DUBAI
Gateway to Success
Dubai. A desert-based modern metropolis which serves as a luxury travel destination, a centre for trade, arts and culture and a booming economic hub. It is home to an ever-increasing number of UHNWIs and fast becoming a popular business gateway between the East and West. Dubai has been developed for success but what gives it that winning formula?
The sail-shaped Burj Al Arab is one if Dubai's most distinctive buildings
Melting Pot
With a largely expat population, Dubai is a cultural Middle Eastern melting pot. A genuinely international community attracting people from all over the globe, thanks to big business opportunities, good schooling, safe living, and positive tax benefits. Islam remains the majority religion but it is not uncommon to find churches and Hindu temples coexisting with mosques in what has become a more tolerant place over time, adapting to more and more international influences.
Historically Speaking
As the most populated city in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai’s skyscraper skyline and Palm Island living contrast sharply with its Bronze Age origins. Whilst everything about modern day Dubai may seem new, invested, and created, thanks to oil being struck in 1966, there is a deep history of trade and entrepreneurship that underpins the current modernization where Dubai now stands tall. This long-time trade route for gold, spices, textiles, and pearls has been transformed from a tribe settlement area to a 19th century fishing village and from a British protectorate to an independent as one of the 7 UAEs.
Changing Landscape
You only need to stay in Dubai for a few days to understand how the landscape and skyline changes daily. Development and real-estate are big but it is the vision behind the potential which is bigger. Turning a sandbox into one of the most successful cities in the world takes money, skill, and foresight. Islands and Palms have been built, mostly thanks to the Dutch skill of building and living in and around water, to catalyse tourism and create extra living space, marinas and even beaches. Large, seven-star resorts form the heart of all tourism and ground-breaking, remarkable architecture distinguish Dubai from other Western and Eastern famous cities.
Business Gateway
Business is big in Dubai thanks to a proven record of innovation and support for entrepreneurs. From finance to construction, real estate to tourism and e-commerce to health care, business sectors tend to thrive making investment, establishment, and growth lucrative for those setting up on their own. It is an example of success breeding success with a current trend towards Dubai being used as a gateway to business between the East and West. A hub for meetings and diversification in a strategic location that makes sense for both sides of the world. A significant development that in turn generates more income for Dubai with increased business travellers and thus more opportunities for all business activities in Dubai. A win win.
Desert-based activities such as ATV and sand buggy safaris provide adrenalin-filled activities for those looking to get out of the city. In March 2024 we took a group of yacht brokers into the sand dunes for a business-based team-building adventure.
Action Packed
It is hard to think of something you cannot do in Dubai. Shopping, skiing, sky diving, boating, relaxing, museums, art fairs, exclusive auctions, theatres, trade shows and desert exploration. There literally is something for everyone. When it comes to superyachting, it is still a work in progress. The marine leisure industry continues to grow at a fast rate but there has been an increased number of larger superyachts making Dubai their home port or a destination stop off. The coastline may not match that of the Med but in terms of things to do and people to see, Dubai is more than a match for other destinations.
Dubai International Boat Show
DIBS has been a long-standing event on the annual boat show calendar for Damen Yachting. Whilst it may not match up size wise in terms of the yacht line-up with the American and European shows, that doesn't make it any less important. Infact it's the gateway and hub effect that makes it the perfect meeting place for clients and industry alike from both the East and the West. Alongside the more general marine interests and smaller boat segments, there is dedicated superyacht avenue which hosts our industry's top builders and brokers. This year the show took place from the 19th to 23rd February. We were proud to showcase our entire diverse yachting portfolio and welcome a record number of people to the stand.