Dubai is not just expanding its world-class marinas — it’s also making it easier than ever for superyacht owners to dock and stay.
At the Asia Pacific Superyacht Summit 2025, Dubai showcased its new tailored visa packages for yacht tourists, positioning the city as the ultimate destination for luxury maritime experiences.
With bespoke visas and cutting-edge marina developments, Dubai is sailing ahead in the race to become the go-to superyacht hub for global elites.
Asia Pacific Superyacht Summit
Held in Hong Kong, the Asia Pacific Superyacht Summit brought together industry experts and maritime organisations, providing a platform for Dubai to highlight its strategic developments in the superyacht sector.
The participation aligned with Dubai’s ambitious D33 economic goals, reinforcing its drive to establish itself as a global leader in both business and leisure sectors.
During the summit, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) spearheaded the city’s delegation, which showcased the UAE’s continuous growth in the yachting industry.
The discussions focused on Dubai’s ongoing marina expansions, including the high-profile Nakheel Marinas Dubai Islands and Mina Rashid projects, and the introduction of specialized visa packages for yacht tourists. These initiatives are tailored to make the city a seamless and attractive destination for global superyacht owners.
Leading yachting destination
One of the standout moments of the summit was a panel led by His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), who shared insights on how Dubai has cultivated its reputation as a leading yachting destination. He emphasized the importance of public-private sector collaborations in building world-class yachting facilities and creating a streamlined regulatory environment for yacht tourism.
Kazim commented, “Our participation at the Asia Pacific Superyacht Summit reflects the continued strategic growth of the yachting segment in Dubai, driven by our visionary leadership. With the support of our stakeholders, we are advancing the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, ensuring that the city remains at the forefront of the world’s most recommended yachting destinations.”
Expanding the maritime tourism sector
The success of Dubai’s participation in the summit highlights the city’s position as a center for luxury maritime tourism. This follows the success of the Gulf Superyacht Summit in Dubai, where global stakeholders convened to discuss future trends in the yachting industry.
Additionally, the Dubai International Boat Show, held annually at Dubai Harbour, continues to reinforce the city’s status as a premier maritime lifestyle event.
DET’s continued collaboration with stakeholders across both public and private sectors is driving Dubai’s rapid development as a yachting destination. As the city looks ahead, future innovations and partnerships are expected to further enhance its appeal to superyacht owners and tourists alike.
A destination for global yacht owners
Dubai’s commitment to expanding its yachting infrastructure, coupled with its unique visa packages, is transforming the city into a global leader in maritime tourism.
As the UAE continues to invest in these specialized services, it is positioning itself as the ultimate destination for yacht owners, offering an unmatched blend of luxury, convenience, and access to top-tier facilities.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
