Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah form UAE Yachting Alliance

Officials of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah have set up the UAE Yachting Alliance. They announced it at the Monaco Yacht Show, held from 23 to 26 September 2026. The group plans to back cruising itineraries that cover more than one emirate, promote the country abroad together and coordinate the marine tourism sector.

Dubai took part through its Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) on the UAE Pavilion. Its pitch to owners and brokers rested on a few points:

• the emirate has 22 marinas;
• superyachts can clear entry formalities at their marina;
• foreign visiting vessels may stay up to six months in Dubai waters;
• eligible foreign-flagged yachts on a visa permit are exempt from VAT and customs duty.

DET and Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism also hosted brokers and charter firms for a session on multi-emirate routes, moderated by Charter Itineraries. DET named D-Marin, Dubai Harbour and the Grandweld shipyard among the companies that make up Dubai's maritime sector.

Saud Hareb Almheiri, who leads cruise tourism and yachting at DET, said the emirate "delivers much more than an exceptional place to berth." He described the city as a gateway for yacht owners and their guests to explore the wider country and region.

TradeArabia reported the announcement, and Zawya published DET's release.