A new initiative in Abu Dhabi will provide Golden Visas to superyacht owners in the capital. The ‘Golden Quay’ aims to attract high-net-worth individuals to invest in and discover the opportunities in Abu Dhabi.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and Yas Marina, managed by Yas Asset Management, a subsidiary of Miral, has introduced the Golden Quay to Abu Dhabi initiative.
Eligible yacht owners will have the chance to be nominated for a 10-year UAE Golden Visa, which grants long-term residency and access to Abu Dhabi’s vibrant business environment, luxurious lifestyle, and top-tier marinas. Through the Golden Quay to Abu Dhabi initiative, these yacht owners can enjoy exceptional access to the emirate’s investment prospects while building valuable business relationships within the local economic framework.
Commitment to luxury tourism
His Excellency Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, director general for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, remarked: “The launch of Golden Quay to Abu Dhabi highlights DCT Abu Dhabi’s dedication to advancing the emirate’s luxury tourism and yachting sectors. By enhancing our superyacht offerings with seamless access to our outstanding marinas and exclusive opportunities such as the 10-year Golden Visa, we are enhancing Abu Dhabi’s already considerable allure as a premier yachting destination. We are committed to fostering the growth of the luxury sector by creating innovative avenues that attract investment and distinguished visitors to the emirate, in alignment with our Tourism Strategy 2030.”
Nominating entities and eligibility
According to the initiative’s framework, Yas Marina and ADIO will serve as the official nominating bodies, selecting private yacht owners with vessels measuring 40 meters or more, as well as key figures in the yachting industry, such as CEOs, major shareholders of yacht-building firms, central yacht agents, service providers, and insurance providers. Immediate family members of nominees will also be eligible for inclusion.
DCT Abu Dhabi will play a vital role in promoting this initiative across key tourism markets, assisting partners with customized itineraries and providing tourism-related support during nominee visits. The department will collaborate with its strategic partners to ensure that superyacht owners and investors enjoy the best of Abu Dhabi’s luxurious blend of culture and hospitality.
Connecting investors to opportunities
His Excellency Hareb Al Mheiri, executive director of ADIO, stated: “In addition to connecting superyacht owners to Abu Dhabi’s premier marinas and rich cultural experiences, this distinctive initiative will introduce high-net-worth individuals to the emirate’s remarkable investment opportunities and robust business landscape. Golden Quay to Abu Dhabi exemplifies our commitment to creating pathways for diverse investors to engage with our vibrant economy while advancing the emirate’s vision for sustainable tourism growth in the region’s most livable city.”
Enhancing Abu Dhabi’s yachting status
Jonathan Brown, chief portfolio officer at Miral, expressed: “The Golden Quay initiative is poised to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a leading yachting destination. We are proud to launch this initiative alongside DCT Abu Dhabi and ADIO. By extending the Golden Visa to yacht owners and industry executives at Yas Marina, we aim to further establish Yas as a premier global destination for entertainment and leisure. As an award-winning marina capable of accommodating superyachts, along with providing world-class dining, fitness, and leisure amenities, Yas Marina is set to play a significant role in the success of this initiative.”
This announcement follows DCT Abu Dhabi’s presence at the Monaco Yacht Show, where Abu Dhabi was featured as a top winter yachting destination. As part of the UAE Pavilion, DCT Abu Dhabi showcased the emirate’s commitment to promoting global partnerships and enhancing its luxury tourism offerings.
