Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah have joined forces to strengthen the UAE as an international yachting destination. The newly established UAE Yachting Alliance is intended to improve connections between the three emirates and simplify cruising for yachts.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing the UAE Yachting Alliance.
The agreement was signed on the opening day of the Monaco Yacht Show and marks the first formal collaboration of its kind between the three emirates in the yachting sector.
The initiative is intended to create a joint platform through which Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah can engage with the international yachting industry and promote the UAE as an interconnected yachting destination. The partners also aim to attract more yacht owners, charter operators and marine tourism companies to the region.
A key focus will be the development of integrated cruising routes and yachting itineraries between the three emirates. The partners want to make it easier for yachts to move between destinations and encourage owners and charter guests to include several emirates in a single itinerary.
The three destinations already offer a broad range of yachting infrastructure and cruising areas, including marinas and waterfront developments as well as islands, beaches and cultural destinations. Ras Al Khaimah also adds access to the mountainous north of the UAE.
In addition to developing cruising routes, the alliance plans to coordinate its international activities. This will include joint appearances at yacht shows and marine tourism events as well as shared marketing activities and destination content.
Another focus will be on advocating for more streamlined processes for superyachts. According to the partners, a more coordinated approach is intended to strengthen the UAE’s marine tourism sector and make it easier for yachts and their guests to visit several emirates during one stay.
