E-Paper
Sign In
Yacht parties in Dubai: Booking surges for Eid Al Fitr as residents enjoy cooler weather
Vessels in Dubai Marina are almost fully booked, particularly for evening slots when guests can enjoy the sunset and city lights
- PUBLISHED: Mon 31 Mar 2025, 2:29 PM
Residents are taking advantage of the four-day Eid Al Fitr holiday and the relatively cooler March weather by celebrating the festival in style on luxury yachts. Yacht rental agencies have reported an increase in bookings during the long weekend.
For residents who can afford it, renting a yacht has become a popular way to get together with family and friends while enjoying Dubai's stunning skyline and the open sea.
Recommended For You
According to Sandeep Rai from Nanje Yachts, demand has been high this Eid. "We are receiving many new booking inquiries, but most yachts in the marina were already booked in advance due to the high demand," said Rai.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Ahmed Raza, a Dubai resident, decided to host a four-hour-long special celebration for his loved ones aboard a private yacht on Sunday. "Eid is all about togetherness, and I wanted to create a unique experience for my guests," he said.
"We prepared a feast at home with traditional dishes like lamb mandi, biryani, and kunafa and brought it on board for everyone to enjoy under the open sky," added Raza.
"It was a magical experience," said Ahmed's cousin, Fatima Rahim. "The cool breeze, the delicious food, and the beautiful surroundings made this Eid memorable." The festive atmosphere was made more special by family bonding, laughter, and stunning views of Dubai Marina and the Burj Al Arab.
Nanje Yachts' price range depends on the size of the vessel and the number of hours it is being rented for. "Our fleet prices range from Dh300 per hour for a 35-foot yacht accommodating 10 people to Dh12,000 per hour for a larger yacht that can host up to 300 guests," added Rai.
Subair Thekepurathvalappil, Senior Manager at Wisefox Tourism, said yacht bookings are nearly full, especially during peak hours.
"Yachts in Dubai Marina are almost fully booked for Eid Al Fitr, particularly for evening slots from 4pm onwards when guests can enjoy the sunset and city lights.
"Night slots from 8 to 10pm are also popular due to the cooler weather and breathtaking night views. Most people prefer two- to four-hour trips to enjoy both the sunny and nighttime atmosphere.
"Yacht rental prices start at Dh400 and can go up to Dh12,000 per hour depending on the timings," said Subair, adding that the price for evening timings is slightly higher compared to mornings and afternoon.
Sushant Babu and his friends decided to celebrate Eid in a unique way this year by renting a yacht for an afternoon cruise. “We wanted to do something different instead of the usual gatherings,” he said.
“Surprisingly, it wasn’t too hot when we embarked at around 3pm, and the sea breeze made it really pleasant. We enjoyed the stunning views, played music, and had a great time just relaxing on the deck. By the time we left around 6pm, it felt like we had experienced a mini getaway right in the heart of Dubai,” added Babu.
Some residents took advantage of the pleasant Eid weather by heading out on fishing trips with family and friends. Rai said that that a few of their clients chose fishing trips as a unique way to celebrate Eid. “A lot of our customers opted for fishing experiences this time,” he said. “The weather was pleasant and families wanted to do something different. Many groups booked morning and afternoon trips, enjoying the thrill of catching fresh fish.”
SM Ayaz Zakir is a Senior Correspondent with a flair for extraordinary stories. His playground? Every corner of the UAE. He often ventures into remote corners of the country to capture compelling news and human interest stories.