Egypt permits foreign-flagged commercial yachts to cruise freely

As of May 2025, Egypt permits foreign-flagged, commercially registered yachts to cruise freely for leisure throughout its territorial waters.

The decision follows sustained advocacy and close coordination between maritime industry stakeholders and local authorities, including the active involvement of the Felix Maritime Agency, in response to growing demand from international yacht owners.

“This is a big win,” said Bahi Naguib, Operations Director at the Felix Maritime Agency. “Opening Egypt’s waters to foreign-flagged commercial yachts is a long-overdue move that puts us on the map as a serious charter destination.”

The change grants these yachts the freedom to explore Egypt’s diverse coastline, from the remote islands of the Red Sea to the shores of the Mediterranean, without the restrictions that previously applied.

“There’s still a lot to sort out from customs and crew handling to basic marina infrastructure,” added Naguib. “We also need to grow our domestic charter scene and put real investment into protecting marine life, starting with proper mooring buoys to keep anchors off the reefs. This is a strong first step. Now the real work begins.”

While it remains unclear whether foreign-flagged, commercially registered yachts are permitted to conduct charter or other commercial activities within Egyptian waters, or only when operating from outside the country, the policy shift is widely viewed as a step forward.

Naguib also noted the role of international collaboration in driving the reform. “Exposure to international best practices, especially through platforms like the Gulf Superyacht Summit, played a key role in shaping the conversation. The insights and benchmarks laid out in the Summit report helped build the case with local authorities and showed what’s possible when policy supports growth.”

It is expected to enhance Egypt’s appeal as a yachting destination and encourage more international yachts to explore the country’s natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and expanding maritime infrastructure.

Gulf Superyacht Summit 2025

The Gulf Superyacht Summit will be returning to Abu Dhabi on 4 and 5 December 2025, alongside the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix, which will be held on the weekend between 5 and 7 December.

Returning for the seventh edition, the Gulf Superyacht Summit aims to inform, assist and advise yachting clients and related interested parties, with the goal to develop the Gulf as a leading winter superyacht destination.

The event will provide a meeting point for professionals from across the industry to discuss the current trends, issues and developments surrounding the superyacht industry in the Gulf Region.