The Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA), part of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, and the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to strengthen coordination and improve the regulation of maritime traffic and services between Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah.
The agreement focuses on developing unified operational procedures for the movement of visiting foreign yachts and leisure boats between the two emirates.
It also aims to improve coordination between relevant government entities and support the efficient delivery of maritime services.
The memorandum was signed by Sheikh Dr. Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Maritime Authority, and Eng. Esmaeel Hasan Al Blooshi, Director General of the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority, in the presence of Dr. Rashed Rashed Al Mahrazi, Director General of the Ras Al Khaimah Customs Department, and officials from both organizations.
Unified framework for yacht movement
The agreement aligns with the strategic objectives of the governments of Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah to strengthen institutional cooperation, improve government integration, and support economic and logistics development.
Under the memorandum, the two authorities will prepare a unified procedural guide governing the movement of visiting foreign yachts and leisure boats between the two emirates.
The guide will define the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders involved in the process. These include government authorities, maritime agents, vessel owners and operators, crew members, and operators of tourism marinas.
The framework is expected to standardize procedures, improve operational efficiency, and provide greater clarity for the maritime sector.
Sheikh Dr. Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum CEO – DMA
“The memorandum will strengthen coordination between maritime authorities and establish a more efficient framework for regulating the movement of visiting foreign yachts between Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. The partnership will help standardize procedures, enhance digital integration, and improve maritime services, supporting the growth of the sector and the UAE’s blue economy.”
Eng. Esmaeel Hasan Al Blooshi, Director General of the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority, remarked that, “The memorandum reflects the commitment of both authorities to strengthening government cooperation and establishing an integrated framework for regulating the movement of visiting foreign yachts. He added that the partnership will support maritime tourism, improve service quality, and strengthen Ras Al Khaimah’s competitiveness as a marine tourism destination.”
The cooperation also provides for the establishment of a joint working team to oversee the implementation of initiatives under the agreement.
The team will develop coordination mechanisms, monitor progress, and ensure that projects are implemented effectively in line with the objectives agreed upon by both authorities.
