Today's Edition
DUBAI (ALETIHAD)
In a significant step toward enhancing the UAE’s appeal as a premier maritime destination, foreign yachts in Abu Dhabi and Dubai will now enjoy a streamlined administrative process for travelling between the two emirates.
The new consolidated protocol includes mutual recognition of sailing permits and the elimination of redundant local entry and exit procedures.
This mutual recognition comes as a result of a series of coordination meetings between Abu Dhabi Maritime, the Dubai Maritime Authority at the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, and other relevant local and federal entities, including the National Guard, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, and Dubai Customs.
This reflects a shared commitment to unifying efforts to support the integration and growth of the maritime sector in the United Arab Emirates.
It also aligns with the ongoing directives of the UAE leadership to elevate performance to the highest levels of regional and international competitiveness through close coordination with all stakeholders, reinforcing the concept of joint action and advancing the development of the national maritime sector.
In this regard, Sheikh Dr. Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, CEO of the Dubai Maritime Authority said: "We are fully committed to supporting this unified approach, which will undoubtedly strengthen the UAE’s position as a leading world-class maritime destination”.
For his part, Captain Saif Al Mheiri, CEO of Abu Dhabi Maritime and Chief Sustainability Officer at AD Ports Group, emphasised the importance of this collaboration: “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”.
Under the new protocol, sailing permits issued by either Abu Dhabi or Dubai will be recognised for travel between the two emirates.
The Early Inquiry System Application Programming Interface (API) will be used to obtain vessel, crew, and passenger data to avoid duplicate procedures during inter-emirate travel.
In addition, local entry and exit procedures will be waived for visiting foreign yachts moving between the two Emirates.
The initiative will come into force at the beginning of January 2026, with shipping agents being notified to operate in accordance with its provisions.
