Coming out of the 31st Dubai International Boat Show, several key regulatory additions concerning foreign-flagged vessels entering the UAE. Announced by the Dubai General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), here are new additions to the UAE’s leisure marine policies.
Golden Visa Scheme:
Following the footsteps of Abu Dhabi’s “Golden Quay Initiative,” Dubai has extended its Golden Visa program for superyacht owners. The scheme, first announced in 2019, is now offered to any superyacht owner with a vessel over 40 meters in length. The visa allows for a decade-long period of renewal, and holders are permitted to be outside of Dubai for six months at a time without impacting their residency status. The Golden Visa scheme was introduced to attract Ultra-High Networth Individuals into the UAE.
Crew Visas and Mobile Marina:
The GDFRA announced six-month multiple-entry visas for yacht crew members, which are open for applications now. However, it is unclear how this regulation is different from the 6-month crew visas announced in 2018 for the UAE. Meanwhile, the directorate announced the “Mobile Marina:” initiative: a new service available in every marina in Dubai that fast-tracks the entry and exit of FF vessels in the emirate, completing every transaction in as little as 30 seconds.
