As Dubai continues to position itself as one of the world’s leading luxury destinations, the emirate is now experiencing a sharp rise in global demand for high-end private yacht charters — with clients flying in from across Europe, North America, and Asia to experience its coastline from the water.
Luxury charter companies such as Seven Yachts, one of the UAE’s most established operators, have reported a steep increase in bookings over the past 18 months. The growth, driven by a mix of leisure travellers, corporate groups, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, reflects Dubai’s evolving reputation not just as a city of skyscrapers — but as a city of superyachts.
“We’ve seen bookings increase significantly across all key international markets,” said Steve Laidlaw, founder of Seven Yachts. “Travellers are no longer just visiting Dubai for the views — they’re coming for the privacy, the service, and the complete luxury experience. Chartering a yacht is now as common as booking a luxury hotel suite.”
Chartering as the New Standard in Luxury Travel
From 27-foot day cruisers to 90-foot superyachts, Dubai’s private charter market has become an integral part of its luxury ecosystem. While local demand remains strong, much of the new growth is being fuelled by inbound travellers from Germany, France, India, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and the UK, many of whom are combining business trips with leisure escapes on the water.
Data from Visit Dubai shows a sharp increase in international visitors choosing private and bespoke travel experiences. Meanwhile, a recent Euromonitor International report ranked Dubai among the top five cities globally for luxury travel spend, citing the rising appeal of tailored experiences over traditional tourism.
Beyond the Boat: Experiences That Travel Further
For Seven Yachts, the focus is not just on providing vessels, but on curating personalised experiences. Operated day-to-day by Clare Laidlaw, the company offers fully crewed yachts with custom itineraries, private chefs, onboard entertainment, and seamless service — often within hours of a client’s arrival in the country.
“It’s not about renting a yacht anymore,” said Clare. “It’s about creating a moment that feels effortless, private, and unforgettable. Our international clients often arrive on long-haul flights and want to be on the water within a few hours — no fuss, no friction. That’s what we’ve built our service around.”
The company’s packages cater to a range of occasions, from milestone birthdays and marriage proposals to high-level corporate incentives. Seven Yachts also reports increased interest in multi-day charters, suggesting a shift in how travellers are experiencing Dubai’s coastline — not just for a few hours, but as part of their full stay.
Why Dubai?
Dubai’s appeal as a yacht charter hub stems from a mix of accessibility, infrastructure, and image. The city offers year-round sunshine, calm waters, and globally connected airports — combined with one of the world’s most photogenic skylines. Yacht-friendly marinas and relaxed luxury regulations also make it an attractive alternative to more congested or seasonal destinations like Monaco or Ibiza.
In recent years, the UAE has doubled down on promoting lifestyle tourism, from private islands to supercar experiences. Yacht charters are increasingly becoming part of that narrative.
“We’re part of the Dubai brand now,” said Steve Laidlaw. “Chartering a yacht here has become a symbol of what Dubai offers — elegance, privacy, and world-class execution.”
Looking Ahead
Seven Yachts plans to expand its fleet and services throughout 2025, including new concierge partnerships, multilingual crew offerings, and curated experiences tailored to different cultural markets. The company is also exploring partnerships with international luxury travel agencies to offer bundled packages for global clients seeking all-in-one Dubai experiences.
As competition in the yacht charter space increases, differentiation will likely come down to the same values that define luxury at every level: discretion, personalisation, and the ability to exceed expectations.
And if current trends hold, more travellers around the world will be adding “sunset over the Arabian Gulf, from the deck of a private yacht” to their travel checklists.
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