Abu Dhabi Maritime, the primary trustee of Abu Dhabi’s waterways founded by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) and AD Ports Group, has declared the launch of a new Public Water Taxi service within the greater Yas Bay and Raha Beach community, in partnership with Miral, one of Abu Dhabi’s leading creators of immersive destinations and experiences.
The Public Water Taxi service will improve the connection between several of Abu Dhabi’s waterfront attractions while providing an alternate mode of public transportation. It will begin operations in high-demand areas such as Yas Bay, Yas Marina, and Al Bandar, with further stops.
The service will be available seven days a week, with fixed timings ensuring vessel availability at each stop every hour.
HE Dr Salem Khalfan Al Kaabi, Director General of Operational Affairs, Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), says, “We are working closely with AD Ports Group as part of our collaboration with Abu Dhabi Maritime. The main aim is 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.
The new Public Water Taxi service underscores our efforts and commitment to developing state-of-the-art maritime services that support Abu Dhabi’s global position as one of the best destinations to live, work and visit.”
The new water taxi service will provide a picturesque link with the Al Raha neighbourhood while also allowing tourists to experience Yas Island’s increasingly famous waterfront attractions, including the highly anticipated F1 2022 season finale at the Yas Marina Circuit. For the first time, Abu Dhabi Maritime will provide a new transportation alternative for spectators to and from the event via the Public Water Taxi.
Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, adds, “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 can 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.”
Abu Dhabi Maritime, which was established in 2020, now controls Abu Dhabi’s commercial and community ports, leisure marinas, boats, private and business waterway users, maritime service firms, and other marine facilities.
It is responsible for developing the maritime sector’s strategy and ensuring compliance by enforcing marina regulations and codes, registering maritime assets, regulating maritime activities, creating and maintaining safe waterway infrastructure, examining accidents and incidents, and communicating data and knowledge about the maritime sector.
Captain Saif Al Mheiri, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Maritime, says, “The launch of Public Water Taxi services within the greater Yas Bay and Raha Beach areas represents a key moment in our long-term strategy – to develop a world-class Public Water Transport system in Abu Dhabi. Which will enhance connectivity, promotes tourism and increases the emirate’s reputation as a leading maritime destination.”
“We look forward to offering a new and unique travel experience for the public across Abu Dhabi’s waterways through the new service and to advancing a multi-modal integrated transportation system in the emirate.”