Dubai's New Visa for Yacht Crews
Dubai Unveils New Multi-Entry Visa System for Yacht Crew
During the Dubai International Boat Show, which runs until February 23, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) announced that yacht crews can apply for a multi-entry visa. This new system is part of services specifically designed for the maritime community and the yachting industry, further strengthening Dubai's position at the forefront of global boat shows.
Details of the Multi-Entry Visa
The new visa is valid for six months and allows yacht crews to enter the country multiple times within this period. The announcement was made during the 2025 Dubai International Boat Show, which began on February 19 at Dubai Harbour and runs until February 23. The event, held for the 31st time, has grown to become one of the largest international boat shows in the Middle East. It serves as an essential platform not only for the local maritime industry but also offers a chance for the global audience to explore the latest trends and innovations.
GDRFA showcased numerous specialized services at the exhibition aimed at meeting the needs of the yachting industry and the maritime community. These services include the Mobile Marina, Work Bundle, Platform 04, and the Dubai Residency Community Network. Not only do these services simplify visa matters, but they also contribute to making Dubai more appealing to the international maritime community.
Visa Systems Spreading in the Region
The new visa system is not unique to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In December 2023, Abu Dhabi announced that it would offer gold visas to superyacht owners. This program focuses on attracting high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) and offers exclusive benefits such as luxury lifestyle experiences, business opportunities, and long-term residency options for families.
The UAE's gold visa system offers numerous advantages, including allowing the owner to spend more than six months outside the country and extending the visa validity up to ten years. This system aims for long-term investment and settlement and increases the country's appeal to international investors and high-income individuals.
Why Is This Step Important?
Dubai and the UAE are increasingly becoming centers for the global maritime and luxury industries. The new visa systems not only ease life for yacht crews and owners but also make the country more attractive to international investors and high-income individuals. The services created for the maritime community and long-term residency options further strengthen the country's economic diversification strategy, which builds on tourism, trade, and investment alongside oil.
The Dubai International Boat Show and the announcement of the new visa system clearly indicate that the UAE takes the development of the maritime industry seriously and is doing everything to make the region a central hub in the global boat industry. If you are a member of the maritime community or simply interested in the world of luxury yachts, it's worth keeping an eye on these developments – as Dubai and the UAE increasingly become a land of opportunities.
