Dubai has made rapid progress in building on a rich maritime heritage for yacht owners, charters, and cruise travelers from around the world, and a leading multi-faceted global hub for the sector, according to a report from the Oxford Business Group.
The Emirate has become a global yacht tourism hot spot, especially during the winter season from October to April, due to its world-class infrastructure, picturesque coastline, simplified access procedures, open anchorage areas, luxury marinas, and diverse sea and land-based experiences.
The launch of Dubai Harbour in 2020, and the expansion of several other marinas across the emirate in the last 18 months allowed the city to accommodate 15 marinas with more than 3,000 berths, which can handle an array of pleasure craft and luxury yachts as well as superyachts and gigayachts.
Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed, Chairman of the Dubai Council for Border Crossing Points Security, a cross-governmental task force was established to ensure that all foreign-flagged yachts, whether shipped or sailing to Dubai, have a seamless experience on arrival and benefit from full access to modern infrastructure and advanced marina based facilities.
Sheikh Mansoor called for more efforts to speed up the sector’s growth and expansion of its services, highlighting the successful start of Dubai’s cruise tourism season this year.
Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Chairman Dubai Council for Border Crossing Points Security
“Dubai’s leadership is committed to providing the world-class infrastructure, facilities and support necessary for maritime tourism to flourish in the emirate and for tourists to have a smooth, hassle-free and enriching experience. Dubai has a long and distinguished track record for providing exceptional services in this sector, which has made it a destination that is a favorite among both industry players and tourists worldwide.”
According to the report, there were over 200 superyachts registered in the Middle East as of 2019, with Dubai serving as the port city. In addition to its diverse destination offerings, the marinas’ dock and dine options cover a wide range of leisure touchpoints, from heritage to entertainment, outdoor adventures to beach activities, cuisine to family-oriented events, and shopping to luxury.
Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Executive Director of Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA), said that “The DMCA is committed to promote Dubai’s position in the global maritime sector, by developing productive partnerships and innovative initiatives to elevate the leisure industry, create unique yacht tourism experiences and raise the sustainability of the sector in Dubai.”
Moreover, as per a report from Research and Markets, the global yacht industry is projected to reach an estimated market value of $84.7 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1 percent.
