Water taxi services to be rolled out soon
Wael Juju said the Bahrain-based company had received enquiries for its Sea Jet vessel, which sports plush business-class seats.
The concept aims to encourage people to consider sea routes as an alternative mode of transport.
“We have received fantastic response for the Sea Jet from different companies and expect this to be soon rolled out in Bahrain,” said Mr Juju.
“People will feel like they are in the business class of a jet, with screens and other facilities including toilets.”
He said each boat cost around BD70,000 and took three months to build at the firm’s Hidd factory, but the price could go up if solar panels or other features were added.
“The Sea Jet can be used for short travel, like from Manama to Muharraq, travel to Al Dar or even Hawar Islands,” said Mr Juju.
“It can run on fuel, battery or even solar power.”
Mr Juju said he was already in talks with officials from the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority and private companies interested in the concept. In June 2015 parliament unanimously voted in favour of establishing sea taxis in Bahrain as an alternative form of public transport and tourist activity.
Meanwhile, Mr Juju urged the Bahrain business community to back local entrepreneurs rather than look to Dubai for new ideas.
“I have met several clients who are in the driving seats of large developments operating under an extreme Dubai complex,” he said.
“But the mentality that if Dubai does not have it, it’s not good enough, should change.
“There is no doubt Dubai has leading hotels and operators in the region who we are consulting, but we would like more interest from the Bahrain market.”
