'Dubai has what it takes to be global super-yacht hub'

Dubai: The incentives for anyone with a yacht anywhere in the world to anchor in Dubai should be clear enough by now – the chance to lead a lifestyle of their choice. Quite a bit of sun and water around. And, of course, if needed, sign up for Golden Visas too.

It sure is a good time to have that yacht and be charting your way through the high seas off Dubai. And if it is berthing points these boat owners are in need of, there will be plenty coming – at Palm Jebel Ali, Dubai Islands, and more.

Selcuk Balci is the Managing Director of D-Marin, the operator of some eye-catching marinas and service provider to a demanding clientele. (With multi-million dollar boats in their holdings, their owners tend to be quite particular about their needs.)

In an interview to ‘Gulf News’, Balci provides a rundown on what’s been happening in the UAE marina and yachting space.

Dubai activated several marinas in the last two years, adding 437 new berths, including at Marsa Al Arab, Port De La Mer, Nakheel Dubai Island Marina, and Jewel of Creek.

Do you think it would be a good three to four years before new marina and yachting hubs are created in Dubai ?

How many marinas and berths do you handle currently? Are all these located in Dubai?

We manage five marinas across Dubai, overseeing 400 berths. We are actively exploring opportunities to expand our marina management services beyond Dubai.

Our goal is to create a seamless network of marinas across other emirates and GCC countries, offering our clients a natural itinerary for cruising and travel between premium yachting destinations in the region.

Abu Dhabi, like Dubai, has seen considerable growth in its marina offerings, particularly in newer waterfront developments. These developments typically feature large plots designated for residential and leisure purposes, with the potential for marina berths to be leased on a long-term basis.

In our current projects, we primarily offer marina berths on an annual lease basis. This approach provides flexibility to both marina operators and boat owners, allowing for long-term use while adjusting to the changing dynamics of the market.

This is a significant step toward establishing the UAE as a global superyacht hub. As a marina operator, we fully support this initiative and will actively promote it to our customers.

Our goal is to assist superyacht owners in navigating the process and help them maintain their Golden Visas, ensuring they can continue enjoying the benefits of residing in one of the world’s most prestigious yachting destinations.