The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has introduced the Regulatory Bylaw for Maritime Safety in the Waterways of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, featuring a wide range of regulations designed to ensure the safety, sustainability, and responsible use of the emirate’s waters.
DMT noted that Abu Dhabi has around 45,000 square kilometres of water bodies, with a coastline of approximately 2,400 kilometres, including 230 islands, making Abu Dhabi’s maritime sector vital to its economy, environment, and way of life. The new rules establish clear, consistent standards for all waterway usage, including commercial and recreational purposes.
The bylaw sets out responsibilities for maritime stakeholders, detailing licensing requirements, operational conduct, environmental obligations, and emergency response duties, among other provisions. It also places a special emphasis on marine environmental protection, with regulations aimed at preventing pollution and preserving Abu Dhabi’s rich natural heritage.
Abu Dhabi Maritime, in collaboration with the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), a DMT affiliate, will serve as the implementing body for many of the regulations. Abu Dhabi Maritime’s responsibilities include inspections, wreck removal, infrastructure monitoring, and the installation of navigational aids.
Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), said: "These regulations demonstrate Abu Dhabi’s commitment to upholding the highest safety standards across all mobility sectors, including the vital maritime sector. Through this integrated regulatory framework, we aim to improve the efficiency of maritime operations, safeguard the environment, promote the safe and sustainable use of our waterways, and offer our services to users, to support our vision for a safer and more sustainable future.
“These regulations enshrine responsibilities for all waterway users, ensuring the safety of everyone on our waters and protecting the ecosystems that sustain us. By implementing unified standards and empowering oversight, we are laying the groundwork for a more resilient, world-class maritime sector.”
In support of these new measures, a structured system of maritime service fees and fines has been established. Fees will apply to licenses, permits, and inspections, while violations of the regulations, including unsafe behaviour, environmental breaches, and non-compliance with navigation rules, may result in financial penalties.
The maritime safety regulations will take effect once they are published in the Official Gazette of Abu Dhabi emirate.
