Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism has introduced “Golden Quay to Abu Dhabi”, a new initiative aimed at attracting superyacht owners to invest in Abu Dhabi. Under this Golden Visa, vessel owners are offered the opportunity to obtain a 10-year UAE Golden Visa with benefits including a long-term residency and access to Abu Dhabi’s lifestyle and marinas. This initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030.
Owners with vessels 40 meters in length and over may qualify for the Golden Visa and may nominate immediate family members. Key figures in the superyacht industry, such as executive officers and shareholders of yacht-building companies are also eligible to apply, as well as central yacht agents, yacht service providers, and yacht insurance providers. The official nominating parties are Yas Marina, overseen by Miral subsidiary Yas Asset Management, and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO).
“The launch of Golden Quay to Abu Dhabi showcases DCT Abu Dhabi’s commitment to driving the emirate’s luxury tourism and yachting sector forward,” said Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. “We continue to support the growth of the luxury sector by creating innovative pathways that attract investment and high-profile visitors to the emirate, in line with our Tourism Strategy 2030,”
Years before the region expanded its superyacht offerings in recent years – from Saudi Arabia’s NEOM to Qatar’s Old Doha Port – Abu Dhabi is considered one of the early markets embracing superyacht owners from all over the world when it hosted the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2009 and announced long-term navigational licenses for foreign-flagged vessels.
The Grand Prix takes place at Yas Marina Circuit and aside from Monaco, Abu Dhabi’s version of the racing competition is the only one to boast trackside berths with a marina that accommodates superyachts up to 175 meters in length. This year’s event, which took place from December 6-8, taking place on December 6-8, saw a reported 30 vessels above 24 meters docked at Yas Marina to catch the racing action, according to Marine Traffic, alongside 50,000 spectators who were in attendance.
