Business
UAE streamlines yacht travel as Abu Dhabi and Dubai unify permits for foreign vessels
The UAE has taken a significant step towards strengthening its position as a global maritime and yachting destination, with Abu Dhabi and Dubai introducing a unified protocol that streamlines yacht travel between the two emirates.
The initiative removes duplicate administrative requirements for foreign yachts and enables smoother inter-emirate movement.
Under the new framework, Abu Dhabi and Dubai will mutually recognise sailing permits issued in either emirate, eliminating the need for visiting foreign yachts to complete redundant local entry and exit procedures when travelling between the two emirates.
The protocol enhances operational efficiency and improves the overall experience for yacht owners, operators and visitors.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi yacht rules
The mutual recognition of permits follows a series of coordination meetings involving Abu Dhabi Maritime, the Dubai Maritime Authority at the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, and other local and federal entities.
These include the National Guard, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, and Dubai Customs.
The initiative reflects a shared commitment to unifying efforts across the UAE maritime ecosystem, supporting sector integration and growth, and aligning with the directives of the UAE leadership to enhance regional and international competitiveness through close stakeholder coordination.
Sheikh Dr. Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, CEO of the Dubai Maritime Authority, said: “Dubai is proud to share its successful experience in facilitating yacht visits. We are fully committed to supporting this unified approach, which will undoubtedly strengthen the UAE’s position as a leading world-class maritime destination”.
Captain Saif Al Mheiri, CEO of Abu Dhabi Maritime and Chief Sustainability Officer at AD Ports Group, said: “This initiative reflects our shared commitment to simplifying maritime mobility and enhancing our emirates’ competitiveness as global yachting hubs. We are making it easier than ever for visitors to enjoy our waters”.
Maritime permits
The unified system introduces the use of the Early Inquiry System Application Programming Interface (API) to obtain vessel, crew and passenger data, helping authorities avoid duplicate procedures during inter-emirate travel.
The protocol will come into force at the beginning of January 2026, with shipping agents to be formally notified to operate in line with the new provisions.
Officials say the cooperation marks a new chapter in UAE maritime collaboration and establishes a more integrated and enabling regulatory environment for foreign yachts.
The Dubai Maritime Authority is the government entity responsible for regulating, coordinating and overseeing all aspects of the maritime sector in Dubai.
Established in 2007, it works to enhance maritime activities and align regulations and policies with regional and global maritime developments, supporting both commercial and recreational sectors while boosting Dubai’s investment attractiveness.
Abu Dhabi Maritime, part of AD Ports Group, works in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport and the Integrated Transport Centre as the custodian of the emirate’s waterways.
The organisation delivers a streamlined, user- and business-friendly regulatory environment, develops modern infrastructure and advanced digital services, and supports the growth of Abu Dhabi’s recreational and commercial maritime communities.
