What does your foreign-flagged yacht need to sail in UAE waters?

A visiting foreign yacht needs a sailing permit and an insurance policy that covers its time in UAE waters, and in Dubai the policy must also cover removing the wreck.¹

What does Dubai ask of a visiting foreign yacht?

A Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA) sailing permit, applied for by a ship agent within five working days of the yacht’s arrival.¹

The permit lasts six months and can be renewed while the permit papers and the insurance stay valid. It costs AED 1,020 under 12 metres, AED 3,020 from 12 to 24 metres and AED 5,020 for 24 metres and over.¹ If the yacht arrives as cargo, DMA can issue a letter so that Dubai Customs exempts it from the 5% tax fee.¹

To charter the yacht out in Dubai you need an operation permit instead, with a partnership agreement with a licensed local charter company.¹

Give your agent the policy schedule early, and check that it names UAE waters and wreck removal.

What insurance terms apply in Dubai?

Dubai’s law says a vessel registered outside the UAE needs cover for the owner’s liability to third parties before it enters Dubai waters.² Dubai’s visiting vessels resolution says the insurance must be “valid throughout the period of navigation within the Waters of the Emirate”.³

Ask your insurer to confirm in writing that the cruising area covers UAE waters for the whole stay. See navigation limits for how cruising areas work.

What does Abu Dhabi ask?

A permit, a local agent and liability cover. A visiting foreign recreational vessel may sail in Abu Dhabi waters once it has a permit; tenders and jet skis it carries may only be used near the main vessel.⁴ Abu Dhabi Maritime’s clearance process lists insurance covering third-party liabilities and P&I club insurance.⁵ Visit Abu Dhabi says the agent must send the documents at least seven days before arrival.⁶

Under a protocol announced in December 2025 to take effect in January 2026, Dubai and Abu Dhabi recognise each other’s sailing permits for visiting yachts moving between the two emirates, and local entry and exit procedures between them are waived.⁷

Appoint an agent before you sail and ask which permit covers your route.

Do larger yachts need wreck removal cover by federal rule?

Yes, at 300 gross tons and over. A national or foreign vessel of 300 gross tons or more that calls at a UAE port or berths in UAE waters must have insurance or bank security for the cost of removing a wreck. Authorities check it before the vessel may enter port.⁸

Wreck removal is explained in wreck removal and salvage.

What about the crew and a jet ski on board?

Yacht crew can get a 180-day multiple entry permit through the shipping agent.⁹ In Ras Al Khaimah, a jet ski licensed outside the emirate needs a Transport Authority permit and a policy valid for the whole permit.¹⁰

Cover for crew is on yacht crew cover.

The small print

• Dubai. Article 8(b) of Law No. 11 of 2010 covers foreign vessels.² Executive Council Resolution No. 9 of 2020 lists six-month navigation authorisation fees of AED 1,000, 3,000 and 5,000 by length; DMA’s page lists AED 1,020, 3,020 and 5,020.¹¹¹
• Federal wreck rule. Article 4 of Cabinet Resolution No. 71 of 2021 also makes the shipping agent check the insurance before taking on the agency, or be responsible for removing the wreck.⁸
• Abu Dhabi. Article 4 of Administrative Decision No. 69 of 2025.⁴
• Residents with a foreign-flagged boat. No published rule covers a UAE resident who keeps a foreign-flagged boat in the UAE for long periods. Ask DMA or Abu Dhabi Maritime.