In a move to strengthen its position as a global hub for luxury tourism and maritime excellence, Abu Dhabi has introduced the Golden Quay Visa, a specialized long-term residency program designed exclusively for super yacht owners and key figures in the maritime sector. This initiative is an extension of the UAE’s prestigious Golden Visa framework, offering enhanced residency benefits to individuals who contribute to the growth and development of the luxury yachting industry.

With the launch of this initiative, Abu Dhabi aims to establish itself as a premier destination for high-net-worth individuals who seek world-class marina facilities, seamless business opportunities, and unparalleled lifestyle experiences.

Eligibility Criteria and Program Overview

The Golden Quay Visa is developed in partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi (Department of Culture and Tourism), ADIO (Abu Dhabi Investment Office), and Yas Marina. This collaboration ensures that the program is tailored to meet the needs of the global yachting community while supporting Abu Dhabi’s broader economic and tourism strategies.

To be eligible for this exclusive residency program, applicants must meet specific criteria, primarily focused on yacht size and industry involvement:

• Superyacht Owners: The yacht must be a minimum of 40 meters in length to qualify.
• Maritime Industry Executives: The visa is extended to C-suite executives, founders, and senior managers in companies specializing in yacht construction, maintenance, and related maritime services.
• Central Yacht Agents and Service Providers: Professionals playing a vital role in yacht sales, brokerage, and high-end maritime services are also eligible.

By broadening eligibility beyond yacht owners, Abu Dhabi aims to attract a full spectrum of industry leaders, fostering a thriving ecosystem for maritime innovation, investment, and tourism.

Abu Dhabi’s Strategic Vision: Establishing a Global Luxury Maritime Destination

The introduction of the Golden Quay Visa aligns with Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision to elevate its standing in the luxury tourism and maritime industries. This ambition was recently reinforced by the UAE’s prominent participation in the Monaco Yacht Show, one of the most prestigious events in the global yachting calendar.

During the event, Hareb Al Mheiri, Executive Director of ADIO, emphasized that the Golden Quay initiative is a pivotal step toward enhancing Abu Dhabi’s appeal to ultra-high-net-worth individuals and luxury maritime investors. The program is expected to:

• Position Abu Dhabi as a key hub for super yacht tourism in the Middle East.
• Encourage foreign direct investment into the emirate’s maritime infrastructure.
• Drive economic growth by integrating the luxury yacht sector with high-end tourism, premium retail, and upscale hospitality services.

By welcoming elite yacht owners and industry pioneers, Abu Dhabi is not only expanding its tourism offerings but also creating new business opportunities for investors in real estate, leisure, and marine technology.

Exclusive Benefits of the Golden Quay Residency Program

To make the Golden Quay Visa an attractive proposition, the Abu Dhabi government has introduced a range of compelling benefits, designed to offer unparalleled flexibility and incentives for visa holders. These include:

✅ Renewable 10-Year Residency – Long-term residency status ensures stability for yacht owners and industry executives.
✅ No National Sponsorship Requirement – Unlike other visa programs, applicants do not need a local sponsor to obtain residency.
✅ Full Mainland Business Ownership – Holders of the Golden Quay Visa can establish and run businesses in Abu Dhabi’s mainland without requiring an Emirati partner.
✅ Tailored VIP Tourism Experiences – Personalized luxury tourism services, concierge support, and high-end lifestyle privileges designed exclusively for visa holders.
✅ Access to World-Class Marinas – Exclusive docking, berthing, and maintenance benefits at Yas Marina and other premium yachting facilities in Abu Dhabi.

By offering these high-value incentives, Abu Dhabi is creating one of the most attractive residency options for high-net-worth individuals involved in the luxury maritime sector.

Integration with Abu Dhabi’s Golden Visa Program and Future Outlook

The Golden Quay Visa seamlessly integrates into Abu Dhabi’s existing Golden Visa framework, which already grants long-term residency to investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and specialized professionals across various industries. The expansion of the program into the maritime sector demonstrates the government’s proactive approach to diversifying its economy, focusing on luxury tourism and international business partnerships.

To streamline the application process, Yas Marina and ADIO will oversee the evaluation and approval of applications, ensuring alignment with Abu Dhabi’s broader Tourism Strategy 2030. This initiative is expected to play a crucial role in the emirate’s ambitious plans for economic diversification, positioning Abu Dhabi as a global leader in luxury tourism, maritime services, and high-end residency programs.

With the Golden Quay Visa, Abu Dhabi is set to redefine the global yachting experience, offering an unmatched combination of business-friendly policies, luxury living, and world-class maritime infrastructure.