Middle East Yacht Charter
Discover the Middle East your own way
A Middle East yacht charter blends ancient culture, dramatic desert-meets-sea landscapes, and world-class luxury. From the Arabian Gulf to the Red Sea, futuristic cities like Dubai and Doha sit alongside quiet islands, coral-rich waters, and culturally rich coastal towns. Whether you want refined cruising, exceptional diving, or remote exploration, the region delivers year-round sunshine and standout hospitality. With expanding superyacht infrastructure and modern marinas, it’s an ideal destination for travellers seeking warm weather, high service standards, and striking natural beauty on the water.
Highlights
Spectacular Coastlines & Landscapes
From Oman’s fjord-like Musandam Peninsula to Abu Dhabi’s mangrove-lined shores and Saudi Arabia’s untouched Red Sea islands, the region offers dramatic contrasts — rugged mountains meeting clear water, remote coves, and quiet desert anchorages.
Luxury Marinas and World-Class Hospitality
The Middle East is home to some of the most advanced marinas on earth: Dubai Marina, Yas Marina, Porto Arabia, Jeddah Yacht Club, and the emerging Red Sea giga-developments. Expect premium facilities, elegant dining, and seamless guest services.
Rich Marine Life and Excellent Diving
The Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea both offer warm waters, colourful reefs, dolphins, turtles, and abundant fish life. The Red Sea, in particular, is globally renowned for exceptional visibility and vibrant coral ecosystems.
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Kayaking in mangroves, snorkeling coral gardens, diving shipwrecks, dune safaris, luxury beach clubs, kitesurfing, and remote-island exploration all add depth to a Middle Eastern itinerary.
Middle East Yacht Charters in Brief
Each major region offers its own distinct charter style and character, giving travellers a wide range of yacht destination options across the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea:
- United Arab Emirates – Dubai & Abu Dhabi: Luxury marinas, skyscraper views, palm-shaped islands, calm cruising waters, vibrant nightlife, and high-end infrastructure. Ideal for short luxury charters or glamorous city-to-sea itineraries.
- Oman – Musandam & Salalah: A favourite for nature lovers. Expect towering cliffs, fjord-like inlets, crystal-clear waters, dolphins, and tranquil bays far removed from city life. Salalah provides lush coastal scenery and cultural richness.
- Saudi Arabia – Red Sea Riviera: Home to some of the most untouched marine environments in the world. The Red Sea offers pristine coral reefs, uninhabited islands, dramatic mountain backdrops, and emerging luxury destinations like NEOM and The Red Sea Project.
- Qatar – Doha & The Pearl: Modern marinas, stylish waterfront promenades, and smooth coastal cruising. Ideal for short luxury escapes and event-based charters (Formula 1, international sports events, cultural festivals).
- Bahrain: Calm waters, welcoming Marinas, island clusters, and heritage-rich shorelines perfect for relaxed cruising.
Chartering Conditions
The Middle East enjoys warm weather almost year-round.
- Peak season: October to April (cooler temperatures, ideal sea conditions)
- Summer: Hotter but still feasible for short-distance cruising and luxury marina-based itineraries
Winds are generally predictable, and sea conditions range from calm to moderately breezy depending on region and time of year.
Main departure hubs: Dubai Marina, Abu Dhabi (Yas & Emirates Palace Marinas), Doha’s Porto Arabia, Jeddah Yacht Club, NEOM region (seasonal), Muscat and Khasab in Oman.
Types of Yachts You Can Charter in the Middle East
Choosing the right yacht helps you get the best experience when chartering a yacht in the Middle East. Popular options include:
- Motor Yachts: The most common choice in the region. Perfect for luxurious cruising, covering short distances comfortably, and enjoying features like jacuzzis, beach clubs, and expansive sun decks.
- Superyachts & Mega Yachts: The Middle East is one of the world’s hubs for large superyacht charters. Expect full crews, premium amenities, advanced water toys, and bespoke itineraries tailored to your preferences.
- Catamarans: Less common than in places like the Caribbean, but increasingly available — offering stability, large deck space, and shallow-water access, ideal for Red Sea islands and Oman’s quieter bays.
- Sailing Yachts: A niche but growing segment, offering a serene and sportier style of cruising, particularly appealing in Oman and the Red Sea.
Middle East Yacht Charter FAQ
This quick FAQ covers the essentials you need to know before planning a Middle East yacht charter, including timing, costs, activities, and practical details to help you prepare with confidence.
When Is the Best Time to Charter a Yacht in the Middle East?
The prime season runs from October to April, when temperatures are pleasant and sea conditions are ideal. Summer charters are possible but tend to focus on short trips, luxury marina stays, or island hopping during cooler mornings and evenings.
How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Yacht in the Middle East?
Yacht charter prices in the Middle East vary by destination, yacht size, and season. Motor yachts typically start around 20,000–40,000 EUR per week, while catamarans usually range from 10,000–18,000 EUR. Premium superyachts often run between 50,000 and 250,000+ EUR per week, and the largest megayachts can exceed 500,000 EUR, especially during major events or peak winter months. Fuel, provisioning (APA), marina fees, local taxes, and crew gratuities are charged in addition to the base rate.
What Are the Most Popular Activities in the Middle East?
Guests enjoy snorkeling, diving, paddleboarding, jet ski sessions, visiting private islands, desert excursions, cultural tours, waterfront dining, and exploring modern architectural landmarks.
What Currency Is Used in the Middle East?
Each country uses its own currency: the UAE operates with the Dirham (AED), Saudi Arabia uses the Saudi Riyal (SAR), Oman the Omani Rial (OMR), Qatar the Qatari Riyal (QAR), and Bahrain the Bahraini Dinar (BHD). All major marinas, hotels, and charter operators accept international credit cards, making payments straightforward for visiting guests.
Plan Your Middle East Yacht Charter
Tell us your dates and preferences and a specialist will contact you.