A Guide to Chartering in the Middle East

The Middle East blends futuristic skylines, ancient coastlines, and world-class marinas into a charter experience unlike any other.

In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, glittering harbors sit alongside golden beaches and cosmopolitan nightlife. Farther east, Oman’s Musandam Peninsula reveals fjord-like inlets where sheer cliffs plunge into turquoise waters and dolphins follow your yacht’s wake. Across the Red Sea, Egypt’s coral gardens rival the world’s finest dive sites, while Jordan’s Gulf of Aqaba offers a gateway to Petra’s rose-red ruins.

In Qatar, The Pearl marina places you steps from designer boutiques and fine dining, while Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina lets you watch the Formula 1 Grand Prix from your own berth. Fun fact: Dubai Harbour is one of the largest marinas on earth, purpose-built to welcome the world’s biggest superyachts.

From desert horizons to iconic coastlines, the Middle East offers a rare balance of ancient heritage and modern luxury.

Where are the must-see destinations in the Middle East?

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

• Tourist hotspots: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island
• Marinas and ports: Dubai Harbour Marina, Yas Marina (Abu Dhabi), Mina Rashid Marina
• Popular beaches: Jumeirah Beach (Dubai), Saadiyat Beach (Abu Dhabi), Sir Bani Yas Island Beach
• Historic sites: Al Fahidi Historical District (Dubai), Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (Abu Dhabi)

The UAE is a premier luxury yacht charter destination in the Middle East, combining ultra‑modern marinas with golden beaches and rich cultural heritage. Dubai offers glamorous waterfronts, world‑class shopping, and iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, while Abu Dhabi blends luxury resorts with historical treasures such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Sir Bani Yas Island offers a tranquil anchorage paired with a wildlife reserve where guests can embark on safari‑style adventures.

Oman

• Tourist hotspots: Muscat, Musandam Peninsula, Salalah
• Marinas and ports: Marina Bandar Al Rowdha (Muscat), Khasab Port (Musandam), Salalah Port
• Popular beaches: Qurum Beach (Muscat), Khor Najd (Musandam), Al Mughsail Beach (Salalah)
• Historic sites: Nizwa Fort, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (Muscat)

Oman offers a dramatic coastline of fjord‑like inlets, rugged cliffs, and secluded anchorages, making it a hidden gem for yacht charters in the Middle East. Muscat serves as a charming gateway with traditional souks and historic forts, while the Musandam Peninsula captivates with its towering limestone cliffs and dolphin‑filled waters. In the south, Salalah offers lush greenery, tropical beaches, and a relaxed cruising experience far from the crowds.

Qatar

• Tourist hotspots: Doha, The Pearl‑Qatar, Al Wakrah
• Marinas and ports: The Pearl Marina, Lusail Marina, Doha Port
• Popular beaches: Katara Beach, Simaisma Beach, Al Wakrah Beach
• Historic sites: Souq Waqif, Al Zubarah Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Qatar is fast emerging as a high‑end yacht charter destination, with state‑of‑the‑art marinas and easy access to luxury hotels, fine dining, and cultural attractions. Doha blends modern skyscrapers with traditional markets, while The Pearl offers exclusive marina berths surrounded by upscale boutiques. History enthusiasts can visit the UNESCO‑listed Al Zubarah Fort for a glimpse into Qatar’s trading past.

Egypt (Red Sea)

• Tourist hotspots: Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Marsa Alam
• Marinas and ports: Hurghada Marina, Port Ghalib Marina, Sharm El Sheikh Marina
• Popular beaches: Giftun Island, Naama Bay, Abu Dabbab Beach
• Historic sites: St. Catherine’s Monastery (Sinai), Luxor’s ancient temples (inland excursion)

Egypt’s Red Sea coast offers some of the most pristine diving and snorkeling waters in the world, making it a top choice for yacht charters. Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh boast luxury marinas and vibrant nightlife, while Marsa Alam offers quieter anchorages and world‑class dive sites. Inland excursions can take you to Luxor’s legendary temples or the sacred St. Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai for a rich cultural experience.

What are some cultural highlights, festivals, and events awaiting you?

In January, the Dubai Shopping Festival transforms the city into a world‑class retail and entertainment hub, while Oman’s Muscat Festival celebrates local heritage with music, crafts, and cuisine. February’s Al Dhafra Festival in Abu Dhabi showcases traditional camel races and falconry, and the Qatar International Food Festival tempts with global flavors along Doha’s waterfront. March brings the prestigious Dubai International Boat Show, a yachting industry highlight, alongside the Sharjah Biennial for contemporary art lovers. During April and May, Ramadan Cultural Nights offer a serene glimpse into Islamic traditions, followed by the joyful feasts and fireworks of Eid al‑Fitr. Summer features the Salalah Tourism Festival in Oman, celebrating the lush monsoon season, and the Liwa Date Festival in the UAE, honoring the region’s prized harvest. Autumn welcomes high‑profile events such as the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix, Dubai Fitness Challenge, and the Abu Dhabi International Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition. The season peaks in November with the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, while December bursts with national pride during UAE National Day and Qatar National Day, both marked by grand parades, fireworks, and cultural performances. Attending these celebrations while on a Middle East yacht charter offers a rare blend of luxury cruising, cultural immersion, and world‑class entertainment.

What local dishes should you try in the Middle East?

A yacht charter in the Middle East is as much a culinary journey as it is a luxury cruising experience, offering flavors shaped by centuries of trade, tradition, and hospitality. In the UAE, indulge in machboos, a fragrant rice dish with spiced meat or seafood, and sweet luqaimat drizzled with date syrup. Oman tempts with shuwa, lamb marinated in spices and slow‑cooked in an underground oven, while Qatar’s harees combine wheat and meat into a comforting, slow‑cooked delicacy. Along Egypt’s Red Sea coast, enjoy freshly grilled seafood paired with koshari, a beloved street‑food mix of rice, pasta, lentils, and tomato sauce. Across the region, mezze platters—featuring hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, and warm pita—make for a perfect onboard spread while anchored in a secluded bay. Sampling these Middle Eastern dishes during your yacht charter deepens your journey, blending world‑class cruising with unforgettable gastronomic discoveries.

What’s Next? 

From the modern elegance of Dubai’s skyline to the raw, untouched beauty of Oman’s fjords and the Red Sea’s world‑class dive sites, the Middle East offers a yachting experience unlike anywhere else. Our Middle East yacht charter itineraries are crafted to blend luxury marina living with authentic cultural encounters.

Browse our exclusive collection of luxury yachts available in the region and start designing your bespoke journey through the Middle East’s most captivating coastlines, where heritage, innovation, and world‑class cruising come together in perfect harmony.