To help bring the country into line with other registry states, the UAE has issued new regulations for private yachts over 24m (79ft).

The new rules have no restrictions on the number of people onboard, the construction material or most other key specifications. Compliance has also been delegated to established classification societies rather than a dedicated team of UAE inspectors.

Meanwhile, other national regulations — described recently by Gulf Craft chief executive, Nasser Alshaali, as "archaic" — are seen to still be holding back healthy development of the yachting industry in the UAE. These include rules applying to foreign yachts which are limited to a two week stay — and the need for a permit in order to leave a marina.

"Unless the regulatory environment surrounding marine and yachting improves — such as removal of ownership restrictions, support for maritime mortgages, and freedom of movement between ports — the growth of this industry will always be limited," says Alshaali.


Superyacht Business, 17 March 2010