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Imagine waking up in your luxurious villa with a breathtaking view of the Persian Gulf. The golden rays of the sun are reflected on the crystal-clear water, while your own yacht gently sways on the private dock just a few steps away. In Dubai, this dream isn't just an idea — it's becoming a reality. Whether you want to spontaneously take an exclusive day trip along the world-famous skyline or enjoy a romantic dinner on the open sea, a yacht in this fascinating city is a symbol of freedom, elegance, and everlasting style.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll show you how to find the perfect yacht for you, which shipyards you should keep an eye on, and how the buying process works in Dubai. Plus, you'll learn how to access the city's most exclusive marinas and waterfront properties — everything you need to enjoy the most luxurious yachting experience.
Owning a yacht in Dubai is not just a piece of luxury, but also an opportunity to grow your wealth and benefit from the global demand for high-quality yachts. In this city, your yacht can be both a statement of upscale lifestyle and a valuable investment.
In Dubai, yachting is increasingly seen as a yield-oriented investment. Many owners use their yachts as a source of income by renting them out through specialized charter companies. Even if you don't use your yacht yourself, you can generate income that covers running costs and even achieve a positive cash flow.
Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) and that Dubai Statistics Center (DSC) confirm that well-positioned yachts can generate attractive income during the high season (October to April), depending on model, size, equipment and location. Exclusive yachts in particular, which are used for events or corporate events, offer additional income opportunities.
Another advantage of this investment: With good care, the resale value of the yacht remains stable. Yachts such as the Sunseeker Manhattan or Majesty 120 are known for their high level of value retention and may be sold under even better conditions in the future.
The waterfront lifestyle in Dubai is much more than a status symbol. It opens the doors to an exclusive world in which leisure, networking, and business merge in a unique way. Luxurious yacht events, spontaneous weekend trips to the World Islands, or private dinners at sunset offer just a glimpse of what a yacht in Dubai can provide.
By being a member of renowned clubs such as Dubai Marina Yacht Club or the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (DOSC), you gain access to an exclusive community. Here, not only leisure but also business is maintained at the highest level. Owning a yacht in Dubai is one of the upper elite, and networking at yachting events is an integral part of the lifestyle that comes with such an investment.
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A must for prospective yacht owners is a visit to Dubai International Boat Show, which takes place annually. At this exclusive trade fair, you can experience hundreds of yacht models live, discover the latest trends and innovations in yachting and get in touch with shipyard representatives directly. In addition, exclusive offers will be presented at the trade fair that you won't find anywhere else.
Die Abu Dhabi International Boat Show is another important event, particularly for all those who focus on performance and innovative technologies. Both events are not only sales shows, but also an important networking event for yacht owners, manufacturers and service providers.
Founded: 1982
Models: Majesty Yachts, Nomad, Oryx, Silvercraft
Export ratio: Over 70% worldwide
Special features: custom-made products, high manufacturing quality, international recognition at worldwide boat shows
Gulf Craft is one of the most famous shipyards in the region and offers luxurious yachts that impress with their quality as well as their innovative designs. The Majesty series in particular is considered one of the top models when it comes to tailor-made yachts for the international market.
Founded: 2002, active in the UAE since 2023
Models: Sunreef Eco, Sunreef Ultima, Power/Sailing catamarans up to 100+ ft
Focus: sustainability, electric/hybrid drive, individual luxury models
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Sunreef is known for its sustainable, custom-made catamarans, which are outstanding in terms of both performance and comfort. The so-called “green yachting” movement, which focuses on electric motors or hybrid drives, is currently particularly popular.
Founded: 1979
Models: AS 48, AS 88, leisure & sport boats
Target group: Regional markets, more affordable mid-size yachts
Al Shaali Marine offers a range of more affordable yet high-quality yachts that are perfect for beginners and buyers from the Gulf region. The AS series, which offers a perfect mix of quality and value for money, are particularly popular.
Buying a yacht is just one part of the luxury yachting experience in Dubai. The other, equally important part, is the location where you dock your yacht. Dubai offers a range of exclusive real estate projects that offer direct access to private marinas, so you can dock your yacht right outside your front door.
When buying a yacht, you can choose between a new build and a pre-owned yacht.
The choice between local registration via the Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) or under international flags such as Malta or the Cayman Islands. Local registration simplifies operations within Dubai, while offshore flags provide flexibility for international use. Both options carry legal and tax implications that should be carefully considered.
