Ras Al Khaimah is tightening restrictions on the use of jet skis in the emirate.
Anyone using one recklessly or in a prohibited area faces a fine of Dh500.
All jet skis must be licensed and users must not come within 180 metres of the shore.
The move is part of a drive to regulate their use in the emirate and all fines will be doubled if the breach is repeated within a year.
It represents the first time such laws have been introduced in the emirate.
Only last year, inspectors were sent to the creeks of Ras Al Khaimah to ensure nobody was flouting the summer ban introduced in 2016 to protect marine life.
"Using jet skis in creeks causes a disturbance to the marine environment as it causes waves and currents," Dr Saif Al Ghais, executive director of Ras Al Khaimah's Environment Protection and Development Authority, told The National.
Inconsiderate jet ski users have afflicted many residential communities across the UAE over the years either through noise or coming too close to the shore. There have also been several tragic accidents involving users, prompting calls for more regulation.
In August last year, a man was rescued after he crashed his jet ski into the breakwater at a beach in Dubai. The man, 20, was riding his jet ski at Al Mamzar Beach Park when he rammed into the breakwater.
In September 2018, a man, 36, died after falling off his jet ski near Fujairah city's Corniche. He was on his own when the accident happened.
But authorities have taken major action to address the problem in recent years and this latest move is a part of that.
Adventure Sports, a club that offers jet ski rental in Ras Al Khaimah, welcomed the new rules.
"The new law is definitely a piece of good news for us given that we are licensed to operate and this will help us ensure the safety of our guests," it said.
The regulations also stipulate that users must be at least 14 and wear a life jacket, while jet skis cannot be used within 180 metres of the shore or 100 metres ships.
Fines and offences related to jet ski users:
Dh500
- Driving jet skis outside the specified maritime areas.
- Driving jet skis recklessly. Jet ski will also be impounded for two weeks.
- Driving in prohibited areas. Jet ski will also be impounded for one weeks.
Dh300
- Driving jet ski without a licence. Jet ski will also be impounded for two weeks.
- Driving or attempting to drive jet ski under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. Jet ski will also be impounded for one week.
- Not complying with the specified time.
Dh200
- Exceeding jet ski capacity.
Dh150
- Using a jet ski for purposes other than those for which it is intended.
Dh100
- Driving a jet ski with a registered licence expired for more than a month.
- Not wearing a life jacket.
- Driver of the jet ski is under legal age or not escorted by a companion.
- Non-compliance with the instructions.
- Any other breach of the law.
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1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
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Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Timeline
2012-2015
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May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
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