It will soon be more straightforward for foreign yachts to move between Abu Dhabi and Dubai under a simplified and unified set of procedures.
The newly introduced protocol is designed to ensure faster and smoother inter-emirate sailing. From January, a sailing licence issued in either Abu Dhabi or Dubai will be recognised by both emirates, removing the need for repeated approvals or entry and exit formalities for visiting yachts.
The change is expected to significantly benefit foreign yacht owners and operators, while further strengthening the UAE’s position as a leading global maritime destination.
The rollout follows close coordination between Abu Dhabi Maritime and the Dubai Maritime Authority, in partnership with several local and federal entities, including the National Guard, Dubai Customs and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.
The initiative forms part of a broader effort to harmonise maritime regulations across the emirates and reduce administrative delays faced by international visitors.
More than a procedural update, the move signals the development of a more integrated and user-friendly maritime ecosystem across the UAE.
Under the new framework, foreign yachts will be able to travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai using a single sailing permit, regardless of the issuing authority.
Authorities will rely on a digital Early Inquiry System to access vessel, crew and passenger information, eliminating the need for multiple submissions of the same data.
Yacht owners and shipping agents are set to benefit from shorter processing times and reduced paperwork, as local entry and exit requirements will no longer apply to foreign yachts moving between the two emirates.
