Tourism authorities in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah have signed a memorandum of understanding creating the UAE Yachting Alliance, the first formal collaboration of its kind between the three emirates.
Signed at the Monaco Yacht Show, the agreement establishes a joint platform for engagement with yacht owners, charter companies and maritime businesses. The partners plan to present the UAE as a connected cruising destination rather than three separate markets.
Work will include integrated itineraries intended to simplify yacht movements between the emirates, encourage longer stays and give visitors access to marinas, waterfronts, cultural sites, islands, beaches and mountain areas within one programme.
The alliance will also coordinate participation in international boat shows, joint marketing and representations on simplifying administrative procedures for superyachts.
High-value economic benefits
Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, director general of tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said the alliance would make the capital’s coastal destinations more accessible and help operators develop itineraries linking its marinas, Saadiyat Island and Sir Bani Yas Island.
“In doing so, it will create new opportunities for visitors while generating high-value economic benefits for our tourism and maritime sectors,” he said.
Issam Kazim, chief executive of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said closer links between marinas, coastlines and visitor experiences would offer owners and operators more choice while supporting Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33.
“By more closely linking our marinas, coastlines, and experiences, we offer yacht owners, charter operators, and visitors more choice, flexibility, and new reasons to explore the UAE in a single trip,” he said.
Phillipa Harrison, chief executive of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, linked the initiative to waterfront investment and the emirate’s target of more than 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030. She said its 68km coastline, Hajar Mountains and planned marinas would add a different cruising offer to the alliance.
