Dreaming of exploring hidden islands on a day-hire boat or casting a line on a fishing trip? You’ll need more than just sunscreen and a skipper’s cap. Abu Dhabi has strict but straightforward licensing rules enforced by Abu Dhabi Maritime.

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 as per the official Abu Dhabi Maritime Guide to Safe Boating.

If you’re booking through a local tour operator or charter company, you’re in luck – they’ll have all the necessary documentation and licensing handled. But if you're an independent sailor or arriving with your own private yacht, the requirements, listed in Abu Dhabi Maritime’s Foreign Yacht Clearance Formalities Process, are more extensive.

This includes appointing a licensed local agent who must submit documents at least 7 days before arrival, including vessel registration, insurance, safety certificates and crew details. At least 48 hours prior to arrival, your agent must file your voyage plan via MAQTA Gateway and register the yacht in the Abu Dhabi Ports API system. The yacht must also be equipped with a functioning Automatic Identification System (AIS) that is powered on at all times while in UAE waters.

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.

Jet skis and other personal watercraft (PWCs) are an exhilarating way to explore Abu Dhabi’s coastline, but they’re also governed by strict safety regulations designed to protect riders and the marine environment. These rules are clearly and conveniently outlined in Abu Dhabi Maritime’s Personal Watercraft Handbook and Jet Ski Regulations guidelines.

To operate a PWC, you must be at least 18 years old, while those aged 14 to 17 can ride under the supervision of a licensed adult. Every PWC must be licensed with Abu Dhabi Maritime, and should display its registration clearly on the hull. (If you're renting, licensed water sports operators will handle the paperwork, safety briefings and vessel compliance on your behalf.)

PWCs are only permitted between sunrise and sunset, and riders must always wear a lifejacket and carry a whistle and a kill-switch lanyard. These items are not optional; they’re required under local law.

When on the water, safety spacing is crucial. Keep a minimum of 60 metres from swimmers and at least 30 metres from other boats. You must stay within one nautical mile of the shore and avoid entering marine protected areas, where jet skis are strictly prohibited due to their environmental impact.

Finally, reckless or high-speed riding near others is considered dangerous and illegal. Violations can lead to fines or even the confiscation of your vessel. So while the thrill is real, the rules are there to make sure everyone can enjoy the sea safely.

Out at sea, life jackets play a key role in overall water safety and are legally required in many marine scenarios: 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. If you’re planning any water-based activity away from shore – like kayaking or boating – it’s strongly recommended to wear a properly fitted life jacket even if you’re a confident swimmer.

On shore, Abu Dhabi’s beaches are patrolled by lifeguards and follow a clear flag system to indicate swimming conditions: red means no swimming, yellow urges caution and green signals it’s safe to enter the water. Always swim within designated zones and avoid straying too far from the shore. Disregarding these flags is one of the leading causes of beach rescues in the UAE, especially when swimmers venture into off-limits or unsupervised areas.

During the summer peak (particularly July and August), plan your swim or sea outing for the early morning or late afternoon to avoid intense heat and sun exposure. Swimming after dark is not advised, and in some areas, it’s not allowed. If in doubt, always check with staff on site – lifeguards and beach officials are there to help keep you safe and informed.

Public beaches in Abu Dhabi are shared among families, groups, couples and solo travellers, with a mix of residents and visitors. That's why Abu Dhabi beach rules discourage public displays of affection and loud music.

Littering is strictly not tolerated, and it’s considered impolite to take photos of others without their permission. Fines for invasive photography can be steep, so when in doubt, focus on sunsets, not faces.

Many parts of Abu Dhabi’s coastline are designated marine protected areas, where wildlife, coral reefs and coastal ecosystems are carefully preserved. If you’re visiting places like Mangrove National Park or remote island beaches in protected areas, your actions matter.

Always stay on marked trails or approved access routes, and avoid feeding or disturbing wildlife. Even seemingly harmless gestures, like throwing food to fish or getting too close to a turtle, can disrupt natural behaviours and delicate ecosystems. Shells, corals and sand must be left untouched – collecting them is strictly prohibited in MPAs and contributes to long-term habitat degradation.

Garbage disposal is also tightly regulated: no litter or even biodegradable waste should be left behind or discharged, particularly in or near protected waters. If you’re heading out on a boat, make sure your waste is collected and returned to shore for proper disposal.

These simple steps go a long way in helping Abu Dhabi remain a destination where nature and recreation thrive side by side. Every visitor plays a part in protecting this extraordinary environment.