in the water as I crashed into another ski. I was forced to shell out Dh5,000 for the damages, that too after tough negotiation over an amount of Dh7,700 demanded by the ski operator. My cousin, who was flying out that evening, also had to postpone his flight as he was delayed at the beach after the incident. I urge the authorities to make insurance mandatory for all rented jet skis. Users could be charged a nominal fee of Dh50 or Dh100. This will be better than having to shell out thousands following an accident.
Hussain Moosavi, UAE
Bring the scamsters to book
There are several jet ski rental shops in Dubai which are professionally managed. I would advise tourists and adventure seekers to hire skis from them and not to fall in the hands of these fraudsters at Mamzar Beach. You will have peace of mind when you go to these professionally-managed shops where the terms and conditions are clear. Not only that, you will also not be deceived into paying for scratches and dents not caused by you. Ski operators in areas such as Mamzar Beach remain unregulated, though their presence is legal.
My friends have had similar experiences and hence, I decided never to go to Mamzar Beach. Money is one thing, but permanent injuries and death are extreme cases. And despite repeated occurrences of accidents resulting in serious injuries, these selfish operators continue to carry on with their dubious business. The authorities must take strict action against fraudsters.
Name withheld, Dubai
Shopkeeper backed out
I faced a similar issue some time back. But the shopkeeper did not demand any cash from us because we were a big group of guys. We didn’t give them a single fil and also challenged them to try to get money out of us, but they backed out. My brother who had gone to Thailand on a holiday earlier also faced a similar issue with jet ski operators there.
Thanks guys for raising this issue.
Omar, UAE
Lifelong injuries
I know many people who have become victims of these unscrupulous jet ski operators. Many of them have been involved in crashes due to no fault of theirs and have ended up paying thousands of dirhams for damages. Some of them have also received lifelong injuries after being involved in accidents. I urge the authorities to investigate and bring these scamsters to book.
Raaed Rahmath, Dubai
Useless rescue team
I had a terrible experience at Al Mamzar Beach. My wife and I had gone jet skiing and both of us fell off the ski into the water. She cried out for help but the rescue team didn’t seem to care, they just stood there and were looking at the drama instead of helping us out.
Shebin Mohan, UAE
End this scam
There are lots of jet ski operators waiting to make cash out of us. I once ended up paying Dh1,500 for a very minor damage on a ski. The authorities should step in and end this scam as there are lots of tourists using jet ski facilities.
Chaithanya, Dubai
