Abu Dhabi

Located along a sunlit stretch of the Arabian Gulf, the federal capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, is rapidly emerging as a popular yachting destination due to its offering of island cruising, cultural landmarks, and contemporary marina infrastructure. As the largest emirate in the UAE, Abu Dhabi is home to more than 700 kilometres of coastline and over 200 natural islands, offering extensive opportunities for coastal cruising and charter exploration. The city itself sits on an island connected to the mainland, with sheltered waters ideal for daytime and nighttime cruising. Yas Marina on Yas Island provides premium berthing alongside the Yas Marina Circuit, which is also home to the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Nearby Saadiyat Island serves as the cultural district, housing the Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by Jean Nouvel, and pristine white-sand beaches, offering charter guests plenty of options for cultural discovery and exploration. Other onshore highlights include the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, renowned for its marble domes and intricate craftsmanship, and the eight-kilometre Corniche waterfront. Outside of the city, mangrove forests and quiet lagoons create natural anchorages, while desert landscapes begin just inland, offering dune excursions and falconry experiences. Strategically positioned between Dubai and Qatar, Abu Dhabi serves as a practical starting or even ending point for extended Gulf yacht itineraries linking the UAE’s northern emirates, Bahrain, and Oman.