Under the patronage of DP World’s subsidiary P&O Marinas and initiated and co-organised by Fabulous Yachts, The International Superyacht Summit, one of the most anticipated events in the yachting tourism sector, is scheduled to be held on the 8th and 9th of December 2021. Held in collaboration with key stakeholders like Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and Dubai Maritime City Authority, the event will be held at the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2, anchored at Mina Rashid Marina in Dubai.

Since its launch in 2018, The International Superyacht Summit has garnered global attention and gained the confidence of the national and international yachting community. Constituting an integral part of P&O Marinas’ strategy, the summit will lead the way in establishing Dubai and the UAE as preferred yachting destinations in the Middle East.

Offering top-notch infrastructure

Featuring world-class ports and superyacht berths with state-of-the-art facilities, the UAE has an ideal setup for a thriving yachting tourism industry. Dubai especially has attractive and competitive advantages including suitable berth spaces, dedicated support facilities and its strategic location along a beautiful coastline.

Hamza Mustafa, Chief Operating Officer, P&O Marinas said:“The UAE has a diversified economy with tourism as one of its core pillars. Capitalising on this, the country has established itself as an exclusive, luxury yachting destination. At P&O Marinas, through our collection of sought-after yachting and coastal destinations, our sole purpose is to develop and promote Dubai as a comprehensive maritime hub and a global destination for marine tourism. Our assemblage of marinas is one of the most comprehensive in the Middle East, with a total capacity of 1,200 wet berths, 600 dry berths, and an ability to accommodate 60 superyachts ranging between 25m and 160m. In addition to this, we are continually working to ensure that the Emirate remains the epicentre for yacht and superyacht owners.”

Mustafa added:“Moreover, as per a report from Research and Markets, the global yacht industry is projected to reach an estimated market value of USD84.7 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.1 per cent. This growth will certainly project on the superyacht industry. Our mission now is to enhance these figures through The International Superyacht Summit 2021 that will boost the sector locally and globally.”

Highlighting key industry concerns

The 2021 edition of The International Superyacht Summit will introduce two new themes. The first highlights superyacht marina developments and their role in empowering lifestyle and tourism and the elite yachting industry. The second theme focuses on emerging trends in superyacht ownership and how builders can cater to the needs of young yacht owners and charterers. Central to this is the increasing environmental awareness and the deployment of sustainable practices.

Capt. Tony Crabbe, CEO of Fabulous Yachtssaid: “The superyacht sector has seen much progress, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the Summit, we hope to highlight the success of the sector. The event will also act as a platform to create awareness and synergy between a multitude of decision-makers and superyacht aficionados.”

Attracting delegates, speakers and sponsors from a global niche industry including superyacht marinas operators, superyacht builders, refit and maintenance, leading operators, yacht management companies, and yacht designers, along with related government representatives and industry experts, the summit will harness the sector’s combined expertise, stimulating discussions around regional developments within the superyacht sector and the larger yachting industry. The event being held during EXPO 2020 Dubai will further amplify its reach due to a large number of incoming tourists.