Starting a Yacht Rental Business Dubai - License Cost & Maritime Approval DMA

Imagine this: You’re running your own business on the water - cruising past Dubai’s skyline, the sun setting behind the Burj Al Arab, and your clients enjoying a relaxing ride on your yacht. It’s a luxury experience for them - and a profitable business for you.

Isn’t this the dream? In Dubai, it’s also a very profitable business.

Yacht rentals are one of the hottest luxury tourism ventures in the city - and guess what? You don’t need to own a superyacht to get started. Even small yachts that carry 10–12 passengers can bring in AED 650 per hour. Multiply that by a few hours a day, and you’re already sailing toward serious profits.

Let’s walk you through how to start your own yacht rental business in Dubai - step by step, the COFTT way.

Why Yacht Rentals Are Booming in Dubai

Dubai is the playground of the rich, famous, and fun-seekers. Tourists flock here year-round, and many are looking for private, high-end experiences. Yacht parties? Birthday cruises? Sunset dinners on the sea?

The most popular spots to rent out yachts include:

Dubai Marina
Palm Jumeirah
JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence)
Dubai Canal
And even private island transfers

You’ll be surprised to know that many tourists now prefer private yacht experiences over group tours. It’s more exclusive, more Instagram worthy, and - more profitable for you.

License You Need to Start a Yacht Rental Business

To operate legally in Dubai, you’ll need a license under the category: Leisure Yachts & Boats Rental

Activity Code: 5021002
License Type: Commercial
Activity Group: Tourism Activities

Activity Description: This includes renting out boats, small vessels, and fully equipped yachts to individuals or groups for sightseeing trips within city waters or between locations. Overnight stays are not permitted under this activity.

Isn’t this simple? You’re offering short leisure trips - not accommodation.

Planning to include water sports or jet skis too? You may need additional approvals, and COFTT can help you combine multiple activities under one license.

Business Opportunity in Yacht Rental Business

Dubai has over 15 marinas and an ever-growing number of tourists - more than 18 million visited in 2024 alone. From corporate events to bachelor parties, from influencers to honeymooners, there’s a yacht-loving crowd waiting to book their next ride.

Real Example? A 40-foot yacht that runs 4 hours daily at AED 650/hour makes over AED 78,000 per month. And that’s just one yacht.

Isn’t that amazing? With the right setup, crew, and online booking system - you can scale this into a full fleet.

How to Register a Yacht Rental Business in Dubai

You’re excited now, right? Let’s get your business ready to sail.

Here’s how the process works - explained the COFTT way.

Step 1: Define Your Business Activity

You’ll be choosing Leisure Yachts & Boats Rental under a commercial license. Make sure the activity matches exactly with what you’re offering - COFTT helps you get this right from day one.

Step 2: Choose Your Business Structure

Most yacht rental businesses go for a Limited Liability Company (LLC) - because it allows full flexibility in operations and is easy to scale. But depending on your nationality, you could also go for a sole proprietorship or a branch setup.

Let’s keep it easy - COFTT will help you pick the best legal form for you.

Step 3: Select a Business Name

It’s time to name your dream. Something catchy like “Blue Wave Yachts” or classy like “Royal Sail Dubai.”

Just remember:

a. It must reflect the business activity
b. Avoid offensive or political terms
c. It should be unique and not already taken
d. Add “LLC” or relevant legal suffix if required

Once approved by the DED, you’ll get your trade name reservation certificate.

Step 4: Get Initial Approval

This is a green light from the Department of Economic Development (DED) to say, “We love your idea - go ahead and continue.” You don’t need your office lease yet, just your business plan and passport copies. Fast and easy.

Step 5: Draft Legal Documents

If you’re forming an LLC, you’ll need a Memorandum of Association (MOA).

Step 6: Secure a Business Location

Yacht rental companies must have an official address. Even if your business happens on water, your company must be based on land. Your office lease will be registered with Ejari (Dubai’s tenancy registration system). Some areas even offer co-working spaces for yacht operators.

Step 7: Get External Approvals

You’ll need approval from:

Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA)
Dubai Tourism (DET)
Possibly Dubai Coast Guard depending on your sailing range

Step 8: Final Document Submission

Once all approvals and legal docs are ready, submit:

a. Initial approval receipt
b. MOA/LSA
c. Office lease (Ejari)
d. External approvals
e. Passport copies

Step 9: Pay and Collect Your License

Pay the government fees, and your official trade license will be issued - congrats, captain!

Step 10: Register with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce

This boosts your credibility and gives you access to marine industry networking, tenders, and events.

Setting up a business in Dubai is more straightforward than you might think. With clear steps, online portals, and expert help - it’s easier than ever to get started. We’ve explained the full business setup process in detail in this dedicated guide on how to open a business in Dubai. Take a look - it’ll make everything even simpler.

After Registration: What Comes Next?

1. Yacht Registration

Every yacht or vessel you use must be registered with DMCA and meet marine safety standards.

2. Marine Insurance

Mandatory in Dubai. Covers accidents, damage, crew, and sometimes even guest liabilities.

3. Hire a Certified Crew

Depending on the yacht size and number of passengers, you’ll need a certified captain and possibly one or two assistants.

4. Corporate Tax & VAT

Just like other businesses:

9% Corporate Tax is now mandatory
5% VAT applies if your annual turnover exceeds AED 375,000

5. Payment Gateway & Booking Website

Modern tourists want to book online - from mobile. COFTT can build your yacht rental website, with online booking and payment integrated.

How Much Does it Cost to Start Yacht Rental Business?

Want a ballpark figure?

License setup: AED 20,000 to AED 25,000
Visa (if needed): AED 6,500 per person
Yacht purchase or lease: Starting from AED 200,000

Website & branding: AED 15,000 to AED 30,000

Don’t worry - COFTT will give you a full cost breakdown before you spend a single dirham.

Let COFTT Captain Your Business Journey

Setting up a yacht rental business in Dubai sounds luxurious - but it takes precision, approvals, and expert support. That’s where COFTT comes in. From business setup to marine permits, website development to crew hiring - we handle everything so you can focus on your fleet and your future.

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Ready to sail into one of Dubai’s most profitable tourism ventures? Let COFTT be your co-captain. Contact us today!