In a major crackdown on unsafe marine activities, Dubai authorities have conducted an intensive inspection campaign targeting jet ski users, issuing 431 marine violations and seizing 41 non-compliant watercraft.
The initiative, led by Dubai Police in collaboration with the Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA), aims to enhance maritime safety and prevent reckless behavior on the emirate’s busy waters.
Brigadier Dr Hassan Suhail, Director of the Ports Police Station, said the campaign was designed to reduce injuries, protect sea users, and promote responsible water sports practices. “Our focus is to clamp down on reckless driving and ensure full compliance with marine safety standards,” he stated.
During the inspections, authorities recorded a wide range of violations. These included expired jet ski licenses, entry into restricted swimming areas and hotel beaches, operating outside designated hours, failure to wear life jackets, underage operation of watercraft, and overloading jet skis beyond their capacity.
Brigadier Al Suwaidi detailed the penalties associated with the violations. Operating a jet ski with an expired license incurs a Dh1,000 fine, while failing to wear a life jacket or helmet attracts the same penalty. Disturbing or harassing others can result in fines of Dh2,000, and ignoring designated marine sports areas carries a Dh1,000 penalty.
The campaign covered multiple coastal zones across Dubai, including popular recreational areas where tourist and private vessels operate in close proximity. Brigadier Suhail praised the readiness of Dubai’s marine security and rescue patrols, which operate 24/7 to monitor activities, enforce the law, and respond swiftly to emergencies.
Sheikh Dr Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, CEO of the Dubai Maritime Authority, emphasized that joint operations like this reflect the emirate’s commitment to safety.
“The collaborative efforts between regulatory entities reflect our strategic vision of positioning Dubai as a global model for maritime safety. This initiative underscores our commitment to providing a secure and sustainable environment for all sea users,” he said.
Authorities are also working on enhancing regulatory and technological frameworks to promote compliance and prevent future violations. These include better monitoring systems, awareness campaigns, and stricter enforcement measures to deter unsafe practices.
To ensure public safety, Dubai Police and the DMA have issued reminders to all jet ski users to strictly follow maritime regulations. Riders are urged to always wear life jackets, perform regular maintenance checks, avoid approaching private or tourist vessels, adhere to designated speed limits—typically 5 to 7 nautical miles per hour—and refrain from overloading their watercraft.
The joint campaign demonstrates Dubai’s dedication to building a secure marine environment that supports tourism, economic growth, and recreational activities while safeguarding the lives of sea users.
Authorities have confirmed that such inspections will continue throughout the peak water sports season to maintain order and enhance public confidence in Dubai’s coastal safety measures.
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