The Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) of Abu Dhabi, along with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and Yas Marina, has launched the Golden Quay to Abu Dhabi initiative, designed to attract superyacht owners and high-net-worth individuals to invest in and explore Abu Dhabi. The eligible individuals will be offered 10-year Golden Visas, enabling long-term residency and access to Abu Dhabi’s thriving business ecosystem, luxury lifestyle, and world-class marinas.
Who may get the Golden Quay to Abu Dhabi
The initiative targets yacht owners with vessels over 40 meters, their families, and key executives in the yachting industry, including CEOs, shareholders of yacht-building companies, and service providers. Yas Marina and ADIO serve as official nominators for the program.
Prospective nominees will receive an introductory email from Yas Marina. After submitting the completed consent form, Yas Marina will forward the nominee’s information and responses to the Abu Dhabi Investment Office for Golden Visa processing. Based on the nominee’s preferences and industry, customised business meetings and a bespoke itinerary will be arranged to ensure a tailored experience.
It is worth noting that having a berthing agreement at Yas Marina is not a requirement for eligibility in the Golden Quay to Abu Dhabi initiative.
The process, to sum up, involves two main steps: first, applying for the Golden Visa nomination through Yas Marina. Once approved, the applicant will then proceed with Golden Visa issuance through the Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship’s smart services or through an accredited service centre.
About Yas Marina
Yas Marina is located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, next to the famous Yas Marina Circuit racetrack, home of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The marina operates 227 fully serviced berths for yachts from 8m to 90m in LOA, with superyacht visitor berths for vessels of up to 175m in length. Yas Marina is not only one of Abu Dhabi's finest yacht clubs but also a vibrant venue offering dining, fitness, and leisure facilities.
UAE as a prime yachting destination
With luxury marinas, world-class hospitality, and a scintillating coastline, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is fast becoming one of the best yachting destinations on the planet. Over the past decade, the UAE’s superyacht infrastructure has grown significantly and now boasts a network of experts who understand the needs and demands of a busy superyacht, as well as dealers of the world-acclaimed yacht and powerboat brands like Ferretti Yachts, Custom Line, Arcadia, Frauscher, Chris-Craft, Sea Ray and many more. UAE provides the perfect winter base to explore not only the Arabian Peninsula but also the Maldives and the Seychelles. With Egypt’s investment in yachting infrastructure along the Suez Canal, Saudi Arabia’s impending NEOM development at Sindalah Island, and Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina’s already world-class facilities, the Gulf is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for yachts after the end of the Mediterranean season.
The best time to visit is indeed in the winter months, with daily highs averaging 31 degrees Celsius in November and 24 degrees Celsius in March. Though this time of year is considered the “rainy season,” getting caught in a storm is a rare occasion. The water temperature closely follows that of the air, with a January average of 24 degrees Celsius, perfect for enjoying the yacht’s water toys.
