In the United Arab Emirates, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Coast guard (Abu Dhabi: National Guard): 996. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
Source: u.ae · authority: use the emergency number · checked 14 October 2026 Official wording ▾
u.ae/en/information-and-services/justice-safety-and-the-law/Safety/handling-emergencies (updated 01 Oct 2026; checked 2026-10-14) — “999 for Police … 996 for Coastguard 995 for Find and Rescue”; “If you are in Abu Dhabi, call National Guard on 996. … If you are in other emirates, call the police on 999.”; Dubai Maritime Authority Boating Safety Guide: “999 / Police Operations in Dubai. • 996 / Coast Guard Operations”
999Ask for the CoastguardCoast guard (Abu Dhabi: National Guard): 996
Boating in United Arab Emirates: what to know
From official sources · checked 2026-10-14
On the radio
In and near Abu Dhabi port areas, the Vessel Traffic and Information System broadcasts instructions on VHF. Boats with radios must monitor the right channels for their area, especially Channel 16 (emergencies). The UAE Coast Guard emergency line at sea is 996.
Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (Visit Abu Dhabi) · Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (Visit Abu Dhabi) ▾
visitabudhabi.ae (2026-10-14): “When travelling in or near port areas, listen for navigation updates from the Vessel Traffic and Information System (VTIS), which broadcasts instructions on VHF radio. Boats with radios must monitor the appropriate channels for their area, especially Channel 16, which is reserved for emergencies.”
visitabudhabi.ae (2026-10-14): “For urgent assistance at sea, immediately call the UAE Coast Guard emergency line at 996”
Weather and season
The National Center of Meteorology runs 'Al Bahar', its marine weather service with sea conditions, warnings and a marine bulletin (archived copy from 2022; the live NCM site was not reachable).
National Center of Meteorology (UAE) ▾
web.archive.org (2026-10-14, archived): “Al Bahar | Marine Meteorological Services from National Center of Meteorology”
Rules: life jackets, licence, charter
In Abu Dhabi, children under 10 must wear a life jacket at all times on a boat. Every rider on a jet ski or other personal watercraft must wear one too.
Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (Visit Abu Dhabi) ▾
visitabudhabi.ae (2026-10-14): “children under the age of 10 must wear a life jacket at all times while aboard a boat, and all riders on personal watercraft like jet skis must wear one, regardless of age or swimming ability.”
In Abu Dhabi, every motorised craft must be registered, and at least one person on board must hold a valid boating licence issued through the Unified Marine Permit Center. Crewed tours and charters handle the licensing themselves.
Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (Visit Abu Dhabi) ▾
visitabudhabi.ae (2026-10-14): “All motorised watercraft, regardless of size, must be registered, and at least one person on board must hold a valid boating licence issued through the Unified Marine Permit Center”
A private yacht cruising for recreation usually gets a six-month Cruising Permit. Commercial charter needs a one-year Navigation Permit from the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.
Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (Visit Abu Dhabi) ▾
visitabudhabi.ae (2026-10-14): “For recreational cruising, most private yachts are issued a six-month Cruising Permit. If you're chartering commercially, you’ll need to apply for a one-year Navigation Permit via the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.”
Official warnings
Many areas of the Gulf are highly sensitive, including near maritime boundaries and the islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs. The authorities have detained and inspected vessels entering them.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “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.”
Take care at sea in the Strait of Hormuz, where tense encounters could lead to vessels and passengers being detained.
Government of Canada (travel.gc.ca) ▾
travel.gc.ca (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “Be cautious if you travel by sea in the Strait of Hormuz due to tense encounters that could lead to vessel and passenger detention.”
Arriving by boat
For a private yacht arriving in Abu Dhabi, a licensed local agent must submit the yacht's documents at least 7 days before arrival. The agent files the voyage plan via MAQTA Gateway at least 48 hours ahead, and AIS must stay on at all times in UAE waters.
Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (Visit Abu Dhabi) · Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (Visit Abu Dhabi) ▾
visitabudhabi.ae (2026-10-14): “This includes appointing a licensed local agent who must submit documents at least 7 days before arrival”
visitabudhabi.ae (2026-10-14): “The yacht must also be equipped with a functioning Automatic Identification System (AIS) that is powered on at all times while in UAE waters.”
What number do I call for help at sea in the United Arab Emirates?+
In the United Arab Emirates, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Coast guard (Abu Dhabi: National Guard): 996. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
Does 112 work in the United Arab Emirates?+
999 is the number the authorities in the United Arab Emirates give for emergencies at sea. Many phones also pass 112 on, but we found no official confirmation for the United Arab Emirates.
Which rescue centre is responsible for me?+
The one whose search-and-rescue area you are in — not the country of your SIM card. Near borders that can change during a trip; the VesselSOS app picks it from your GPS position.
Do I need a licence to skipper a boat in the United Arab Emirates?+
In Abu Dhabi, every motorised craft must be registered, and at least one person on board must hold a valid boating licence issued through the Unified Marine Permit Center. Crewed tours and charters handle the licensing themselves.
Are life jackets compulsory in the United Arab Emirates?+
In Abu Dhabi, children under 10 must wear a life jacket at all times on a boat. Every rider on a jet ski or other personal watercraft must wear one too.
Where do I get the marine weather forecast for the United Arab Emirates?+
The National Center of Meteorology runs 'Al Bahar', its marine weather service with sea conditions, warnings and a marine bulletin (archived copy from 2022; the live NCM site was not reachable).
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