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News Ocean Independence Establishes New Presence in Dubai

At Ocean Independence, we are delighted to announce the opening of our newest office with an enviable waterfront location in the prestigious Dubai Harbour Marina.

Marking a significant milestone in our strategic expansion, this move positions us at the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic luxury yachting hubs, underscoring our commitment to serving our distinguished clientele across the Middle East region.

Toby Maclaurin, Chief Commercial Officer, and Sebastian Dumitrescu, Group Director Dubai, share their insights on the decision to expand into Dubai and the immense potential it offers. Their perspectives highlight why this move is a crucial step in our mission to provide an unmatched level of personal attention to our Clients.

WHY DUBAI?

Dubai firmly re-established itself on our radar in early 2023 when we successfully exhibited and sold a 63-metre Abeking & Rasmussen following a first viewing during the Dubai International Boat Show.” explains Toby Maclaurin – Ocean Independence CCO. “While we had already recognised the region’s growing significance in the yachting market for some time, we’ve now found the right team to join us and establish a permanent presence at a great location in Dubai, giving us the opportunity to complete this strategic move.

The decision to establish our presence in Dubai combined this with market indicators that clearly indicate an increased demand for luxury yachting services in the region. The UAE’s yachting sector has seen exceptional growth in recent years, with the UAE Yachting Market Insight 2024 stating the number of yachts above 28 metres (90 feet) visiting Dubai rose by 12.28% in the 2023/2024 season. More telling still is the 11.69% increase in the total length of yachts visiting the region, reflecting the market’s shift toward larger yachts.

Beautiful, golden sunset view of the modern skyline at Dubai Marina skyline, United Arab Emirates

THE WORLD-CLASS INFRASTRUCTURE FUELLING DUBAI’S YACHTING ASCENT

Dubai’s transformation into a global yachting destination is no accident. Benefitting from significant government investment the emirate now hosts outstanding yachting infrastructure with 22 marinas. Dubai Harbour Marinas are leading the way as the region’s largest facility. With 700 berths and an impressive 88% occupancy rate among annual berth holders, it exemplifies the robust demand for premium berthing in the region.

Dubai has experienced a significant influx of high-net-worth individuals in recent years, including both locals and expatriates relocating to the city,” explains Sebastian, Group Director of Ocean Independence Dubai. “This trend has fuelled the growth of the high-end real estate market, and we’re now seeing a similar surge in interest for luxury yachting. While the market for 40m-plus yachts is still developing, the real estate boom has translated to a rapid evolution in yachting as infrastructure and services catch up with demand.

The Dubai government’s proactive approach to marine regulations has also been transformative for the sector. Through collaboration between the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA), significant barriers to entry have been removed. Most notably, the DMA has revolutionised the clearance process for foreign vessels, enabling them to complete immigration and customs procedures at any marina in Dubai, helping to reduce wait times and complexity.

Further streamlining measures include the elimination of sailing permit requirements for Dubai-based vessels operating within three nautical miles of the coastline. “These regulatory changes have simplified procedures and made Dubai significantly more attractive to international yacht owners and charter operators in terms of operational efficiency.

Dubai’s Yachting Lifestyle

Dubai’s magnetism in the global yachting community stems from its unique combination of strategic location and lifestyle advantages. Positioned at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and Asia, the emirate serves as an ideal hub for vessels transitioning between Mediterranean and Asian cruising grounds. This strategic position has become increasingly valuable as more owners seek to explore emerging destinations in the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia.

The city’s sophisticated lifestyle offerings have evolved to match its maritime ambitions. The recent introduction of the Michelin Guide to Dubai, now in its third edition, has spotlighted the emirate’s world-class dining scene.

The Palm island panorama with Dubai marina rising in the background aerial view

Dubai offers an exceptionally diverse experience for yacht owners and charterers,” explains Sebastian. “In a single day, clients can move from a morning desert safari to an afternoon at world-class shopping destinations, followed by dinner at any one of the 19 Michelin-starred restaurants in the city. This variety, combined with year-round sunshine and calm waters, creates a compelling proposition for both owners and charter guests.

The Dubai International Boat Show has also emerged as a powerful indicator of the emirate’s growing influence in the global yachting sector. Last year’s edition not only recorded a 30% increase in visiting superyachts but also demonstrated the market’s increasing sophistication through significant sales activity and new-build contracts signed. The event – gearing up to host its 31st edition from the 19th to 23rd of February 2025 – has evolved from a regional showcase into a must-attend fixture on the international yachting calendar.

Discover the Dubai Boat Show

A focus on the future

Our new Dubai office will provide Ocean Independence’s full range of services, yacht sales and purchase, charter management, as well as operational and technical management. This expansion isn’t just about meeting current demand – it’s about being part of the region’s continued growth.

We’re seeing extraordinary development in Dubai’s 24m+ yachting market“, Sebastian notes. “From the increasing number of foreign-flagged vessels to the growing sophistication of local services, everything points to Dubai’s rise as a major yachting destination. We want to be a key part of shaping that future.

Our presence in Dubai represents Ocean Independence’s commitment to serving clients wherever they are in the world. As the region continues to develop its luxury maritime sector, we look forward to being part of this exciting new chapter in the region’s yachting story.

For more information about our services in Dubai, don’t hesitate to contact our team in Dubai.

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