As the identity of Dubai is evolving into the world’s leading playground for those seeking luxury and other-worldly excitement, it is no surprise that the city is welcoming more and more of the global yachting fleet. But what makes Dubai unique and why are owners deciding to take their yachts there? SuperYacht Times took a deep dive into Dubai as a superyachting destination, exploring all the glistening city has to offer.
Photo: Zq LeeA city built on a small maritime settlement in the desert, Dubai’s shimmering glass skyline now towers above the land below, hiding within it a treasure trove of vibrant excitement discoverable by a superyacht cruise. The Burj Khalifa stands tall among the vast skyline: at 828-metres high, it is the tallest building in the world.
Photo: jaresortshotels.comThe primary advantage of winter cruising in Dubai? The city’s unmatched sunshine. With a natural desert climate, Dubai boasts year-round sun and warmth and guests are guaranteed excellent weather conditions. On the pristine coastline of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai is accessible from both East and West, with its geographical vantage point alluring guests with blue skies, clear warm waters and immaculate weather conditions which mean no activity is off-limits.
The city overflows with things to do, so much so that it must be seen to be believed. When docked in one of Dubai’s many marinas, guests can head onto shore and enjoy some of the city’s extraordinary land-based attractions.
Photo: Vangelis KovuNestled among the city’s breathtaking cityscape at the foot of the Burj Khalifa is the Dubai Fountain, one of Dubai’s main attractions. With the world’s largest choreographed fountain system exhibiting a mesmerising light and sound show, guests can wonder at the dancing water displays and watch up to 22,000 gallons of water shot as high as 150-metres into the air in brightly illuminated colourful jets.
For a one-of-a-kind diving excursion, guests can visit the record-breaking Deep-Dive Dubai, a diving centre home to a 60-metre indoor diving pool. With all necessary equipment available to hire and consistently perfect diving conditions, guests can feel at ease whilst exploring each level of this underwater attraction.
Designed with fun in mind, each level of the pool is themed to resemble abandoned sunken cities. Enjoy a whole host of amusements to play with whilst diving, from shopping trolleys, to plush sofas, to vehicles such as bicycles and motorbikes.
Dubai’s cultural offerings cannot be overlooked. Uniquely positioned on the coast and only a short car ride from the desert, Dubai is one of the few cruising destinations in the world that provides guests with the opportunity to experience the fascinating landscape of the desert.
Take a break from the city and head inland on a desert safari, where excitement and adventure await. There is so much to explore in Dubai’s desert: from jaw-dropping stargazing to exotic wildlife observation, there is no doubt that a trip to the desert is truly once-in-a-lifetime.
Photo: Dubai Economy and TourismThrill-seekers find heaven in the desert, where the unique terrain provides the perfect environment for adventurous activities. Guests can enjoy a peaceful camel ride across the desert or speed across the dunes off-roading on 4x4 trucks and quad bikes.
Photo: Alina GrubnyakWith so much to observe, why not do so from above? In Dubai’s desert, guests can embark on an aviation adventure, from paragliding or parasailing to a mind blowing hot air balloon ride. Balloon Adventures, Dubai is one of the region’s most reputable hot air balloon providers and offers a one-hour sunrise hot air balloon ride. Guests can experience a dream-like state as they float above the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, spotting grazing wildlife and unspoilt scenery, all against the picture-perfect backdrop of the rising sun.
Photo: Fernando JorgeThose brave enough can challenge themselves to one of the many desert sports available to try. Sandboarding - a sandy sport quickly gaining attention - involves surfing down sand dunes on a snowboard-like board. Though dunes most commonly stand at between 10 to 30 metres tall, some reach up to 100 metres high.
Dubai’s ever-expanding status as a hotspot for wealth and glitz is only affirmed in the city’s Impeccable retail infrastructure. Shopping could not be easier in Dubai, which boasts an epic 65+ shopping malls. The jewel in the crown of Dubai’s mall scene, however, is The Mall of The Emirates. This famous mall offers unrivalled luxury, home to more than 80 of the world’s most loved and desired designer brands.
