Dubai Superyacht Hotspots
When it comes to winter superyacht charters, captains have long been limited to the likes of the Caribbean and South America for good weather and easy access from both the US and UK. Until now, that is.
Thanks to the opening of a mammoth new superyacht marina, and not forgetting its abundance of gourmet restaurants, luxury shopping outlets and glitzy beach clubs, Dubai, alongside its Middle Eastern neighbours Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia, is well on its way to becoming a major superyacht hub attracting the style set in search of winter sun.
The powers that be have steadily been investing millions into the Dubai’s yachting facilities over the last ten years, which go way beyond marinas alone. The perfect base from which to explore the Arabian Gulf, the Indian Ocean and South East Asia, there are more than 14 marinas here so, whatever the size of your superyacht, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Dubai Harbour Marina
Dubai’s newest, and most impressive, superyacht marina, Dubai Harbour Marina single handedly put the city on the map as an exclusive superyacht destination when it opened back in 2020. Spanning 20 million square feet, the mammoth development may still be under construction, but when complete, owners and charterers will find a bustling lifestyle hub complete with hotels, restaurants, retail, residences and, of course, the Dubai Harbour Yacht Club, among the luxury skyscrapers. Home to 700 berths and welcoming superyachts up to 160m, there’s also a helipad on site, making it easily accessible by all.
Where to eat: Bar du Port
Attracting a stylish and exclusive crowd, Bar du Port is a spectacular new restaurant showcasing French-influenced cuisine designed to be washed down by an array of handcrafted cocktails. Sitting pretty right by the water’s edge, soak in its luxe Bohemian vibe from the comfort of the terrace while indulging in the likes of oysters, caviar, angus beef carpaccio, lobster rolls and a pan-seared seabass fillet plucked straight from the ocean. As to be expected, there’s an extensive selection of champagne on offer too – expect one of Dubai’s best parties once the sun goes down.
Bluewaters Island
Boasting an exclusive selection of premium residences, shopping, dining and entertainment facilities, Bluewaters Island is a stone’s throw away from Dubai Harbour, and easily accessible from your superyacht.
From record-breaking attractions to luxury resorts – including the only Caesars Palace property to be found outside of Vegas - this place has it all. It’s also the proud home of the world’s tallest and largest observation wheel, Ain Dubai which, standing tall at 250m, surpasses the London Eye, Singapore Flyer, and even Las Vegas’ High Roller. Roll out the jet skis and explore the pristine waters of the Arabian Gulf for a bird’s eye view.
Where to eat: Cove Beach
Perhaps the most spectacular seafront beach club in the city, Cove Beach at Caesars Palace is the perfect place to laze the day away. Not only will you find a luxe Mediterranean restaurant and rosé bar, but the pristine pools also come flanked by private cabanas featuring their very own jacuzzi. Open daily, it’s the venue of choice for celebrities and VIPs looking to soak up the Arabian sun in true Dubai style.
The Palm Jumeirah
Jutting into the Gulf, a luxury yacht charter to Dubai wouldn’t be complete with a trip around the Palm Jumeirah. An artificial island in the shape of a palm tree that houses endless glittering resorts and the family-friendly Aquaventure water park, the self-declared eighth wonder of the world strategically increased the length of Dubai's shoreline by 100% by covering an area of 7 million square-meters, while extending 6.5-kilometers into the Arabian Gulf. Multicultural celebrities and socialites are more drawn towards the exclusivity and posh-living of the apartments and villas for rent in the area, as the island features private beaches, marinas, restaurants, cafés, and an array of retail outlets.
Where to eat: Nobu by the Beach
Found in Atlantis the Royal, whose 2023 opening saw celebrities, socialites and influencers descend on Dubai to toast the city’s newest mega-resort hotel, Nobu by the Beach is exactly what is sounds like – Nobu Matsuhisa’s world-famous restaurant placed directly on the sands. An indulgent haven of relaxation, lounge in a private cabana and sip on signature cocktails while enjoying the likes of inventive Japanese-Peruvian bites, sharing platters and signature dishes.
Burj al Arab
What the Eiffel Tower is to Paris, it would be criminal to charter a superyacht in Dubai and not pay a visit to the Burj al Arab. Designed to evoke the sail of a dhow (a traditional wooden cargo vessel), this iconic landmark hotel not only comes with its own helipad and a fleet of chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce limousines, you’ll also find some of the most lavish hotels in the city. Al Muntaha, for example, is a one-Michelin star extravaganza serving fine French and Italian cuisine by acclaimed chef Saverio Sbaragli, while contemporary cocktail bar Gilt is a go-to for drinks with delectable flair, all courtesy of renowned mixologist Thibault Méquignon.
Where to eat: Sal
If you only venture from the comfort of your yacht to dine in one restaurant during your Dubai charter, make sure that it’s Sal. Sitting pretty on the Burj al Arab terrace, it’s much more low-key than the gilded hotel within which it sits, coming decked out with plenty of neutral tones and a chic Bohemian vibe. Be it a causal long lunch with plenty of free-flowing rosé, romantic dinner or chilled out drinks, its prime location sitting directly over the Arabian Gulf makes Sal the place to see and be seen.
Downtown Dubai
A short drive from Dubai Marina Harbour, Downtown Dubai is most certainly worth a visit during your time in the city. Anchored by the 828m Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, you’ll also want to discover the Dubai Opera, watch a show at the Dubai Fountains and indulge in a little retail therapy at The Dubai Mall – from Cartier and Louis Vuitton to Prada, Chanel and so much more, it’s home to all the big luxury names.
Where to eat: Zuma
Nestled in the bustling financial district, the Dubai outpost of this renowned global brand is perhaps the most famous of all restaurants in Dubai thanks to its contemporary styling, fresh sushi and buzzing atmosphere. Sitting at number 30 on the World’s 50 Best Bars list, this Japanese izakaya is also a great spot for cocktails and fine wines, so be sure to stay post dinner for a nightcap before heading back to your yacht.
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