Buying a yacht in Dubai is a big adventure and a prestigious move, but it also comes with ongoing operating costs that you should know exactly. These costs depend on several factors, which may vary with the size of the yacht, its use and the specific requirements of the region. Here is a detailed overview of the most important operating costs:
Insurance for a yacht in Dubai is essential to protect yourself against potential damage, theft, or accidents. The annual insurance costs amount to around 1–2% of the purchase value of the yacht. This means that you need to budget several thousand AED a year, depending on the value and type of yacht. The insurance policy typically covers damage to the ship, liability claims and also damage that may occur as a result of natural disasters. For particularly luxurious or rare yachts, insurance costs may be higher to take into account specific needs, e.g., for custom-made yachts or boats with extensive equipment.
The cost of a berth in a marina is one of the biggest ongoing expenses. The price of a berth in Dubai is between 1,000 and 2,500 AED per month, depending on the marina location, the size of the yacht and the exclusive amenities that a marina offers. In more exclusive areas such as Dubai Marina or Palm Jumeirah, you can expect higher prices, as these marinas are often equipped with additional amenities such as restaurants, leisure facilities, and security guards. If you park your yacht in a less central marina, you can expect lower prices, but there may be restrictions on access and equipment.
A yacht is a complex technical device that needs regular maintenance to remain in perfect condition. The annual maintenance costs amount to around 5–15% of the purchase value of the yacht. This includes regular inspection of engines, hull, electrical systems and all equipment. There are also costs for any repairs and upgrades. If you want to operate your yacht at a higher level, particularly for charter purposes, or if you regularly attend exclusive events, additional maintenance costs may be required to ensure that it is always up to date.
Managing a larger yacht or a yacht that is regularly used for charter purposes usually requires a crew. Crew costs may vary depending on the size of the yacht and the number of employees required. Starting at AED 20,000 per month for a small crew of 2 to 4 people, the crew may consist of a captain, an engineer and one or two crew members responsible for service and maintenance. Costs can rise significantly for larger yachts that require more personnel, particularly for luxury yachts that require a higher level of service. The crew may also be responsible for arranging charter trips, which entails additional administrative costs.
The total cost of operating a yacht in Dubai varies depending on the size and value of the yacht. You should expect annual operating costs of around 8–12% of the purchase price. This figure includes insurance, maintenance, berth, crew, and other ongoing expenses associated with owning a yacht. For a yacht worth around 10 million AED, you can therefore expect annual operating costs of between 800,000 and 1.2 million AED, although this figure may increase depending on usage and specific requirements.
Managing a yacht can look very different depending on your personal preferences and the level of experience you have with yachts. You have the choice of managing your yacht yourself (DIY) or using the services of a full-service provider. Both options have their pros and cons, which we look at in detail here.
If you're based in Dubai and have the necessary technical expertise, you can manage your yacht yourself. It's a more cost-effective solution, but it also requires a lot more time and commitment. As a DIY yacht owner, you must take care of all aspects of yacht operation, from maintenance and berth to crew coordination and any repairs. You will also be responsible for bookings and charter organization, which entails additional administrative tasks.
A big advantage of DIY management is the complete control you have over your yacht and its operation. You decide how often you use it, when you make it available for charter and how you use the yacht. However, this can also be stressful, especially if you're not there and can't use the yacht for a long period of time. In such cases, it becomes more difficult to ensure that everything is working properly.
Most yacht owners opt for a full-service provider who takes care of the entire management of the yacht. These providers handle technical maintenance, crew management, charter trip booking and logistics. Full-service providers are able to provide their services at the highest level and offer the advantage that you don't have to worry about anything. This is particularly beneficial for yacht owners who have no time or experience managing a yacht, or for those who want to rent out their yacht frequently.
The fees for these services vary, but they are usually around 5–10% of the yacht's annual income or as a monthly flat rate. A full-service provider not only provides technical maintenance but also takes care of all administrative tasks, from booking charter trips to advertising your yacht on various platforms. If you want maximum convenience and peace of mind that everything is running smoothly, a full-service provider could be the best choice for you.
Dubai is a leading hub for yachting, offering breathtaking coastal scenery as well as exclusive yachts and marinas that define the highest quality of life. If you want to step into the world of yachting in Dubai, we at Real Estate Blondies provide access to the most exclusive yachts and luxurious waterfront properties.
Whether it’s a custom-built villa with a private dock or direct access to renowned shipyards, we help you make Dubai your personal marina. Contact us for discreet advice and exclusive options.
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