Questions & answers
What owners ask us
Registration, foreign flags, radio licensing and port calls — answered by the team that files them. If your question is not here, ask us directly and we will answer it properly.
Registering a vessel in the UAE
Do I have to visit a government office to register my boat?
No. The process is fully online and paper-free, from document submission to application tracking to approvals. Ibhar submits and tracks every interaction with DMA, MOEI and TDRA on your behalf, including through DMA's smart digital platforms.
Can a foreign national or a foreign company register a vessel under the UAE flag?
Yes. The Maritime Law introduced by Federal Decree No. 43 of 2023 widened eligibility to include vessels owned by foreign entities and individuals, as well as vessels still under construction and bareboat-chartered vessels. Ibhar handles the MOEI enrolment in these cases.
Does my vessel need a radio licence, call sign and MMSI number?
Onboard wireless communication equipment must be authorised by TDRA for all recreational vessels over 10.6 metres in length and all commercial ships. That covers the Ship Station Licence, the official Call Sign and the Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number. Ibhar also registers onboard emergency beacons such as EPIRBs with TDRA.
How do I transfer ownership of a boat in the UAE?
Through a bill of sale and a transfer of ownership registration. Ibhar prepares, notarises and legalises the ownership documentation so the title meets MOEI's requirements, then registers the change.
I am selling or exporting my vessel abroad. What happens to the registration?
It is cancelled, and there are two forms. A normal cancellation removes the vessel from the register. A cancellation with export is used when the vessel is leaving the country. Ibhar manages de-registration with MOEI either way.
Who carries out the inspection and tonnage measurement?
DMA-approved surveyors and recognised classification societies. Ibhar liaises with them to arrange the mandatory vessel inspections, tonnage measurements and safety checks, and submits the survey reports digitally to the relevant authority.
Foreign flags and visiting vessels
Which foreign flags can Ibhar register my yacht under?
Eight registries: the United Kingdom, Poland, San Marino, Langkawi, St Kitts, the Netherlands, Malta and Belgium. Ibhar prepares and submits the documentation to the chosen registry, expedites the provisional certificate that is often needed for immediate delivery, and follows through until the permanent Certificate of Registry is issued.
How do I choose between the UAE flag and a foreign flag?
It depends on the vessel's size and use, your financing structure, the routes you operate and your crew's nationality. Ibhar advises on the choice across its registry network. If the vessel is financed, the registration can be structured to meet an international bank's security requirements, including ship mortgage registration.
I am visiting Dubai on a foreign-flagged yacht. What do I need to navigate legally?
A temporary vessel operator licence, issued through the DMA, which allows foreign nationals to navigate Dubai waters legally during their stay. Ibhar facilitates fast-track online issuance for visiting international vessels and their guests.
Do you act as a yacht agent for a port call?
Yes. Port entry and clearance with port authorities, coast guard and harbourmasters; customs and immigration paperwork for guests and crew; bunkering and fuel supply; crew support including shore passes and crew changes; and provisions or urgent spare parts delivered to your berth. The agency team is available 24/7, whether you are docking in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Ras Al Khaimah.
Insurance and crew
Do you arrange marine insurance?
Yes — comprehensive hull insurance and third-party liability cover for boats and yachts, arranged alongside registration rather than as a separate errand.
Do you handle captain licences?
Yes. Ibhar issues, renews, amends and cancels captain licences, with guidance from the team at each step.
Working with Ibhar
How much does registration cost, and how long does it take?
Both depend on the vessel, the service and which authority is involved, so we quote case by case rather than publish a price list. Send us the vessel details through the registration form or on WhatsApp and we will come back to you with the cost and the expected timeline.
Where are your offices and when are you open?
Seven marina locations: Dubai Marina Yacht Club (Berth G-28, floating kiosk), Mina Rashid Marina at Port Rashid, JA Marina at Jebel Ali, Dubai Creek Marina at Park Hyatt, Dubai Harbour, Palm Jumeirah Marina East, and Yas Marina on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Opening hours are 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Saturday, closed on Sunday.