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In recent years Dubai has become one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. Tourists from the US, Australia, Europe and the Middle East frequent the land that is basically a desert with access to the sea. A yacht rental in Dubai allows you to discover this modern playground from a different perspective.
Naturally, Dubai makes you think of sand, a lot of sand. It’s like the country is only made of sand. The sand is everywhere. The next thing that comes to mind is pure luxury - not the luxury of treating yourself to a fancy meal, but excessive luxury. Expensive cars, luxury private yachts and fancy hotels - you can find all of that and more in Dubai.
Casual dining in Dubai:
Restaurants with a view in Dubai:
Fine dining in Dubai:
Dubai is a relatively new city charming you with its super modern architecture and flair, but is thought to have been founded some time in the 18th century as a humble fishing village - although Bedouin tribes have been living in the deserts surrounding Dubai for the past 4500 years. In the 19th century, as the city was growing, Dubai signed a special agreement with the British Empire and it remained under British protection until well into the 20th century. The importance of the port grew in 1901 when Dubai became a place where no taxes had to be paid on imports or exports and special protection was given to merchants settling here on their gifted lands. The Al Fahidi neighborhood is part of the old town of Dubai and a wonderful way to see remains of Dubai’s very beginnings. The Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum house is the former royal residence and was inhabited until 1958. Nowadays it’s a museum.
When oil was discovered off the coast of Dubai in 1966 a period of growth and prosperity followed for the city, but it was only from the 1990s onwards that the city focused their efforts on increasing tourism in the city.
Hatta Heritage Village, just outside of the city, is transporting you right back into time. The two impressive watchtowers, the beautiful mosque and the incredible fort all make this site a real tourist attraction - not just for history lovers.
While there might not be any myths about Dubai taking you back to antiquity, there are plenty of modern myths about the city. One of them is the rumor that drinking alcohol is not allowed here. This is definitely not true as there are many licenced venues allowed to pour alcohol.
Another myth about Dubai is that it is incredibly expensive. While there are plenty of luxurious hotels, yachts and boutiques around, you can also find very good bargains here. You just need to know where to look.
A third myth about Dubai is about the weather. While the summers are indeed incredibly hot with temperatures regularly exceeding the 40 degree mark, months like April, May, October and November are far less extreme when it comes to the weather. Temperatures can reach up to 25 degrees. So the myth that Dubai is facing scorching heat all year round is certainly not true.
Dubai is slowly turning into one of the most popular sailing destinations in the world and for good reason. Sailing competitions regularly take place in the Persian Gulf and attract sailors from all over. There is plenty of space for mooring at the marinas, including ‘The Palm’ which is now the largest marina in the world - not surprisingly, considering the excess Dubai is known for.
Sailing season generally lasts from September to May, making Dubai the perfect sailing destination for a winter getaway. With wind speeds averaging between 15 and 18 knots, Dubai is a fantastic sailing destination for novice and more experienced sailors alike.
While you might be fascinated by the impressive modern architecture of Dubai, there is nothing like discovering the natural wonders of the Persian Gulf. The Strait of Hormuz is known for its over 600 fjords and a great spot to really enjoy your boat vacation while being completely immersed in the experience.
Renting a boat in Dubai is not a cheap endeavor, but you can find good deals with Zizoo throughout the year. One of the most expensive yachts you can charter in Dubai is going to cost you 260,000 EUR for a week. Definitely not for those with average income.
The most predominant boat type you can find in Dubai is a motorboat. They are fast, fancy and easy to navigate. You can rent one to discover the surrounding beaches away from the city or simply to show off and sunbathe on deck all day long. There is a catamaran or gulet to rent every now and then as well, but they are not easy to come by in this area of the world.
Pros of a motorboat rental in Dubai
Charter a motorboat in Dubai for the speed. Motorboats are generally faster than other types of boats and therefore perfect for anyone who wants to either race from place to place or just show off how fast their motorboat can be.
Rent a motorboat in Dubai if you want to discover the impressive coastline of all of the United Arab Emirates. Lined by huge skyscrapers and other man-made wonders, this is certainly worth seeing.
Cons of a motorboat charter in Dubai
One of the downsides of a motorboat rental in Dubai is the fact that motorboats run solely on fuel - and fuel is expensive. In fact, it is not getting any cheaper. You will need to pay for all the patrol you’re using in addition to your bareboat charter, so you probably want to be prepared.
