Luxury yacht owners now have a direct route to long-term UAE residency. Abu Dhabi has launched the Golden Quay to Abu Dhabi initiative, enabling eligible superyacht owners and yachting industry executives to apply for a 10-year UAE Golden Visa — one of the most valuable residency instruments in the region.
The program was developed by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and Yas Marina, and is aimed at drawing high-net-worth individuals to Abu Dhabi's growing luxury maritime sector.
Who Qualifies for the UAE Golden Visa Through Golden Quay
The initiative is open to private yacht owners with vessels 40 metres or larger. Beyond owners, the program extends to key executives across the yachting industry, including:
- CEOs and major shareholders of yacht-building companies - Central yacht agents and yacht service providers - Yacht insurance providers - Immediate family members of approved nominees
Crucially, applicants do not need a berthing agreement at Yas Marina to be eligible. Nominations are processed through Yas Marina and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, which serve as the official nominating bodies. Once approved, visa issuance proceeds through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.
Full details and the application pathway are available at www.goldenquay.ae.
Abu Dhabi's Vision for Luxury Yachting
The announcement followed DCT Abu Dhabi's presence at the Monaco Yacht Show, where officials promoted Abu Dhabi as a premier superyacht charter destination.
Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director-General of Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said the emirate is committed to providing "easy access to modern, standardised marinas" alongside world-class marine infrastructure and services for visiting yacht owners.
Economic Benefits and Long-Term Residency
Hareb Al Mheiri, Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, highlighted the value proposition for yacht owners: premium berthing access paired with Abu Dhabi's broader cultural and investment opportunities.
Jonathan Brown, Chief Asset Officer at Miral, noted that adding yacht ownership and executive club membership to the Golden Visa framework strengthens Yas Island's position as a specialised global leisure destination.
UAE Golden Visa holders benefit from long-term residency stability, the ability to invest and work without needing a local sponsor, and family inclusion under the same residency benefits.
Why the UAE Remains a Top Destination for the Ultra-Wealthy
The UAE's appeal to high-net-worth individuals remains strong. As of 2024, the country is home to 116,500 millionaires, 308 centi-millionaires, and 20 billionaires — a concentration of wealth that makes luxury lifestyle programs like Golden Quay a natural fit.
The Golden Quay initiative aligns directly with Abu Dhabi's long-term sustainable tourism strategy and its ambition to become the Middle East's leading hub for superyacht travel and ownership.