Photo: DoviFor a break from hitting the shops, guests can visit The Mall of The Emirates’ many other entertainment facilities, from Dreamscape, an incredible VR experience, to Ski Dubai, a famous indoor skiing slope, or multiple cinemas.
For a uniquely traditional insight into a more authentic side of Dubai, guests can dock in the Creek and visit the city’s souks to experience an authentic Arabian marketplace. Dubai’s souks are huddled around the city’s old creek, dating back to the city’s early days as a meeting point for traders and travellers from the Gulf and beyond.
Photo: Zorawar BhangooFrom authentic food and spices to opulent jewellery and precious metals, a trip to the souks guarantees high-quality finds. The most famous of Dubai’s souks is The Gold Souk, instrumental in the creation of Dubai’s ‘city of gold’ status. Here, guests are met by expert traders offering a vast range of luxury products, such as gold, silver and one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces.
Photo: Saj ShafiqueOff land, the pristine, warm waters allow for a bounty of watersports activities during a superyacht cruise of Dubai. From the classic kitesurfing or parasailing to the more unknown world of the Seabreacher, there is no limit to Dubai’s watersports scene.
Kitesurfing is part of the fabric of Dubai’s watersports scene, with Kite Beach being the perfect place to get involved, as its name suggests. When kitesurfing, guests ride a board whilst gripping onto a handle attached to a large, colourful parachute and manoeuvre themselves across the waves.
Photo: Ben KoorengevelFor a more observational activity, guests can parasail above the shore, floating up to almost 150 metres in the air strapped to a parachute whilst being pulled by a speedboat. Additionally, Nemo Watersports offer jet ski tours of the city, allowing guests to observe some of Dubai’s iconic attractions such as the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel whilst speeding across the water.
Photo: Melanie DretvicFor an uncharted adventure, embark on a trip with the Seabreacher. The latest watersport activity to hit the shores of Dubai, the Seabreacher is a semi-submersible seacraft shaped like a marine animal that mimics its movements under and above the water. Available in various models - from the Shark style X model to the Killer Whale Y model and the Dolphin style Z model - the craft has a powerful 260hp engine, reaching speeds of up to 100kmph.
Seabreacher’s advanced tail movements allow it to soar up to six metres above the water, while its submarine-like qualities offer the option to submerge five to six feet underwater. A true breakthrough in watersports engineering, a trip on the Seabreacher in Dubai’s waters makes for a truly unforgettable experience.
With a growing cosmopolitan culture, Dubai’s culinary scene has ripened into a rainbow of gastronomic possibilities. With luxurious waterside restaurants-galore, Dubai’s dock and dine scene is quickly gaining traction as an exclusive dining experience. Guests on a superyacht cruise in Dubai have the luxury of docking their yacht in extremely close proximity to some of the city’s most voguish eateries.
Photo: Dubai Economy and TourismOssiano - famed as one of the city’s most exclusive restaurants - is an underwater European fusion fine-dining experience. This sophisticated seafood eatery features floor-to-ceiling windows which allow guests to gaze into a colourful aquarium. Situated on the famous Palm Jumeirah Island, the restaurant provides guests with the opportunity to dock their superyachts and dine in close vicinity.
Photo: Dubai Economy and TourismFor a chance to admire your superyacht on the horizon whilst eating a delicious meal, the iconic Boardwalk restaurant offers a panoramic view of the water and the glistening Dubai skyline above. A Dubai staple for over 20 years, this glorious eatery boasts a famous expansive wooden terrace and a rich Mediterranean menu.
Photo: Dubai Economy and TourismDubai’s unbeatable weather, bustling energy and growing status as a superyachting hotspot makes for a stellar superyacht cruise of the area. With exciting entertainment offerings like no other city, guests can experience the true luxury in Dubai, only made better when experienced by a superyacht.
Photo: Dubai Economy and Tourism