Dubai Police and Dubai Maritime Authority Conduct Inspection Campaign on Personal Watercraft

Dubai Cracks Down on Jet Ski Violations with Major Safety Sweep

Dubai authorities have launched an intensive maritime safety campaign that resulted in 431 violations and the confiscation of 41 jet skis, signaling the emirate's determination to maintain its reputation as a world-class maritime hub while protecting both tourists and residents in its increasingly crowded waterways.

A Joint Operation Targeting Reckless Water Sports

The comprehensive inspection campaign was conducted jointly by Dubai Police's Ports Police Center and the Dubai Maritime Authority, targeting jet ski operators across all coastal areas of the emirate. The operation reflects Dubai's strategic approach to balancing its thriving marine tourism sector with public safety requirements.

Sheikh Dr. Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Executive Director of Dubai Maritime Authority at the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, emphasized that the collaborative effort demonstrates Dubai's commitment to becoming a leading model in maritime safety while supporting economic development.

Common Violations Carry Heavy Financial Penalties

The violations uncovered during the sweep reveal widespread non-compliance with maritime regulations. Brigadier Dr. Hassan Suhail, Director of the Ports Police Center, detailed that infractions ranged from expired jet ski licenses to unauthorized entry into restricted swimming areas and hotel beaches.

Penalty Structure Designed to Deter Violations

Dubai has implemented a robust fine system that makes violations financially painful. Operating a jet ski with an expired license carries a 1,000 dirham fine (approximately $272), while failing to wear life jackets or helmets results in the same penalty. More serious infractions like disturbing other water users can cost violators 2,000 dirhams, and operating outside designated marine sports zones incurs a 1,000 dirham fine.

Other common violations included underage operation, overloading watercraft beyond capacity limits, and non-compliance with designated operating hours.

Dubai's Maritime Safety Strategy in Global Context

This crackdown positions Dubai alongside other major maritime tourism destinations that have tightened water sports regulations. Similar to how Thailand restricted jet ski operations in popular tourist areas like Phuket, and Greece's enforcement in Mykonos and Santorini, Dubai is proactively managing the tension between tourism revenue and safety concerns.

The emirate's approach differs from purely reactive measures seen elsewhere, instead implementing comprehensive monitoring systems and clear penalty structures before major incidents occur.

Technology Integration for Emergency Response

Dubai authorities are promoting their "Navigate Safely" service through the Dubai Police smart application, offering rapid emergency response capabilities. This digital integration reflects the UAE's broader smart city initiatives and provides tourists with familiar app-based safety tools.

Economic Implications for Marine Tourism

The enforcement campaign comes as Dubai's marine tourism sector continues expanding, with jet ski rentals being a significant component of the emirate's beach and water sports offerings. The strict regulatory approach aims to prevent the kind of safety incidents that have damaged tourism reputations in other destinations.

For marine tourism operators, the message is clear: compliance costs are significantly lower than violation penalties. The 1,000-2,000 dirham fine structure makes it economically sensible to invest in proper licensing, safety equipment, and staff training rather than risk violations.

Safety Guidelines and Speed Restrictions

Authorities have established specific operational parameters for jet ski users, including speed limits of 5-7 nautical miles and mandatory distance requirements from private and tourist vessels. These restrictions address the most common causes of maritime accidents while preserving the recreational experience.

The emphasis on regular maintenance, weather monitoring, and capacity limits demonstrates Dubai's systematic approach to risk management, treating water sports safety as an integral component of its broader tourism infrastructure rather than an afterthought.

Dubai Police and the Dubai Maritime Authority continue round-the-clock maritime patrol operations, with rescue units maintaining emergency readiness across all coastal areas. The authorities encourage all water sports enthusiasts to utilize the Dubai Police app's emergency features or call 999 for urgent situations.