New jet ski rules at Dubai beaches

Dubai: New personal watercraft rules will be rolled out on Monday by the Dubai Maritime City Authority ahead of summer to bolster safety for swimmers on Dubai’s inshore waters and beaches.

Newly approved by the health and safety committee of the Executive Council of the emirate of Dubai, regulations have imposed 300-metre buffer zones around three Dubai beaches at Dubai Marina, Umm Suqeim 1 and 2 and Jumeirah 2 and 3 to keep jet skis out of swimming areas.

Jet-ski rest areas outside of the buffer zones marked with yellow buoys have also been established at the three coastal areas, said the authority which is responsible for rules and regulations regarding marine traffic off Dubai’s coastal areas.

Jet-skiers are prohibited from operating before sunrise and after sunset when low visibility can hamper safe navigation of marine craft.

Amer Ali, Executive Director of Dubai Maritime City Authority, said in a statement that the additional new navigational system of buoys and aids sets clear boundaries for jet-skiers.

”This is a strategic move that will support our efforts to ensure the highest levels of maritime safety and organisation of the maritime sector in Dubai, in accordance with best international practices,” Ali said.

The new rules stem from extensive cooperation between the maritime authority, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police and other stakeholders, the authority said.

Nawfal Al Jourani, director of communications, Dubai Maritime City Authority, told Gulf News that ensuring jet-skis remain outside of the yellow-buoy buffer zone will go a long way to creating safer beaches.

“This is like arranging traffic on streets, it will definitely create an environment of safety,” Al Jourani said. “We hope this makes it safe for everybody.”