Tag Archives: yachting

Yachting has topped UAE resident’s bucket list, according to the inaugural UAE Experience Survey by Shamal Holding. The study conducted by YouGov, which surveyed 1014 people across the emirates, saw Yacht Trips (52%) beat traditional bucket list experiences as the nation’s most sought-after activity, surpassing skydiving (44%) and hot air ballooning or helicopter rides (44%). The growing appetite for yacht experiences correlates with the development of the UAE as a premier yachting destination, reinforced by year-round sunshine, unique coastline and luxury marinas. Whilst adrenaline-inducing pursuits have traditionally driven bucket list preferences for many years, recent interest in maritime activities show a growing demand for experiences that can be enjoyed as a group and provide collective memories. This is supported by the insights from the UAE Experience Survey, which highlighted that 1 in 2 residents are seeking diverse experiences that are memorable. The research also shows that residents are keen to explore the natural landscape of the UAE, with 53% of them choosing to spend weekends at the beach and 44% preferring to spend time in nature. Within the sample surveyed, 87% of people also agreed that the nation offers a wide range of experiences. “Experiences have been fundamental to the growth of the UAE as the chosen home for more than 200 nationalities who look to our multidimensional landscape to maximise their leisure time. As a diversified investment firm with a wide range of leisure, entertainment and hospitality experiences within our extraordinary portfolio, we have seen consumer preferences evolve in recent years as a response to major global events. Consumers are still looking for enriching and transformative experiences since the pandemic, but now, they are looking for ones that are …

IGY Marinas announced that it is partnering with NEOM, the global development taking shape in northwest Saudi Arabia, to develop and operate the prestigious marina at Sindalah, the giga-project’s luxury island destination. Perfectly positioned as a glamorous gateway to the Red Sea, Sindalah will be the closest ultra-prime superyacht marina to Europe and the Mediterranean. Expected to become an iconic destination for the world’s yachting community, the maritime facility will offer 86 berths for yachts up to 50 meters and additional serviced offshore buoys for superyachts up to 180 meters. Antoni Vives, Head of Urban Development at NEOM, said: “Sindalah will be one of the most alluring and vibrant yachting destinations in the world, thanks to its strategic location, outstanding amenities and stunning natural landscapes. This partnership with IGY is one of many steps we are taking to achieve our vision of reshaping the global yachting calendar, with NEOM located one day’s cruising distance from the Mediterranean Sea.” IGY’s unique position and expertise will help Sindalah realize this goal and set a benchmark for premium customer experience. Once established, the marina will join IGY’s international superyacht marina network of 23 marinas across 12 countries – the only network of its kind in the world – as well as their exclusive superyacht membership program IGY Trident. Tom Mukamal, CEO of IGY Marinas said: “Sindalah perfectly integrates with IGY’s global vision to connect the world’s most incredible yachting destinations across our growing marina network. The addition of NEOM to the IGY platform provides superyacht owners, captains and charter guests unrivaled destinations, service and convenience. IGY is tremendously excited about the opportunity to promote this amazing new destination to the international yachting community.” …