UAE’s strategic location on major sea trade routes — connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa — makes maritime law critical for shipping, logistics, and marine businesses. This guide covers UAE maritime law for shipping companies and vessel operators in 2026.
In this guide:
UAE Maritime Law Framework
- Primary law: Federal Law No. 26 of 1981 (Maritime Commercial Law); the UAE’s main maritime code; covers ship registration, carriage of goods by sea, collisions, salvage, and maritime liens
- Flag State: UAE flagged vessels fall under UAE maritime law; Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and RAK each have their own ship registries
- MoEI Ports and Maritime Sector: regulates UAE ports and maritime activities at the federal level
- Abu Dhabi Ports: regulates all maritime activities at Abu Dhabi ports including Khalifa Port, Zayed Port, and Al Ruwais Port
- DP World/Port of Dubai: regulates Jebel Ali Port and Port Rashid; world’s largest private port operator
UAE Ship Registration
- Abu Dhabi ship registry: open registry for commercial vessels; competitive fees; Dubai Ship Registry and Sharjah Maritime City also offer registration services
- Documents: bill of sale; builder’s certificate or deletion certificate from previous registry; classification society certificate; crew lists; technical drawings
- Benefits of UAE registration: UAE flag recognized globally; crew can be UAE-resident; access to UAE port facilities at lower dues than foreign-flagged vessels
UAE Cargo and Freight Law
- Bill of lading: UAE follows the Hague-Visby Rules for carriage of goods by sea; carriers’ liability limited per package or weight unit
- Incoterms: UAE trade contracts widely use Incoterms 2020 (ICC); FOB, CIF, DAP most common; specifying Incoterms avoids freight cost and risk transfer disputes
- Marine insurance: recommended for all cargo; UAE marine insurance policies follow Institute Cargo Clauses (A, B, or C); “all risks” clause A gives broadest coverage
UAE Maritime Disputes
- Jurisdiction: UAE courts have jurisdiction over maritime disputes; Dubai Courts have the most experienced maritime judges; DIFC Courts can hear maritime disputes by agreement
- Vessel arrest: UAE maritime law allows creditors to arrest a vessel at a UAE port to secure a maritime claim (unpaid freight, collision damage, salvage); fast process; can arrest within hours
- Maritime arbitration: DIAC (Dubai International Arbitration Centre) handles UAE maritime arbitration; parties commonly use London Maritime Arbitration Association (LMAA) rules for international disputes