Foreign yachts to sail freely between Abu Dhabi and Dubai from 2026

Starting January 2026, foreign-registered yachts will be able to travel more freely and seamlessly between the waters of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, thanks to a newly agreed unified protocol between the two emirates’ maritime authorities. Under the current system, visiting yachts must obtain separate sailing permits and complete entry and exit procedures for each emirate, which often means duplicative paperwork and longer wait times. The new arrangement eliminates this duplication by allowing authorities in both emirates to mutually recognise sailing licences and permits issued by either side, so a yacht that holds a valid permit from Abu Dhabi can continue into Dubai without extra authorisations — and vice versa.