Foreign Yachts to Sail Freely Between Abu Dhabi & Dubai From 2026

Foreign yachts sailing between Abu Dhabi and Dubai will use a unified permit system from January 2026, ending repeated approvals and entry and exit formalities between the two emirates. Permits issued by either emirate will be recognised by both, with the change intended to make inter-emirate movement smoother for visiting yacht owners and operators and to reinforce the United Arab Emirates’ appeal to international maritime visitors. Abu Dhabi Maritime and the Dubai Maritime Authority developed the protocol in coordination with the National Guard, Dubai Customs, and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security. Authorities will connect through an Early Inquiry System digital link to access vessel, crew and passenger details, removing the need to submit the same information multiple times. Entry and exit procedures will no longer apply to foreign yachts moving between the two emirates, and shipping agents will be formally notified ahead of the rollout to support implementation. Officials said the framework is intended to attract more international yacht traffic, support marine tourism and encourage longer stays by easing movement between the two main maritime centres, while contributing to a more integrated regulatory environment across the country’s waterways.