Dubai & the Arabian Gulf
Superyacht luxury meets Arabian opulence — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the Gulf islands
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Embarkation
- Dubai (Dubai Harbour Marina)
- Disembarkation
- Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina)
- Best season
- October – April
- Total distance
- 150 NM
Overview
The Arabian Gulf offers a yacht charter experience unlike anywhere else — where futuristic skylines meet ancient Arabian culture, and man-made islands sit alongside pristine natural reserves. This 7-day itinerary combines the glamour of Dubai with the cultural richness of Abu Dhabi and the natural beauty of the Gulf's islands.
Highlights
- Dubai Marina skyline cruise
- The World Islands
- Sir Bani Yas Island wildlife
- Abu Dhabi's Louvre Museum
- Yas Island F1 circuit
- Desert island beach camping
Day by day
Day 1: Dubai — City of the Future
Dubai
Morning: Board at Dubai Harbour, the city's newest superyacht marina. Welcome reception with Arabic coffee and dates.
Afternoon: Cruise past the iconic Dubai skyline — Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, and the Atlantis Hotel. Anchor for swimming and water sports.
Evening: Dinner at Pierchic, a stunning overwater restaurant at Al Qasr Hotel, or at Nobu Dubai for Japanese-Peruvian fusion.
Day 2: The World Islands
Dubai → The World Islands · 8 nm
Morning: Cruise to The World Islands, Dubai's extraordinary man-made archipelago shaped like a world map. Anchor at one of the developed islands.
Afternoon: Enjoy water sports in the calm waters between the islands. Visit the Lebanon Island beach club or explore by tender.
Evening: Dinner aboard with the Dubai skyline glittering in the distance — one of the most spectacular urban panoramas on earth.
Day 3: Coastal Cruise South
The World Islands → Jebel Ali · 20 nm
Morning: Cruise south along the Dubai coast, passing the Palm Jebel Ali development. Stop for swimming and snorkelling at offshore reefs.
Afternoon: Continue south towards the border with Abu Dhabi emirate. The coastline transitions from urban to natural, with mangrove-lined shores.
Evening: Anchor in a secluded bay and enjoy a themed Arabian Nights dinner aboard — traditional Emirati cuisine with live oud music.
Day 4: Sir Bani Yas Island — Wildlife Reserve
Jebel Ali → Sir Bani Yas · 65 nm
Morning: Early departure for the longer cruise to Sir Bani Yas Island, a nature reserve established by Sheikh Zayed. Enjoy the passage with dolphins.
Afternoon: Explore the Arabian Wildlife Park — home to Arabian oryx, gazelles, giraffes, and cheetahs. Take a guided safari drive or kayak through the mangroves.
Evening: Beach dinner on the island, arranged by your crew, under a canopy of desert stars.
Day 5: Dalma Island — Pearl Heritage
Sir Bani Yas → Dalma Island · 15 nm
Morning: Cruise to Dalma Island, historically the centre of the Gulf's pearl diving industry. The island retains its traditional character.
Afternoon: Visit the Dalma Heritage Museum and explore the old pearl merchants' houses. Swim in the warm, clear waters off the island's beaches.
Evening: Dinner aboard featuring traditional Gulf cuisine — machboos (spiced rice with fish), harees, and luqaimat (sweet dumplings).
Day 6: Abu Dhabi — Cultural Capital
Dalma Island → Abu Dhabi · 35 nm
Morning: Cruise to Abu Dhabi, arriving at the Corniche. The skyline of the capital is impressive from the water.
Afternoon: Visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Jean Nouvel's masterpiece of architecture and art. Explore the Emirates Palace and the Heritage Village.
Evening: Dinner at Hakkasan Abu Dhabi in the Emirates Palace, or at Li Beirut for refined Lebanese cuisine.
Day 7: Yas Island — Grand Finale
Abu Dhabi → Yas Island · 12 nm
Morning: Cruise to Yas Island and dock at Yas Marina, the stunning marina that hosts the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Afternoon: Visit Ferrari World, the world's largest indoor theme park, or Yas Waterworld. Drive a lap of the F1 circuit in a supercar.
Evening: Farewell dinner at Cipriani Yas Island, overlooking the marina and the Yas Viceroy Hotel's iconic LED canopy.
Luxury Seekers · Families · Shoppers · Architecture Lovers
Yachts cruising in Dubai
- ENCORE — 40 m · Sunseeker · 30 guests · Home port: Dubai Marina Yacht Club · Weekly charter rate from €17,940/week
- LUCIEN — 40 m · Sunseeker · 35 guests · Home port: Dubai Marina | Dubai · Weekly charter rate from €17,168/week
- MIA KAI — 29 m · Bilgin · 22 guests · Home port: Other Port, Rent a Boat with Bluebnc · Weekly charter rate from €9,544/week