The Dubai Maritime Authority has launched a regulatory initiative to update and standardise the rules governing leisure anchoring and recreational mooring buoys across Dubai’s waters.
The move centres on Circular No. (35) of 2026, which sets out guidelines for how recreational vessels anchor and use mooring buoys in the emirate. The authority said the framework is designed to raise safety standards, improve regulatory efficiency, and give owners of marine craft, operators, marinas, and marine service providers a single, consistent reference point.
“This initiative strengthens navigational safety and ensures the orderly use of leisure anchoring areas and recreational mooring buoys in Dubai waters. It supports the sustainable growth of recreational maritime activities and ensures that regulations and guidance are clear to all stakeholders, underlining Dubai’s commitment to consolidating its position as a global hub for safe and well-regulated marine activities,” Sheikh Dr. Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, CEO of the Dubai Maritime Authority said in a statement.
The circular covers several areas: anchoring practices compliant with marine environmental protection requirements, adherence to collision-prevention regulations, and the principles of good seamanship.
The authority said it will actively monitor compliance and stressed that incidents and emergencies must be reported promptly.
The Dubai Maritime Authority is part of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation. It said the initiative reflects its broader strategy to develop the emirate’s maritime ecosystem in coordination with government and private sector partners. Implementation will proceed in accordance with authorised procedures and in coordination with all relevant entities.
