Following a partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI), JLS Yacht, a superyacht service provider in the Middle East and Indian Ocean, has been announced as the golden agent for the UAE, allowing the agent to fast-track the issuing of 6-month cruising permits to foreign-flagged vessels coming to the UAE.
“Instead of just uploading all the statutory documents on the portal, we are allowed to now approve them in an hour,” said Hilary Ackermann, Port Operations and Agency Manager, JLS Yachts, at the 2025 Superyacht Times Gulf Superyacht Summit in Abu Dhabi.
“Normally it would take about 2-4 days to get the permit, now JLS Yachts can get it in one hour, and we are the only agent the moment who can do that.”
This follows a series of developments by the UAE government to streamline the entry and exit process for superyachts seeking to cruise the Arabian Gulf and to promote yacht tourism overall.
In October, the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) announced the soft launch of a new integrated online platform, allowing yacht owners to book marina berths across Dubai through mobile and computer.
In addition, the Dubai Marine Authority introduced the “Dock and Dine” scheme, an initiative that gives yacht owners, captains, and crew members access to services across Dubai’s marine offerings.
According to the Superyacht Times 2025 Gulf Superyacht Report, 205 superyachts, 30 meters and above, were detected cruising or transiting the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, an increase from 198 yachts in 2024.
“This new access will allow JLS Yachts LLC to process and issue permits almost instantly, significantly enhancing operational efficiency for visiting and home-port yachts. MOEI has confirmed that instant approvals will remain restricted to a select group of authorized partners in the future,” said JLS Yachts.
Until 2024, JLS has processed over 100 entry/exit permits and 85 boat registrations in the region alone, with branches in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the Maldives.
At this year’s Qatar Boat Show, JLS inked an agreement with Old Doha Port in a regional partnership designed to strengthen the region’s maritime offerings.
Featured Image: Dubai Creek Marina, UAE.