OI: How did you get into the yachting industry?
Unlike many in the industry who have long-held aspirations to work with yachts, my entry into the sector came through an unexpected opportunity. I was initially focused on business advisory services, when an investor, who had purchased a Pershing yacht, gave me the opportunity to manage their newly secured Ferretti Group dealership. That opened the door to yachting, and I never looked back. I spent five years as a Ferretti dealer, where we were selling around seven to eight yachts per year, mostly new builds. That hands-on experience was crucial in shaping my understanding of yacht sales and Client needs.
OI: What led you to expand into yacht services and management?
As the market evolved, I saw a growing need for high-quality yacht management and refit services in Dubai. That’s when we started our maintenance and refit services operation, focusing on providing comprehensive solutions for yacht owners. These businesses positioned us at the forefront of Dubai’s yachting infrastructure, allowing me to work closely with international clients and suppliers and further deepen my expertise in construction and operations.
OI: What’s unique about the Dubai yacht market?
Dubai is an incredibly dynamic place, but its yachting sector operates differently compared to Europe or the US. While the real estate market here has skyrocketed since the pandemic, yacht sales haven’t followed the same exponential trajectory. Many assume that selling yachts in Dubai is straightforward because of the wealth in the region, but the reality is more complex. Unlike Europe, where yachts are purchased for privacy and long-term use, in Dubai, they are often bought as status symbols. The market has also shifted—while Emiratis were once the dominant buyers, today, it’s primarily wealthy European expats who have relocated here.
OI: What challenges does yacht brokerage face in Dubai?
Brokerage is a tough segment in this region because owners are often reluctant to sign Central Agency agreements without the backing of an international brokerage like Ocean Independence. Resulting in multiple brokers competing to sell the same yachts, the market becomes fragmented, which has traditionally meant new yacht sales have been the more effective focus in Dubai. That’s why my approach has been centred on new build sales rather than traditional brokerage up to now, but we feel with the introduction of global brokerage houses like Ocean Independence into the region, this trend will shift towards the European and American models of CA agreements.
OI: How has Dubai’s yachting infrastructure evolved in recent years?
Dubai’s marina landscape is expanding at a rapid pace. In the past year alone, four new marinas have opened, including a premium facility near Burj Al Arab, which is nearly at capacity, and Bulgari Marina, which is always full. Our new Ocean Independence office at Dubai Harbour places us right in the heart of this growth, giving us direct access to the city’s most prominent yachting hub.
OI: How do you see Ocean Independence Developing in Dubai?
For me, the opening of this new office is about taking the Dubai market to the next level. Ocean Independence has an established reputation in the global brokerage sector, particularly in the 40m+ yacht segment. By combining my local expertise with the company’s international network, we can bridge the gap between UAE-based yacht owners and the European market. Plus, with my background in yacht management and refits, we can offer something unique—truly full-service solutions that go beyond just sales.
