The UAE regulates yachting as Abu Dhabi and Dubai consolidate permits for foreign vessels
The UAE has taken an important step to strengthen its position as a global maritime and yachting destination, when Abu Dhabi and Dubai introduced a unified protocol that regulates yacht traffic between the two emirates.
The move removes duplicative administrative requirements for foreign boats and makes it easier to travel between emirates.
Under this new framework, Abu Dhabi and Dubai will recognize cruise permits issued from either emirate, eliminating the need to visit foreign vessels to eliminate unnecessary local entry and exit procedures when traveling between the two emirates.
The protocol improves efficiency and improves the overall experience for boat owners, operators and visitors.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi yacht regulations
The mutual recognition of the 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 governmental organizations.
These include the National Guard, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, and Dubai Customs.
This initiative demonstrates a shared commitment to integrating integration efforts across the UAE’s marine ecosystem, supporting sector integration and growth, and aligning with the UAE leadership’s directives to enhance regional and international competitiveness through collaborative partnerships with stakeholders.
Sheikh Dr. Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, CEO of Dubai Maritime Authority, said: “Dubai is proud to share its successful experience in facilitating yacht tourism. We are fully committed to supporting this unified approach, which will undoubtedly strengthen the UAE’s position as a leading maritime destination in the world”.
Captain Saif Al Mheiri, CEO of Abu Dhabi Maritime and Chief Sustainability Officer at AD Ports Group, said: “This program demonstrates our commitment to simplifying maritime travel and improving the emirate’s competitiveness as a global yachting company. We are making it easier than ever for visitors to enjoy our waters”.
Marine permits
The integrated system introduces the use of the Early Inquiry System Application Programming Interface (API) to obtain the data of the ship, crew and passengers, helping authorities to avoid duplicate procedures during international voyages.
Additionally, local check-in and check-out procedures will be waived for visiting foreign ferries plying between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The protocol will enter into force at the beginning of January 2026, when shipping agents will be officially notified to operate in accordance with the new provisions.
Officials say the partnership marks a new chapter in the UAE’s maritime cooperation and establishes a more integrated and accommodating regulatory environment for foreign vessels.
The Dubai Maritime Authority is a government agency responsible for regulating, coordinating and supervising all aspects of the maritime sector in Dubai.
Established in 2007, it works to develop maritime activities and guide regional and global maritime regulations and policies and development, supporting both the commercial and leisure sectors while enhancing Dubai’s investment attractiveness.
Abu Dhabi Maritime, part of the AD Ports Group, works in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport and the Integrated Transport Center as the custodian of the emirate’s waterways.
The organization delivers a streamlined, user-friendly and user-friendly regulatory environment, develops modern infrastructure and advanced digital services, and supports the growth of Abu Dhabi’s marine entertainment and commercial communities.
