Abu Dhabi will soon have its first scheduled, multi-destination passenger ferry service giving residents and tourists a new perspective of the UAE capital and its surrounding landmarks through 100 km of scenic waterway.

Jalboot Marine Network (Jalboot), a home-grown brand founded by Emirates Consortium, will link major attractions and landmarks in the city and surrounding islands with a scheduled daily service taking in four strategically located stops which will include Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi Mall, Yas Marina and the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr.  There are also expansion plans to integrate new stops. 

“Jalboot will cater to all. It is an exciting alternative to getting around Abu Dhabi’s spectacular coastal area in a service unique in the emirate. Our intended route offers panoramic views and unparalleled sights that highlight Abu Dhabi’s heritage and traditions while significantly complementing the existing transportation facilities and contributing to the realisation of Abu Dhabi’s 2030 Vision,” said Thomas Rebollini, head of Finance, Sales and Marketing at Jalboot Marine Network.

Due to set sail on October 19, the service will enable tourists and residents alike to affordably explore major destinations with ease, safety and comfort providing a scenic alternative to road travel.

Named to pay homage to the UAE’s traditional pearl-diving boats, Jalboot ferries have been designed by award-winning European boat builder and custom-made in the UAE to Jalboot specifications.  The jet-powered ferries, which can host up to 40 seated passengers, two standard wheelchairs and up to three crew members, are fully enclosed but with windows to take in the views, air-conditioned and with leather business class style seating. Committed to safety, Jalboot ferries are Marpol compliant and will have life rafts and life jackets available for all passengers and crew.

Adding to the list of payment options planned for the service, Jalboot is poised to be the first SME in the GCC to implement the mobile Point of Sales system (mPOS) technology powered by Etisalat and NBAD, which will eliminate queues and in the future allow passengers to pay with mobile credit.

“At Jalboot, customer service is at the very heart of the company culture. The team has worked tirelessly during the development phase to introduce methods that are designed to streamline the customer journey. The ‘chip ‘n pin’ system is a secure and reliable means to buy tickets on the spot with cash or card while the tickets are printed on the sales receipt and also emailed to the passengers.  The crew will have on-board scanners to verify tickets whether printed or presented on a smartphone screen.  Sales kiosks are also conveniently located in Abu Dhabi Mall, Al Wahda Mall and Mushrif Mall,” added Rebollini.

Vsourz, a renowned UK technology and design solutions firm, has created the bespoke online ticketing solution. Passengers will also be able to buy tickets via the Jalboot website: www.jalboot.ae while booking and card payment will also be possible through Jalboot’s call centre on 600 57 57 56.

“We aim to enhance transportation amenities for the community and tourists and are endeavouring to make the voyage as convenient as possible, right from ticket sales to destination arrival,” added Rebollini.

Set to make waves with its integration into the UAE’s transportation network, pre-bookings are available. Jalboot’s regular schedule will be daily from 2:00pm to 9:25pm.  The full service is primed to be available in 2016, offering a more flexible, daily, scheduled service. – TradeArabia News Service