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Dubai: How the city turned into the perfect superyacht harbour
This year’s DIBS showcased over 200 yachts and watercraft, featuring world-renowned brands such as Azimut and Ferretti
- PUBLISHED: Fri 7 Mar 2025, 2:57 PM
Dubai has firmly cemented its position as a global yachting hub, hosting about five per cent of the world’s superyacht fleet. With prices crossing Dh60 million, the interiors of these luxurious vessels are designed with elegance, comfort, and functionality in mind, blending modern sophistication with maritime charm. Today, more than 15 marinas across Dubai cater to luxury vessels of all sizes, including superyachts measuring up to 160 metres.
Dubai Harbour, the largest marina in the region, offers over 700 berths alongside state-of-the-art facilities, including customs clearance, fuelling stations, and luxury concierge services. Other marinas such as Dubai Marina Yacht Club, Mina Rashid Marina, and Bulgari Marina also provide unique waterfront experiences.
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With a thriving charter market and an ever-increasing demand for high-end maritime experiences, Dubai continues to attract yacht owners, enthusiasts and investors from around the globe.
The emirate’s flourishing yachting sector is closely tied to its booming tourism industry. Luxury yacht charters have become a popular attraction for visitors keen on exploring Dubai’s coastline, offering views of landmarks like the Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, and the World Islands.
Private yacht events, corporate gatherings, and high-profile celebrations aboard superyachts are now a familiar sight along Dubai’s sparkling waterfronts.
In an interview with KT Luxe, Wayne Shepherd, General Manager, Dubai Harbour Marinas, said: “The UAE hosts 5 per cent of the world’s superyacht fleet, and the luxury yacht market is expected to expand significantly in the coming years. These trends reflect Dubai’s commitment to innovation, luxury, and sustainability in the yachting industry, with the annual Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) continuing to be a premier event attracting enthusiasts and industrial professionals from around the globe.”
With approximately 70 yacht launches, including 44 global and regional premieres, Shepherd explained Dubai’s emergence as a luxury yachting hub complements established markets like that of the French Riviera, making it also a compelling alternative to the Mediterranean as a base for their superyachts.
Apart from government support, industry professionals explained that the high-level engagement and open dialogue between the state and industry have been incredibly valuable, especially in establishing a regulatory framework specific to the yachting sector. “Dubai is an emerging market in the luxury yachting industry,” he added. “The city has a rich culture in traditional dhows, and pearl diving, which has evolved into the modern yachting culture. Dubai has made significant strides in developing new facilities and Dubai Harbour Marinas is one such facility. It’s the only purpose-built superyacht marina in the region. Dubai Harbour marinas also feature over 700 berths and accommodate yachts up to 160 metres in length. Dubai’s strategic investment in infrastructure, continuous innovation, and commitment to sustainability have positioned it as a premier yachting destination. We’re offering a new and exciting option to yacht enthusiasts while maintaining a strong connection to its maritime history.”
This year’s DIBS showcased over 200 yachts and watercraft, featuring world-renowned brands such as Azimut, Ferretti, Gulf Craft, Sunseeker, and Yachts One.
The event continued to expand opportunities for the maritime community — not only presenting the finest in yacht and boat craftsmanship but also introducing a dedicated brokerage section for premium pre-owned yachts.
With a 12.28 per cent increase in yacht visits during the 2023-2024 season, Dubai reaffirmed its commitment to expanding yacht tourism and strengthening its status as a leading global hub for maritime activities.
Mohammed Alshaali, Chairman, of Gulf Craft, said: “The boating and yachting industry is closely tied to economic activity. Economic trends strongly influence not only manufacturing but also buyer preferences, market growth, and overall wealth. As the UAE continues to grow, so do key sectors within the marine industry, including marinas, financing, services, insurance, and banking. This growth is further supported by the UAE’s exceptional infrastructure, efficient transportation, and well-developed waterfronts.”
Notably, a decade ago, there was a shortage of berths but today industry experts explained there is a surplus, reflecting the industry’s expansion alongside the nation’s economic progress.
