DUBAI COAST: DUBAI HARBOUR, DUBAI MARINA AND PALM JUMEIRAH, ARABIAN GULF

Dubai: boating safety

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Dubai is the Gulf's largest yachting centre, with big marinas at Dubai Harbour and Dubai Marina along the Jumeirah coast and a large day-charter fleet. Cruising is mostly coastal, along the city waterfront and around Palm Jumeirah.

LIFE IN DANGER AT SEA
Call 999
Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF 16, or DSC on channel 70.

United Arab Emirates: all rescue numbers → On the rescue map → Print an emergency card →

Harbour and marinas

Dubai Harbour Marinas has Harbour Marina for charter boats and Bay Marina for superyachts and private owners, with berths for yachts up to 160 m. Dubai Marina Yacht Club offers sheltered berthing for over 550 yachts.

Dubai Harbour · Dubai Marina Yacht Club ▾
dubaiharbour.com (2026-10-14): “Harbour Marina for charter vessels, and Bay Marina for superyachts and private owners”
dubaimarinayachtclub.com (2026-10-14): “a prestigious 5 Gold Anchor award-winning marina with secure and sheltered berthing for over 550 yachts.”

Weather

The UAE National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has a marine forecast section and publishes a marine bulletin (PDF).

National Center of Meteorology (UAE) ▾
ncm.gov.ae (2026-10-14): “Bulletins Weather Bulletin PDF Marine Bulletin PDF”

Hazards

Parts of the Gulf are highly sensitive, including near maritime boundaries and the islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs; vessels entering them have been detained and inspected. Ask the local authorities before entering such waters.

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office – UAE travel advice ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14): “Many areas of the Gulf are highly sensitive, including near maritime boundaries and the islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs in the southern Gulf. The authorities have detained and inspected vessels entering these areas.”

Rip currents can occur at any beach. Tourist boats may not meet UK safety standards, so check that life jackets are available for everyone on board.

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office – UAE travel advice · UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office – UAE travel advice ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14): “Rip currents can occur at any beach and can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea.”
gov.uk (2026-10-14): “Be careful when travelling by tourist boat. The safety of these vessels may not be up to UK standards. Make sure life jackets are available for all passengers.”

Hospital and medical

Healthcare facilities in the UAE are similar to the UK's, but you may be refused treatment without travel insurance or the means to pay.

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office – UAE travel advice ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14): “Healthcare facilities in the UAE are similar to those in the UK, but you may be stopped from using them without travel insurance or without the means to pay medical fees.”

Arriving from abroad

Arriving yachts tell the marina office their ETA and berth booking; a maritime agent must book the customs inspection 12 hours before arrival, and everyone and everything must stay on board until customs clearance is complete.

Dubai Harbour · Dubai Harbour ▾
dubaiharbour.com (2026-10-14): “Inform the Marina Office of your visit, berth reservation, and ETA. Ensure your Maritime Agent schedules Customs inspection 12 hours before arrival.”
dubaiharbour.com (2026-10-14): “All crew, passengers, pets, and items must remain onboard until Customs clearance is completed.”

Frequently asked

Who do I call in an emergency at sea near Dubai?

Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.

Where do I get the marine forecast for Dubai?

The UAE National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has a marine forecast section and publishes a marine bulletin (PDF).

Read before you sail

Cold water shock and hypothermia: what to doPerson overboard: what to doEngine failure: what to do when you lose power

Nearby destinations

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