The Middle East is set to rival some of the world’s most iconic yacht destinations such as the Bahamas, Whitsundays, Amalfi Coast and the Greek Islands.

And now, thanks to a new partnership between Wego and Waves, the region’s stunning coastlines will be easier for yachters to access and enjoy. 

Announced this week, travellers can now use the Waves app to book yacht trips for up to 25 people that range from two-to-six hours. Bespoke journeys will be available across Dubai, Kuwait, Jeddah and Qatar.

The trip can be for a private escape, a family trip, a corporate event or even a luxurious getaway. 

Wego’s Chief Business Officer, Mamoun Hmidan, said the integration of Waves with Wego will bring the Middle East’s world-class yacht experiences to more people worldwide. 

“This partnership is a testament to our commitment to redefining travel by seamlessly connecting land and sea.”

The partnership comes a little over a month after the latest Yacht Global Market Report revealed the sector is set to grow from $9.06 billion last year to $9.48 billion in 2025. The increased interest in luxury yacht holidays comes despite economic challenges and is being driven by high-net worth individuals. 

Why is yacht tourism booming in the Middle East?

Some key factors contributing to this evolution include:

• Increase in UHNWI: As the ranks of ultra-high-net-worth individuals in the Gulf grow, so does the demand for exclusive experiences that offer luxurious leisure opportunities.
• World-class marinas: Exceptionl facilities such as Dubai’s Port Rashid and Dubai Marina, Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina, Oman’s Al Mouj Marina, and Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea and Sindalah marinas, offer an unparalleled luxurious waterfront lifestyle. These state-of-the-art facilities boast top-tier infrastructure and amenities, tailored to the needs of superyachts and high-end travellers.
• Excellent cruising conditions: The Arabian Gulf’s warm climate and calm waters make it an ideal destination for luxury yachting, especially during the winter months.
• Exclusive experiences: From fine dining to exploring desert oases and secluded islands that are all accessible by yacht, the region’s incredibly opulent landscape offers some of the world’s most exclusive experiences.

Meanwhile, seeing the potential of yacht tourism, Saudi Arabia also recently revealed plans to develop its coastline to generate more yachting interest. As part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan, 29 tourism licenses have been issued to support yacht tourism businesses along the Red Sea. 

Once fully developed, yachters will be able to travel along the Red Sea region’s 1,800km coastline and connect to over 1,000 islands and 150 beaches. Read more about it, here.