Yacht registration in the UAE is handled by the maritime authority of the emirate where the vessel will be berthed — Dubai Maritime Authority (DMCA), Abu Dhabi Maritime, Sharjah Ports, RAK Maritime City, or the relevant local authority. Owners must submit the bill of sale or builder's certificate, hull inspection report, marine insurance, Emirates ID or trade licence, and a marina berth contract. Fees scale with hull length; private yacht registration in Dubai costs AED 500–2,500 plus an annual renewal. Processing typically takes 7–14 working days.
Yachts are registered with the maritime authority of the emirate where they are berthed — Dubai Maritime Authority (DMCA) in Dubai, Abu Dhabi Maritime in Abu Dhabi, and the equivalent local authority in the Northern Emirates.
Initial DMCA registration for private yachts ranges from AED 500 to AED 2,500 depending on hull length, plus an annual renewal of AED 200–800. Yachts above 24 m and commercial vessels pay higher fees.
Direct individual registration usually requires UAE residency. Non-residents typically register via a UAE corporate vehicle (FZE/FZCO) or through a licensed marina-based management company. Visiting yachts can use a temporary cruising permit.
7–14 working days once all documents are submitted. Corporate ownership or non-resident structures add 2–4 weeks for trade-licence verification.