ABU DHABI // Abu Dhabi City Municipality has built slipways for boats and jet skis in an effort to regulate the water sports and promote safety.
Two slipways have been built on Yas Island and in Al Mina, while three will be built in Abu Dhabi Gate, Saadiyat Island and Al Hederiyaat Island, and are expected to be finished early next year.
The slipways will also have an area for boats to berth, a car park, boundary fence and gate.
The municipality said on Tuesday that using jet skis was prohibited in the waters off Al Bateen, Al Ras Al Akhdar, the Corniche, Al Raha Beach, Al Maqtaa and the northern part of Saadiyat Island, to protect the safety of beachgoers.
Residents have complained about the use of jet skis in waters near residential areas where they are banned, as jet ski users race near where families swim or they are noisy at late hours.
People younger than 18 are not allowed to offload jet skis, and the slipways must be closed from dusk till dawn, the municipality said, citing a law passed in 2006.
The use of unregistered jet skis is prohibited and users must wear life jackets.
The municipality also reminded people to avoid offloading boats and jet skis on beaches “in a disorderly manner”.
newsdesk@thenational.ae