Foreign yachts travelling between Abu Dhabi and Dubai will benefit from new procedures that eliminate duplication in administrative requirements from January 2026.
The protocol introduces mutual recognition of sailing permits issued by either emirate and removes the need for separate local entry and exit procedures when vessels move between the two locations.
The changes follow coordination meetings between Abu Dhabi Maritime, the Dubai Maritime Authority at the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, and other entities including the National Guard, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, and Dubai Customs.
New protocol removes sailing permit duplication for yachts travelling between Abu Dhabi and Dubai
The initiative forms part of efforts to support integration and growth within the UAE’s maritime sector, in line with directives from the country’s leadership to enhance performance and competitiveness through coordination between stakeholders.
“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,” Sheikh Dr. Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, CEO of the Dubai Maritime Authority, said in a statement.
“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,” Captain Saif Al Mheiri, CEO of Abu Dhabi Maritime and Chief Sustainability Officer at AD Ports Group added.
The protocol means sailing permits from Abu Dhabi or Dubai will be recognised for travel between the emirates. The Early Inquiry System Application Programming Interface (API) will be used to obtain vessel, crew and passenger data, preventing the need for duplicate procedures during inter-emirate travel.
Local entry and exit procedures will be waived for foreign yachts moving between Abu Dhabi and Dubai under the arrangement.
Shipping agents will be notified to operate according to the provisions when the initiative begins in January 2026.
Foreign yachts to benefit from streamlined procedures between Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Dubai Maritime Authority is the entity responsible for regulating, coordinating and overseeing the maritime sector in Dubai. Established in 2007, the Authority monitors, develops and enhances maritime activities, providing a platform through the development of regulations, policies and manuals that align with regional and global maritime developments across commercial and recreational activities, sectors and services.
This contributes to improving the efficiency of infrastructure, operations and logistics services, and enhances the investment profile of Dubai at regional and international levels.
Abu Dhabi Maritime, part of AD Ports Group, works with the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport and the Integrated Transport Centre as the custodian of the emirate’s waterways.
The organisation implements a regulatory environment for the emirate’s recreational and commercial maritime communities, develops infrastructure and provides digital services to enhance user experience and help unlock Abu Dhabi’s social, cultural and economic potential.
