Dubai Maritime Authority updates leisure anchoring guidelines under Circular 35/2026

Dubai Maritime Authority has launched a regulatory initiative to update and standardise guidelines governing leisure anchoring and recreational mooring buoys in Dubai waters. The initiative includes Circular No. 35 of 2026, which establishes a unified framework for marine craft owners, operators, marinas and service providers. The guidelines aim to raise safety standards, improve regulatory efficiency and ensure safe, orderly anchoring practices that comply with safety and marine environmental protection requirements. Compliance is mandatory for all parties involved in recreational marine activities, with emphasis on adherence to anchoring requirements, navigational safety regulations, collision prevention, and marine environmental protection. Dubai Maritime Authority will monitor implementation to ensure full compliance with all rules and guidelines.