In a city where luxury motoryachts dominate the scene, your private luxury yacht rental in Dubai will fit right in. If you have a lot of cash just lying around and want to have a super relaxing boat holiday in Dubai, chartering a luxury yacht in the city might be just the right choice for you. It is very common that a crew is included in the charter price of a luxury yacht. They will take care of your every need while you get to enjoy your boat vacation. Most luxury yachts come with plenty of extras to entertain yourself, like a SUP or snorkeling equipment.
Anyone planning on driving a boat in Dubai needs to have a valid boat license. It doesn’t matter if you are just passing through, want to anchor at one of the marinas for the night or spend a whole week in Dubai.
If you want to obtain your boat license while in Dubai, you need to follow the rules and regulations of the government. However, this is only something you can do if you are a citizen or a resident of Dubai.
If you neither have a valid boat license nor want to get one, you can always hire an experienced skipper or captain in addition to your bareboat charter in Dubai. Of course you have to pay extra, but that way you won’t have to miss out on a boat holiday and can simply lean back, relax and enjoy your sailing vacation while someone else does all the work. Isn’t that the best way to enjoy a vacation anyway?
There are plenty of fantastic routes you can take from Dubai to explore the Persian Gulf. Whether you want to stay close to the city or head out for a proper adventure, a boat holiday in Dubai won’t ever get boring.
A wonderful domestic route to admire Dubai’s modern architecture is taking you around ‘The Palm’. Sail to the Jumeirah Beach Residency before heading out to the ‘One and Only Palm’, a luxurious resort in Dubai where you can either spend the day relaxing by the pool or have a fancy meal at the restaurant that’s part of the resort. Your next stop is Zabeel Saray, an incredible 5-star-hotel overlooking the sea. Whether you just want to admire the impressive building from a distance or have the necessary funds to have a meal here, it is definitely worth stopping by. Your next stop is Atlantis, the Palm, another incredibly luxurious hotel on the very top of the Palm. The Royal Amwaj is your next stop before heading for the Rixos. Admire the architecture of these impressive sights from the sea. Before heading back to the marina, you should also stop by the Burj Al Arab. You might not get to see a lot of nature, but you do get to see a masterpiece of human engineering. It is unlike anything else you’re ever going to see in the world. If you want to explore a similar place, you should head out to discover the world islands.
Another more adventurous route is taking you to explore the coast of the Arabian Gulf.
Day 1 - Sail from Dubai to Doha: Before setting out to your first destination, you should take your time to explore the city of Dubai. A modern enclave Dubai is going to charm you with its huge skyscrapers, fantastic observation decks and fancy restaurants. Arriving in Doha will feel just as exciting. The massive skyline is already going to greet you upon your arrival. The Katara Cultural Village might feel a little different compared to the large skyscrapers giving the city its distinct look, but it’s a great spot for a walk. It is intended to showcase different architectural styles and thereby bringing different cultures together. The National Museum of Qatar invites you to learn more about the country's history and culture. Since you’re already in Doha, you might also want to check out the Villaggio Mall, a shopping mall resembling Venice.
Day 2 - Sail from Doha to Abu Dhabi: You cannot come to the United Emirates and miss out on visiting its capital, Abu Dhabi. The city’s equally impressive skyline will greet you upon arriving on your yacht rental from Dubai. Explore the city and visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to see a monumental religious site and discover the presidential palace Qasr Al Watan, an impressive building overlooking the sea.
Day 3 - Sail from Abu Dhabi to Khasab: This lovely quaint fishing village in Oman stands in stark contrast to the hyper modern cities you have previously encountered on your sailing vacation. Surrounded by the beautiful Hajar Mountains and emerald water, this village is a true gem you wouldn’t want to miss on your trip.
Day 4 - Sail from Khasab to Fujairah: The city of Fujairah is also part of the United Arab Emirates, but far less excessive than Abu Dhabi and Dubai and located on the east coast of the state. Explore the Fujairah Fort, dating back to the 16th century, to discover an impressive historical site and visit the Fujairah Museum to learn more about the history of the region. If you get the chance, you should also visit the Al Bidya Mosque.
Day 5 - Sail from Fujairah to Dubai: Your boat vacation in Dubai is coming to an end. Sail back to the city of Dubai and greet the skyscrapers with a wave. Before heading back home and back to reality, you should have one last meal in one of the many fancy restaurants Dubai has to offer.
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