Water taxi services between Louvre Abu Dhabi and other major attractions launched

The National -- Soon you will be able to take a water taxi between Louvre Abu Dhabi and some of the city's top attractions.

Abu Dhabi Ports and ferry company Jalboot Marine on Tuesday signed a deal to begin trips to the museum that is opening on November 11.

Residents will be able to get on at one of the existing stops such as Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Yas Island and Etihad Towers, while a special jetty is being built for cruise ship passengers at the terminal in Mina Zayed.

More details have yet to be revealed but the service is expected to start within the next few months.

The agreement also includes building a 20-metre long jetty at Mina Zayed with wheelchair access.

“We are pleased to partner with Jalboot Marine for the first time to continue supporting Abu Dhabi’s tourism," said Abdulkareem Al Masabi executive vice president, Abu Dhabi Ports.

"With the new Louvre Museum opening its doors in November, there is no doubt there will be a wave of sightseers coming into the city. We are happy to facilitate the new luxurious water shuttle service through our fast-growing terminal which aims to further enhance the tourism sector in the emirate," he said.

"Our partnership with Jalboot will open new gateways for Abu Dhabi’s tourism and leisure as well as offer a unique sight-seeing experience around the city’s touristic attractions.”

The news comes in the same week that saw the launch of the new cruise season. The cruise business started in Abu Dhabi in 2006 with 32,000 passengers - last year a staggering 346,000 passengers visited.

Etihad Airways also signed an agreement with the Louvre Abu Dhabi this week that will see the two companies work together to promote the museum at home and abroad.

The airline will offer bespoke tour packages to Abu Dhabi and the museum, along with a host of other support.