The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and Yas Marina, operated by Yas Asset Management, a subsidiary of Miral, has launched the Golden Quay to Abu Dhabi initiative, designed to attract superyacht owners and high-net-worth individuals to invest in and explore Abu Dhabi.
The initiative offers eligible yacht owners the opportunity to be nominated for a 10-year UAE Golden Visa, enabling long-term residency and access to Abu Dhabi's thriving business ecosystem, luxury lifestyle and world-class marinas. Through Golden Quay to Abu Dhabi, yacht owners can enjoy unparalleled access to the emirate’s investment opportunities, while fostering valuable business connections within the emirate’s economic landscape.
His Excellency Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “The launch of Golden Quay to Abu Dhabi showcases DCT Abu Dhabi's commitment to driving the emirate's luxury tourism and yachting sector forward. By enhancing our superyacht offering with seamless access to our exceptional marinas and exclusive opportunities like the 10-year Golden Visa, we are adding to Abu Dhabi’s already significant appeal as a world-class yachting destination. We continue to support the growth of the luxury sector by creating innovative pathways that attract investment and high-profile visitors to the emirate, in line with our Tourism Strategy 2030.”
Under the terms of the initiative, Yas Marina and ADIO will act as the official nominating entities, selecting private yacht owners with vessels measuring 40 metres and above, as well as key executives in the yachting industry, including CEOs, major shareholders of yacht-building companies, central yacht agents, yacht service providers, and yacht insurance providers. Immediate family members of nominees are also eligible for inclusion.
DCT Abu Dhabi will play a crucial role in promoting the initiative across key tourism markets, supporting partners with tailored itineraries and providing tourism-related assistance during nominee visits. The department will work alongside its strategic partners to ensure that superyacht owners and investors experience the best of Abu Dhabi’s blend of luxury, culture and world-class hospitality.
His Excellency Hareb Al Mheiri, Executive Director of ADIO, said: “Beyond connecting superyacht owners to Abu Dhabi’s premier marinas and rich cultural experiences, this unique initiative will introduce high-net-worth individuals to the emirate’s exceptional investment opportunities and thriving business ecosystem. Golden Quay to Abu Dhabi underscores 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 liveable city.”
Jonathan Brown, Chief Portfolio Officer at Miral, said: “The Golden Quay initiative is set to bolster Abu Dhabi’s position as a key yachting destination. We are proud to launch this initiative alongside DCT Abu Dhabi and ADIO. Extending the Golden Visa to Yas Marina’s yacht owners and industry executives aims to further position Yas as a top global destination for entertainment and leisure. As an award-winning marina with the ability to cater to superyachts, alongside world-class dining, fitness and leisure facilities, Yas Marina is set to contribute to the success of this initiative.”
This announcement follows DCT Abu Dhabi’s participation at the Monaco Yacht Show, where Abu Dhabi was showcased as a premier winter yachting destination. As part of the UAE Pavilion, DCT Abu Dhabi highlighted the emirate’s commitment to fostering global partnerships and expanding its luxury tourism offerings.
For more information about the Golden Quay to Abu Dhabi, please visit www.goldenquay.ae.
