Abu Dhabi: The primary trustee of the emirate’s Waterways, Abu Dhabi Maritime, founded by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) and A.D. Ports Group, has inaugurated a new Public Water Taxi service in the broader Yas Bay and Raha Beach neighborhood, in partnership with Miral, Abu Dhabi’s premier producer of immersive destinations and experiences.
The Public Water Taxi Service will improve connectivity between several of Abu Dhabi’s waterfront attractions while providing the general public with an alternative mode of transportation. The service will first operate in high-demand areas such as Yas Bay, Yas Marina, and Al Bandar, with additional stops to follow.
The Water Taxi will operate seven days a week following scheduled timings that guarantee vessel availability at every stop every hour.
Dr. Khalfan Al Kaabi, Director General of Operational Affairs, Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), pointed out that, “We are working closely with AD Ports Group as part of our collaboration with Abu Dhabi Maritime to provide advanced services that will boost the emirate’s connectivity making access to high-demand destinations even easier for Abu Dhabi residents and tourists.”
Dr. Khalfan continued by stating that, “The new Public Water Taxi service underscores our efforts and commitment to developing state-of-the-art maritime services needed to support Abu Dhabi’s global position as one of the best destinations to live, work and visit.”
Commenting on the news service, Mr. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, remarked that, “Our partnership with Abu Dhabi Maritime for the launch of the Public Water Taxi Service reiterates our commitment towards further positioning Yas Island as a top global destination for entertainment and leisure. With enhanced connectivity, residents and visitors will have the opportunity to navigate, explore and enjoy the island’s world-class offerings and landmarks.”
The launch of the Public Water Taxi comes after the success of the Water Shuttle Pilot Programme earlier this year, as part of Miral’s plans to enhance resident and visitor experiences on the island, by offering a robust marine transport system for anyone seeking to travel through the iconic Yas Bay Waterfront.
Mr. Mohamed Abdalla highlighted.
The new water taxi service will promote a sustainable public transportation option, give a scenic connection with the Al Raha neighborhood, and enable visitors to explore Yas Island’s increasingly popular waterfront attractions, including the eagerly awaited F1 2022 season finale at the Yas Marina Circuit. Abu Dhabi Maritime, supporting the event for the first time, will offer a unique transportation choice for attendees to and from the event through the Public Water Taxi.
We are happy to announce the launch of a new Public Water Taxi Service within Yas Bay and Raha Beach – the first of its kind in Abu Dhabi. The service is launched together with @AbuDhabiDMT and will begin operations this race weekend on Yas Island. pic.twitter.com/04KoXqBf0R
— Abu Dhabi Maritime | أبوظبي البحرية (@admaritime) November 17, 2022
Abu Dhabi Maritime, established in 2020, is currently managing Abu Dhabi’s commercial and community ports, leisure marinas, vessels, waterway users (commercial and private), maritime service companies, and other marine infrastructures.
The authority’s duties include creating a strategy for the maritime industry, ensuring compliance, enforcing rules and codes for marina operations, registering maritime property, controlling maritime operations, creating and maintaining safe waterway infrastructure, investigating accidents and incidents, and exchanging information about the maritime industry.