The UAE is considered one of the best destinations in the world for business, tourism, and sports events. In this backdrop, several global yacht owners are moving to the country. Reports also suggest a rise in the presence of Russian millionaires in the ports of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi — which now boasts 5,325 registered vessels (4,492 motor yachts and 833 sailing yachts) — is well on its way to become a key hub for the international superyacht industry.
Abu Dhabi Maritime (AD Maritime), the guardian of the emirate’s waterways and a part of AD Ports Group, in its report titled “New Winter Oasis for Maritime Luxury Experience – Abu Dhabi’s Quest to Become a Global Superyacht Destination,” details many accomplishments of the emirate that are taken into account by superyacht owners when choosing a destination.
The report consulted with numerous experts in the field to determine the four main factors that give Abu Dhabi a significant comparative advantage.
These are essential components of favorable seasonal weather and sea conditions; modern marine infrastructure and related services; a well-established legal and regulatory environment; and world-class attractions, including social, cultural, and entertainment.
Superyachts ownership
The world’s largest pleasure yachts, known as “superyachts,” are primarily found only in a handful of countries. While designs may differ in size and flare, all superyachts tend to have similar traits: wealthy owners, charter firms, maintenance-intensive operational requirements, and high demand for attractive cruising options.
The completion of more than 150 new superyachts in 2022, with a total fleet worth more than €4 billion (US$3.9 billion), indicates that Abu Dhabi’s entry into this premium industry may bring substantial economic benefits to the Emirate and the nation.
The previous decade has seen a surge in superyacht ownership, with the changing nationality profiles of owners, especially those headquartered in Asia and the Middle East, encouraging individuals and businesses to go beyond these traditional areas. Furthermore, the geostrategic location of Abu Dhabi, paired with its natural wealth of beautiful waterways and islands, has helped to increase its profile among these new owners.
Superyacht owners and their crews, many of whom are not permanent residents of the nation, are said to benefit from the emirate’s efforts because of the legal and regulatory framework it has put in place to help them.
In addition, the recent development of complete and fully-digitized safety maps of all waterways in the emirate, identifying mooring locations, zones for motorized and non-motorized craft, and speed limitations, was highlighted as one crucial improvement.
Abu Dhabi is home to several industry leaders among the roughly one hundred superyacht refit yards now operating worldwide. To top it all off, the emirate is home to not one but two world-class superyacht marinas that can accommodate vessels of any size and come with a full complement of first-rate lodgings, services, and amenities.
Yachts in Dubai
During October through April, Dubai’s world-class infrastructure, scenic coastline, streamlined entrance procedures, open anchorage areas, luxury marinas, and numerous sea and land-based experiences have made it a magnet for yacht tourists from all over the world.
More than 200 superyachts (yachts measuring 37 to 60 meters in length) have been registered in the Middle East as of 2019; several of these have their homeport in Dubai.
The dock and dining options at the marinas and the many attractions offered at the destination cover a wide range of leisure touchpoints, from history and culture to entertainment and sports, from outdoor adventure and beach fun for the whole family to fine dining and high-end retail.
Locals and visitors seek more intimate, closed-group experiences as the pandemic’s effects continue to shape emerging travel patterns worldwide. The rising popularity of yachting among visitors and locals has led to a rise in the number of marinas around Dubai’s shore, such as the brand-new Dubai Harbour.