The new service, introduced by the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation under the title Dubai Sea Guests Pick-Up and Drop-Off, will provide guest transportation between participating marinas and private boats and yachts registered in Dubai, as well as approved foreign yachts visiting the emirate.

The initiative forms part of wider efforts by the Dubai Maritime Authority to enhance the quality of maritime services and improve the experience for yacht owners, guests and international visitors using Dubai’s growing marina network.

New Service Connects Marinas and Private Vessels

The Sea Guests Pick-Up and Drop-Off service is designed to simplify access to private marine vessels by allowing guests to be transported directly between marina facilities and boats moored in Dubai waters.

The service will apply to private marine vessels registered with the Dubai Maritime Authority as well as foreign visiting yachts that have been granted permission to sail in the emirate.

Officials say the initiative is intended to deliver a more seamless, comfortable and premium guest experience in line with Dubai’s ambitions to position itself among the world’s leading yachting and marine tourism destinations.

Service Begins at Key Dubai Marinas

Implementation of the new initiative has already begun in cooperation with several major marinas across Dubai.

The first locations participating in the service include Port Rashid Marina, Jumeirah 1 Marina, Dubai Harbour Marina and JA Hotel Marina.

Authorities said the service will be available around the clock through marina management teams, subject to compliance with safety regulations and operating requirements.

Documents Required for Access

To use the new service, vessel owners and operators will need to provide documentation that confirms vessel ownership and, where applicable, sailing permits for visiting foreign yachts.

The Dubai Maritime Authority said the requirements are designed to ensure operational safety, regulatory compliance and the smooth execution of guest transfers.

By establishing a clear framework for participation, the authority aims to support efficient movement while maintaining oversight across Dubai’s busy maritime environment.

Supports Thousands of Private Marine Vessels

The service is expected to support a substantial portion of Dubai’s private maritime sector.

According to the authority, the emirate currently has 3,491 private marine vessels registered with Dubai Maritime Authority, in addition to foreign yachts that receive permission to enter and sail in local waters.

The initiative is intended to complement this growing vessel base by making private marine travel more convenient for owners and their guests.

Part of Dubai’s Marine Tourism Strategy

Officials say the new transfer service is closely aligned with Dubai’s broader efforts to expand marine tourism and strengthen integration between marinas, leisure experiences and the hospitality sector.

By improving access to yachts and private boats, the authority hopes to support smoother movement between different waterfront destinations across the city while enhancing the overall visitor experience.

The service also reflects continued investment in the infrastructure and operational systems needed to support Dubai’s expanding role in luxury marine travel.

Dubai’s Marina Network Continues to Grow

Dubai is already home to 20 marinas offering more than 4,214 berths of various sizes, many of which are designed to accommodate large leisure boats and luxury yachts.

The city’s marina infrastructure has become an increasingly important part of its tourism and lifestyle offering, attracting both regional boat owners and international yachting visitors.

In 2025 alone, Dubai Maritime Authority received 210 applications for entry permits from foreign visiting yachts, underlining growing international interest in the emirate as a yachting destination.

Focus on Service Quality and Maritime Excellence

Dubai Maritime Authority said the initiative will help improve the movement of private marine vessels and their guests across the emirate while also raising service standards in the maritime transport sector.

The authority sees the programme as an extension of its wider mission to support tourism growth, improve quality of life and enhance the efficiency of Dubai’s marine ecosystem.

As Dubai continues to invest in maritime infrastructure and waterfront development, services such as the new guest transfer programme are likely to play an increasingly visible role in shaping the city’s premium marine tourism experience.