Owners of illegally parked boats given ultimatum

Boat owners have two weeks to remove their illegally parked boats in the Fish Market, Mina and Abu Dhabi city.

ABU DHABI // Boat owners have been told to move illegally parked vessels from the streets within two weeks or face fines and impoundment.

Abu Dhabi Municipality has called for the removal of all boats parked on trailers near the Fish Market, at Mina and in Abu Dhabi city. About 100 boats are thought to be parked illegally in these areas, according to the municipality. Each can take up to three car-parking spots.

Municipal inspectors have monitored boats using the parking area at the Fish Market and many have been there for a long time, the municipality said.

This prevents visitors from parking their vehicles legally while shopping at the market, and forces them to park in a way that can cause traffic congestion and accidents.

Abandoned boats also pose a threat to public safety, the municipality said, as they can be a fertile breeding ground for reptiles and insects. The tanks of some boats are also filled with fuel, which is a fire hazard.

Khalifa al Rumaithi, the director of public health, said the municipality inspectors launched a campaign this week and distributed stickers on parked boats.

Owners must keep their boats docked in designated ports, such as those available in Yas Island or the Marina. The cost of a berth can range from Dh20,000 to Dh120,000 a year.