New hassle free direct foreign flag vessel clearing services, as well as new 6-month navigation licenses and crew visas announced 
  
Abu Dhabi, May 2019:   Yas Marina, the Middle East’s premier superyacht marina, awarded 5 Gold Anchors, has become an official UAE entry point for international superyachts. In addition, the unique new arrival experience presents newly accessible six-month navigation licenses and six-month visas, for crews of all nationalities. 
 
The new entrance procedure will enable foreign flag vessels to avoid clearing through commercial entry ports.  Instead, vessels can sail directly to Yas Marina for UAE clearance, with the authority services available onsite.  The introduction will lessen delays, saving an average of eight hours waiting time, providing a seamless arrival experience. Where owners and crew have previously waited at commercial ports without a marina dock, they can now relax, stretch their legs, dine and continuing with daily tasks at their leisure. 
 
On arrival, superyachts are assigned a berth on the visitors wharf as they enter Yas Marina waters. Guided by Yas Marina, officials from immigration, customs and quarantine will complete procedures immediately – including filling declaration papers and other formalities. The first vessel clearance of this kind was M/Y Caiphirina (60m), arriving successfully to Yas Marina on the 21st March 2019. 
 
Mark Boylin, Captain of the superyacht Caiphirina, commented, “Our Owner is a huge supporter of yachting in the region spending around 6 months of the year aboard one of his superyachts in Abu Dhabi.  We have always found Abu Dhabi to be most welcoming, but we are incredibly excited by these generous new incentives. 

Abu Dhabi remains an attractive destination, but the relaxation of the regulations will offer us greater ease of access to port as well as allowing us a much longer period to remain docked.  With the enhanced regulations simplifying entry procedures we can see the emirate becoming the destination of choice in the region for vessels such as ours.  We very much look forward to spending even more time in Abu Dhabi..” 
 
Ideally located for cruising the region or as a homeport, visiting crews and yacht owners can take advantage of Yas Marina’s distinctive mix. World-class onsite facilities and amenities, nine international restaurant and bar experiences, as well as regular activities, entertainment and events await, ashore and afloat, all day and all night. The FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU 

 
DHABI GRAND PRIX is a highlight in the annual calendar, where up to 150m track-view berths are the place to be for all the live action. A dedicated Crew Program invites members to enjoy year-round discounts across Yas Island’s dining, leisure and entertainment venues, plus access exclusive Member Only Cruising Clubs. 
 
Situated with Abu Dhabi International Airport only 10 minutes away, and a 6 pad heliport is available within a 5 minute drive, there are many further benefits for international vessels berthing at Yas Marina. They can utilise the onsite fuel station and benefit from lower electricity and water charges than Europe, as well as experiencing high standards of service that anticipate and meet the need of every visiting yacht owner, their guests, captains and crew. 
 
With year-round sunshine, Yas Marina provides the perfect home for vessels throughout the winter months and features its state-of-the-art facilities, accessible for members. The 2019 rates include a three-year berthing option with attractive pricing and features, superyachts from 55 meters and above are also eligible for further discounts based on cumulative berth rates.