Big news from the Dubai Maritime Authority: in Q1 2025, foreign-flagged yacht arrivals surged 149%, jumping from 39 to 97 vessels. 

At the same time:

• DMA’s managed berths increased by 1.2%, adding 48 to reach 4,190 total berths. 

• Marina licenses issued rose 19%, while permits climbed 8.2% year-on-year. 

Dubai isn’t just growing—it’s accelerating.

From regulatory innovation to infrastructure investment, the Emirate is staking its claim as a top-tier superyacht hub:

• Dock & Dine Initiative across 20 marinas gives yacht visitors free moorage + streamlined access to dining, culture & service. 

• Remote technical inspections are now possible for vessel license renewals, reducing friction and increasing efficiency. 

• A new visitors’ license allows holders of IMO-recognized marine licenses to operate pleasure vessels in Dubai—with easier approval. 

What This Means for Yachtify & the Broader Industry

1. Demand is migrating

   Owners and charterers are actively seeking fresh, dynamic destinations beyond traditional Mediterranean routes. Dubai’s surge signals a shift in attention—and capital.

2. Service & infrastructure are catching up

   Rapid increases in permits, berths, and streamlined licensing show that authorities are serious about making yachting frictionless.

3. Opportunities for access-driven models

   At Yachtify, we’ve long believed in shifting the paradigm: from ownership to experience. Markets like Dubai reinforce why access-based, fractional, or hybrid ownership models are becoming more relevant.

4. Transparency & communication will matter even more

   As competition intensifies, the differentiator won’t just be who has the boat—but who delivers clarity, trust, and seamless support to owners and users.

Yachtify’s View: The yachting world is entering its next wave. Growth will come not just from more boats, but from better models, smarter infrastructure, and elevated expectations. Dubai’s numbers are proof that change isn’t coming—it’s already happening.

#DubaiYachting #MarineGrowth #Yachtify #FutureOfLuxury #AccessOverOwnership #MaritimeInnovation