Boating & Sailing
The UAE is a very appropriate place to own a yacht, boat or something that floats on the water. Sailing or boating means an activity with the use of a vessel (powered by wind or engine) for recreational purposes or even for some sports. This is a very popular hobby in the whole of the Emirates. The Emiratis (UAE nationals) have a strong and historical connection to the sea – what the desert was not able to provide, the azure seas of the Arabian coast made well up for it.
For fishermen, traders, pearl divers or explorers, the sea was the home of their vessels. You will still find almost every city close to the sea was where the permanent settlement of the UAE started. It is a real art of knowing how to control and how to bridle the sail on the sea. The UAE is also famous for their old wooden sailing boats, which still belong to the coastal pictures of the UAE. The Dows cut the sky with their sails. There are regular races with these traditional vessels.
If you are going by night along the coast or along the creek, with friends or with your ‘special someone’ on a romantic trip, fishing or pulling the ring or even just to laying down on your boat, boating is always fun. In Dubai, you can make the promise true and sail to the end of ‘The World.’
The regulations in the UAE are quite simple and friendly for all sailors. License is only required for big yachts a driving . Insurance is recommended, but not also a must. Before setting the sails, you only need to inform the coastguard prior to leaving the harbour to get your sailing permit.
The permit is also free – you just need to go to the coastguard post at your harbour. You also can apply by Fax: 04 3459458 (you need the required form) or your Marina will provide the service (they may charge for it). Unfortunately, berths are expensive as in the most metropolitan cities. Most of the time the weather is great for sailors and storms are rare, but you should always check the forecast first. (but there is a lot of sea traffic, though)
Government Links:
- www.nat.gov.ae
- www.dubaicoast.ae/
Coastguard:
- Dubai : 04 345 0260
- Abu Dhabi 02 6158666
- Fujairah 09 2380380
- Ras Al Khaimah 07 2446477
- Sharjah 06 5282999
Registration of boats:
- www.nat.gov.ae
Weather info:
www.freemeteo.com or 042162218 (automatic weather info)
www.freemeteo.com/default.asp?pid=57&la=1&mgid=1355558&nDate=0
Please refer to related chapters: Fishing and Wakeboarding