To stay ahead of its Saudi peers, in wowing the ultra-wealthy, Abu Dhabi is offering residency visas to millionaires with superyachts 132 feet and longer

While some might associate the Golden Visa scheme with tourism, its true purpose is far more ambitious. Abu Dhabi’s Golden Quay initiative offers 10-year Golden Visas exclusively to superyacht owners, signaling a strategic effort to attract high-net-worth individuals. This move not only invites them to explore the emirate’s luxurious offerings but also encourages substantial investment in Abu Dhabi’s thriving economy.

The initiative, a collaboration between the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), and Yas Marina, aims to provide superyacht owners with seamless access to long-term residency. Through the Golden Quay, yacht owners can also benefit from unparalleled access to the emirate’s investment opportunities. Aligned with the UAE’s Tourism Strategy 2030, this initiative also extends to executives in the yachting industry, shareholders of yacht-building companies, central yacht agents, yacht service providers, and yacht insurance providers.

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Moreover, immediate family members of applicants are eligible for inclusion, as reported by Khaleej Times. While the direct access to Abu Dhabi’s investment landscape is a compelling business incentive, the Golden Quay also offers premium berthing facilities at Yas Marina, solidifying Abu Dhabi as a top-tier maritime luxury destination.

Yas Marina, part of the sprawling Yas Island, is a renowned leisure and entertainment hub that houses attractions like Ferrari World and the Yas Marina Circuit. With 227 berths, it accommodates yachts ranging from smaller vessels to superyachts up to 45 meters in length.

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In comparison, Sindalah, part of Saudi Arabia’s Neom mega-project, features 86 berths for yachts up to 165 feet, with buoys positioned just outside the harbor to accommodate yachts as large as 550 feet. Both destinations stand as symbols of luxury and sophistication, with upscale dining and other high-end offerings. However, with the introduction of the Golden Quay initiative, the UAE may have taken a significant lead in attracting the world’s most exclusive maritime clientele.