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United Arab Emirates - Facts

Oct 17, 2025
  • The UAE is a federation of seven independent states, with coastlines on the Arabian Gulf (aka Persian Gulf) and the Gulf of Oman. Abu Dhabi is the federal capital. Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Qaiwain are known as the Northern States. The interior is mainly desert.   Most of the nine million inhabitants live along the coast or in inland oases.
  • Cruising opportunities in this area are very limited due to the difficulties of sailing into the Arabian Gulf via the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Oman, however, a small number of foreign yachts venture into the area every year.
  • The piracy issues prevalent in 2011 have significantly reduced. The Gulf of Oman and sailing area from Muscat Oman, around the beautiful Musandam Peninsular and into the Arabian Gulf, are quite safe. Iran remains a no-go area, so any passage plan should stay well inside Oman and UAE territorial waters.
  • Sailing as a sport or leisure activity is growing in popularity, largely as a result of a push to get international sailing events to the country, such as the Volvo Ocean Race. This has resulted in an increase in the number of locally owned yachts (although still mainly powerboats).
  • Generally, marina facilities are of a very high standard with a large expatriate Indian workforce which means that major repairs can be done very cost-effectively. The cost of labor is cheap and the work, if properly supervised, can be done to a high standard. It is best to ask around the local sailing community for recommendations as to where to get work done and to allow for sufficient time, as specialist parts may need to be imported, for which a 5% duty fee will apply.
  • Ease of clearance depends on the preferred emirate port of arrival. Generally, allow one to two days.
  • Fuel is subsidized so petrol and diesel are all very cheap.
  • There are a number of marinas; in Ras Al Khaimah, near the border with Oman, then in Dubai, at the Dubai Golf and Yacht Club. About five kms (three miles) west of the town is the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club and in the city center is the Dubai International Marine Club and Jumeirah Palm. In Abu Dhabi, the Emirates Palace Marina is right on the ocean and easily accessible, and also suitable for very large yachts. The Yas Marina is 12 nautical miles via an inland channel in the heart of Yas Island and inside the Grand Prix Formula One circuit. There are also other options. All marinas are conveniently located near hotels, with restaurants, bars and supermarkets.

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United Arab Emirates was last updated 4 months ago
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