Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council, visited the headquarters of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation at Mina Rashid to review the plan prepared by the Dubai Maritime Authority to regulate marine traffic during New Year’s Eve celebrations.
He was received by Sultan bin Sulayem, DP World Group Chairman and CEO, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation; Sheikh Dr. Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Executive Director of the Dubai Maritime Authority at the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation; Nasser Al Neyadi, CEO of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation; Omar Ali Salem Al Adidi, Secretary General of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council; representatives of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, Dubai Police, Dubai Customs, Dubai Civil Defense, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, and senior officials from various other entities coordinating the plan.
Dubai Maritime Authority presents New Year’s Eve marine navigation management plan
The presentation covered the New Year’s Eve marine navigation management plan, which accounts for the increase in marine traffic during the festivities and the growing number of visiting foreign yachts.
Recent years have recorded a rise in the number of permits issued, reflecting Dubai’s emergence as a destination for yachts and marine tourism.
The presentation outlined mechanisms for managing the demand by demarcating marine traffic routes, regulating mooring areas, and monitoring congestion points to ensure smooth navigation during one of the busiest nights of the year.
Procedures for foreign yacht entry and movement
Sheikh Mansoor received information on procedures to facilitate the entry and movement of foreign yachts for leisure and tourism purposes within a framework based on coordination between the Dubai Maritime Authority, Dubai Customs, the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, and entities overseeing security arrangements.
This coordination contributes to the completion of arrival and departure procedures for all vessels while ensuring compliance with regulations and instructions.
The integration has enhanced the readiness of approved tourist marinas and ensured their commitment to registering and electronically tracking marine vessel movements.
Sheikh Mansoor emphasises on coordination and safety standards
Sheikh Mansoor stated that preparations and coordination among entities reflect Dubai’s approach to managing events in accordance with organisational and security standards. This helps ensure the safety of lives and property while enhancing confidence in the marine traffic management system.
He stated the importance of continuing to develop operational and security plans and strengthening inter-agency integration to keep pace with the growth of the maritime sector while reinforcing Dubai’s record in safety and innovation.
Sheikh Dr Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Executive Director of the Dubai Maritime Authority, said Dubai continues to consolidate its leadership as a centre for maritime activities.
“The marine traffic management plan for New Year’s Eve 2026, implemented in cooperation with strategic partners such as Dubai Police and Dubai Ambulance, aims to manage the global event with utmost efficiency and prevent any maritime incidents despite the significant increase in the number of participating vessels,” he noted, according to a statement by the Dubai Media Office.
He noted that learnings have been documented and incorporated into operational manuals, enhancing readiness and reinforcing Dubai’s position as a maritime destination for events and visiting foreign yachts.
