A fine for operating a Jet Ski close to inhabited areas and disturbing the beach users. #AbuDhabipic.twitter.com/9zNMSrZjPo
- دائرة النقل "DoT" (@AbuDhabiDoT) May 23, 2018
If you've been on the popular beaches in the UAE, you know how close to the shore jet ski riders come.
True story: I was recently on the beach in Dubai and the amount of jet skiers around us whizzing in all directions felt like sharks circulating their prey. They created waves in an otherwise peaceful bay (that my 2-year-old did not enjoy), and so much noise and stress, frankly, it ruined our day. We left the with a headache and a vow to never go back to that particular spot.
And now it seems that the jet skiers who get too close to the line (shoreline that is), will pay for their recklessness.
The Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi has issued a new fine for those who jet ski less than 200 meters from the beach. First-time offenders will pay AED500, while a second-time offense will cost AED1,000, third time offenders who clearly didn't learn their lesson will pay AED2,000 and have their jet skis impounded for a month (although we think a little longer wouldn't hurt).
I hope Dubai gets on it next.