Dubai has unveiled an ambitious new program designed to cement its position as the world’s premier yachting destination. The Dubai Maritime Authority and Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism announced the launch of the Dock & Dine initiative on September 1, 2025, creating seamless connections between luxury dining and marina experiences across the emirate.
The comprehensive program encompasses 20 premier marinas and marine stations throughout Dubai, offering yacht owners and guests unprecedented access to world-class waterfront dining within a convenient 45-minute to one-hour sailing radius. The initiative directly supports Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33, which aims to strengthen the city’s global standing in business and leisure tourism.
Under the new system, yacht visitors will enjoy significant benefits including complimentary moorage at participating locations, rapid booking responses within five minutes to one hour, direct restaurant communication for table reservations, and dedicated dock tenders for seamless transfers. Streamlined regulations now provide a standardized, hassle-free experience across all participating venues.
“The Dock & Dine initiative represents the forward-thinking approach that has defined Dubai’s maritime development,” said Sheikh Dr. Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, CEO of the Dubai Maritime Authority. “We have harmonized marina regulations and enhanced operational processes to improve the arrival experience for foreign-flagged vessels while ensuring world-class service.”
The timing capitalizes on Dubai’s peak yachting season from October to April, when favorable weather conditions and the city’s vibrant event calendar attract international visitors seeking unique maritime and culinary adventures. With over 4,000 berths available, Dubai can accommodate vessels ranging from pleasure craft to superyachts.
Participating marinas include prestigious locations such as Bulgari Marina, Dubai Harbour Marinas, Palm Jumeirah Marina, and Mina Rashid Marina, among others. The initiative leverages Dubai’s growing culinary reputation, highlighted by the recent MICHELIN Guide Dubai featuring 119 restaurants.
Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, emphasized the program’s broader impact: “This initiative enriches our value proposition as the ideal base for international yacht tourism while fostering sustainable growth that benefits residents, visitors, and the economy.”The launch underscores Dubai’s strategic maritime advantages, including its location between East and West, simplified entry procedures, and tailored visa packages allowing foreign-flagged vessels to remain in Dubai waters for up to six months.