As Dubai blossoms into the premier yachting destination, visionary entrepreneurs continue to find success in a thriving marine ecosystem where luxury and opportunity converge.

Dubai’s rapid evolution into a global yachting hub is a testament to the city’s commitment to hospitality and luxury at the highest echelons. Driven by visionary leadership and business-friendly policies, the emirate has nurtured a vibrant community of elite yacht owners along with a world-class ecosystem of businesses catered to their needs. Today, there are over 15 marinas located across the emirate catering to luxury vessels of all sizes, including superyachts up to 160 meters. Dubai’s yachting industry continues to generate tremendous opportunities for global citizens willing to invest in the region’s yachting potential.

A Business-Friendly Oasis For Superyachts

One business that is witnessing extraordinary growth is Dubai Harbour Marinas. This state-of-the-art facility boasts over 700 berths and is the largest, most modern marina in the Middle East and North Africa. According to its Director, Wayne Shepherd, the marina currently boasts an impressive 88% occupancy rate with annual berth holders. Equally significant is the increase in foreign-flagged superyachts averaging 50 meters or more in length.

Government support from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA), says Shepherd, has been instrumental. For example, the DMA has streamlined the clearance process for foreign vessels by allowing them to clear immigration and customs at any marina. Additionally, vessels based in Dubai may sail without a Sailing Permit, so long as they remain within three nautical miles of Dubai’s coastline. “This has been a game-changer,” Shepherd says, “reducing complexity and making Dubai more accessible for yacht owners worldwide.”

Dubai’s decision-makers, ever cognizant of current industry trends, remain committed to providing a yachting experience that prioritizes ease-of-access to the city and its diverse attractions. For example, Dubai has the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the region and the Michelin Guide for the city, which debuted in 2022, is now into its third edition. “One particular trend we see strong potential for is the ‘cruise in, dock and dine’ concept,” says Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET. “This allows yacht owners to dock their vessels and enjoy some of Dubai’s world-class dining options.”

Elevating Yachting Services For A Global Clientele

Captain Mike Fetton is Managing Director of JLS Yachts, a company that began as a yacht concierge business but has since grown to become the region’s top dedicated yacht agency, managing 92% of all international superyacht arrivals. “Dubai has been incredibly good to JLS and to me personally,” says Fetton. “My kids were all born here and this city has truly become home.”

Apart from government support, Fetton says the high-level engagement and open dialogue between state and industry has been incredibly valuable, especially in establishing a regulatory framework specific to the yachting sector.

Like many of his peers, Fetton is optimistic about future growth. “For those less familiar with the Middle East, regional issues can seem daunting,” he says. “We’re positioning ourselves by strengthening our core services, expanding our reach and staying closely attuned to market shifts.”

Providing And Provisioning Excellence In A Burgeoning Market

“When we first started, our biggest challenge was getting noticed,” says Linda Negerman, CEO of Elite Marine Supplies, a company she set up in 2022 with an ex-superyacht chef partner to supply provisions to superyachts.

Thanks to word of mouth and networking through the Leisure Marine Association (LMA), they were able to grow a superyacht clientele. For Negerman, Dubai’s true appeal extends well beyond its scenic coastline. “There are plenty of attractions including shopping, fine dining, entertainment and nature excursions,” she adds. “Also impressive are government efforts to create sustainable green spaces, making the region even more attractive for international clients and residents alike.”

These new spaces are a small part of a holistic initiative called the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033, a visionary strategy dedicated to ensuring the comprehensive well-being of all segments of the community including nationals, residents and visitors. “Our objective is to establish Dubai as one of the world’s best cities in terms of well-being, offer every resident a healthy, active, and enjoyable lifestyle, build a society that takes pride in its identity and cultural diversity, and offer the highest quality of leisure and entertainment,” said H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, during the unveiling of the strategy. “Dubai’s name will become synonymous with fine living worldwide.”

Racing Ahead In Fast Company

Even as large superyachts remain a sight to behold, no yachting hub worthy of the name could ever be without a vibrant sailing community and the accompanying regattas. In this regard, Dubai does not disappoint.

“We’re focused on putting Dubai on the map as a central player in the global sailing community,” says Hamza Mustafa, CEO at P&O Marinas. The company manages the prestigious Mina Rashid Marina, as well as the P&O Sailing Academy, which trains sailors of all ages and skill levels.

P&O Marinas also sponsors the Dubai leg of SailGP, the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix, an exciting competition featuring the world’s fastest foiling catamarans. “With the P&O Sailing Academy training programs and the partnership with SailGP,” adds Mustafa, “we’re reaching a wider community of sailing enthusiasts and newcomers alike.”

A Visionary Blueprint For The Future Of Yachting

For Jonny Dodge, CEO and Founder of MyOcean, Dubai has been the perfect base for his luxury yacht brokerage and management company. “Dubai is like living in the future,” he says. “It’s quicker, faster and easier. There is no better place in the world where you can move at this pace and still get things done efficiently.”

In just three years, MyOcean has been able to scale its operations from its Dubai base and connect with clients across the Gulf and beyond. “We’ve achieved our initial goals but the opportunity for growth is even greater now,” he says. “In recent years, the average age of a new yacht owner has dropped by around 10 years. We’re seeing a total change in the yachts they buy and build.”

Dodge firmly believes that Dubai’s yachting industry could see even greater growth once yacht owners, new and experienced, start viewing the emirate as a compelling alternative to the Mediterranean as a base for their superyachts. At the rate things are developing in the Gulf, this could occur sooner rather than later. The groundwork is already being laid for a yachting corridor stretching from the Red Sea to the Maldives. “This would turn the U.A.E. into a major player in global yachting,” Dodge says.

Dubai’s focus on top-tier infrastructure, safety and a high standard of living has contributed in no small part to the personal success of these far-sighted entrepreneurs and business leaders. Through proactive policies, the city has developed a business-friendly environment and nurtured a tight-knit yachting community—one that is not merely a magnet for yacht owners and businesses but an oasis of knowledge, capital and networking opportunities.