“Tourism also plays a significant role. Many visitors experience the UAE’s thriving marine activities and carry that enthusiasm back to their home countries, fuelling further interest. Events like boat shows attract international buyers — some attend intentionally, while others come across these by chance, discovering new opportunities to rent or purchase yachts.
“Ultimately, the influx of people to the UAE is a testament to its economic stability, safety, and infrastructure. As long as the economy prospers, the marine industry will continue to thrive,” Alshaali added.
The company also plans to open a new service and refit facility in Ajman by the end of the year, which will include a 600-tonne travel lift and workshops.
This year, Gulf Craft reached a significant milestone, unveiling eight new models at DIBS, including groundbreaking designs from its renowned Majesty, Nomad, Oryx, and SilverCAT ranges.
The UAE-based company unveiled its Majesty 120 yacht for the first time at DIBS 2025, with all eight units sold out, each priced at up to Dh60 million, giving visitors the opportunity to explore its layout and features.
Among the other highlights was the highly anticipated Dubai debut of the Majesty 100 Terrace, featuring five guest cabins and a unique indoor-outdoor living experience. The updated Majesty 100 introduced a glass-fronted owner’s cabin with direct access to a private foredeck terrace, ensuring exceptional privacy and panoramic 270-degree views.
Expansive entertainment and dining areas, with floor-to-ceiling patio doors, created a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Developed in collaboration with Gulf Craft’s in-house design team and Phathom Studio, the interiors showcased materials, space optimisation, and luxurious details.
Sustainability
Similarly, Poland-based manufacturer Sunreef unveiled its nascent luxury hybrid yacht built in the UAE. The Ultima 55, an all-electric catamaran, was crafted in Ras Al Khaimah.
At 55 feet, it’s designed for both speed and water sports, emphasising performance and sustainability. It featured a battery bank and solar panels for eco-friendly cruising.
Sunreef also showcased a luxury electric yacht under 24 metres in length with a 12-metre beam. Powered by electric motors and a large battery, it can be charged through solar energy or shore power, with a backup diesel generator. The yacht can cruise for up to six hours at seven knots and remain anchored for two days solely on solar power. Priced at Dh45 million, it accommodates 10 guests and crew and boasts panoramic windows.
Artur Poloczanski, PR director of Sunreef Yachts, said: “Our yachts feature electric engines and are fully covered in solar panels, utilising an exclusive in-house-developed solar skin system.”
He reiterated that the emirate is at the forefront of sustainable marine solutions, with a growing interest in eco-friendly yachts, electric propulsion systems, and sustainable marine infrastructure.
He added: “Our yachts prioritise energy efficiency, including advanced air conditioning systems and water-saving taps. Sustainability extends to materials — flax-based composite tables, an extensive range of recycled materials, and PT foam derived from plastic bottles. Some yachts almost incorporate over 750,000 recycled bottles, replacing traditional plywood in furniture for a fully responsible, eco-conscious experience.”
Shedding light on the prices, Poloczanski added: “A fully electric 80-power unit would likely cost around 11 to 12 million dollars (Dh40.4 million to Dh44.08 million). Some of our electric yachts don’t make any noise. It’s mind-blowing. When you take it out to the sea, all you can hear is the sea around you.”
Similarly, Al Fajer Marine combines elegance with contemporary luxury. Flavio Gatti, General Manager of Al Fajer Marine, highlighted the cutting-edge technology behind their production. “We only use vacuum resin infusion technology, which reduces weight while simultaneously enhancing structural rigidity for increased safety during navigation. This process also boosts performance.”
Bianca Balfour, Head of Sales IMG Boats, a Dubai-based manufacturer, said that when it comes to Dubai’s yachting industry, the idea of offering value for money without compromising on quality resonates with loyal customers. “Many prefer the reassurance of a trusted brand and are willing to invest in quality, which shows that people prioritise lasting experiences over immediate cost,” she added.
