DUBAI, 1 August 2007 — The Marine Agency of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) launched an international competition among companies specialized in boat designs to attract the best design for the proposed water taxi.
Khalid Al-Zahid, acting CEO of Marine Agency at the RTA, said that the Marine Agency addressed more than 30 companies specialized in boat designing in Australia, Europe and Asia, as well as locally. The aim is to attract the largest number of designs to select from.
“The water taxi project is part of a series launched by the Marine Agency to contain congestion,” said Al-Zahid.
The Marine Agency is seeking to develop and operate all marine transport modes. It is conducting detailed studies and surveying applied practices necessary for designing, constructing and maintaining marine systems, lines and services.
The boats will have catamaran hulls and will be equipped with highly sophisticated modern technology and navigational systems. Al-Zahid said the water taxi service is scheduled for launch by the end of 2008. He said water taxi would be available for rental for tourist excursions.
