ABU DHABI // The best way to see Abu Dhabi’s skyline is from the sea – and passengers will soon be able to do so on a luxury ferry.
The service, which begins next Monday, will cover more than 100 kilometres of scenic waterways around Abu Dhabi island with stops at the Etihad Towers hotel, Abu Dhabi Mall, Yas Marina and the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr hotel. More stops are planned as the service develops.
“It is an exciting alternative to getting around Abu Dhabi’s spectacular coastal area in a service unique in the emirate,” said Thomas Rebollini, head of finance at the ferry operator Jalboot Marine – which is named after the traditional pearl-diving dhows of the Arabian Gulf.
“Our intended route offers panoramic views and unparalleled sights that highlight Abu Dhabi’s heritage and traditions,” Mr Rebollini said.
The ferry boats are high-speed, German-designed catamarans that can carry 40 passengers, three crew and two wheelchair users. There are panoramic windows and skylights to enjoy the view.
Tickets will be available online, through a call centre, at kiosks in Abu Dhabi Mall, Al Wahda Mall and Mushrif Mall, and on the boats. Passengers can buy single-stop, round-trip and hop-on hop-off day tickets. Prices are not yet known.
Initially the service will run every day from 2pm to 9.25pm, and Jalboot expect to extend it next year.
The Abu Dhabi ferry service comes as additional marine stations are planned to improve access to the water bus, taxi and ferry service in Dubai.
Moving Al Seef and Jumeirah Open Beach marine stations to Fahidi in Festival City is expected to be completed this year to allow the developer, Meraas, to build alternative marine stations at the two sites.
nwebster@thenational.ae
