UAE and Oman Cruise Guide

Cruising the UAE and Oman on superyachts offers the perfect combination of adventure, sun and urban glamour. The region is growing in popularity for superyacht cruising and is welcoming more global fleets to enjoy year-round summer, otherworldly cityscapes and spotless beaches. Here is SuperYacht Times’ guide to five days of cruising in the UAE and Oman on superyachts.

Day 1: Dubai

Begin your UAE and Oman superyacht tour in Dubai, one of the top resorts in the world. Known as the City of Gold, Dubai is a melting pot of luxury, glamor and ultra-modernity. The city boasts world-class infrastructure and a gleaming skyline, dominated by the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, at 160 stories.Photo: Unsplash/Fadi al ShamiDubai is the perfect starting point for superyacht cruising in the UAE and Oman, with an efficient international airport, world-class marinas and unparalleled hospitality. A modern metropolis built in the heart of the Arabian desert, the city of Dubai is an ever-expanding tapestry of influences and cultures with a charm unlike any other.This outstanding destination flaunts vibrant energy and appeal. It’s this buzz that makes Dubai tourist folklore, and it can be felt in the city’s many prestigious and diverse restaurants, bars, hotels and entertainment venues.

Day 2: Dubai to Muscat

Depart Dubai and sail south along the Arabian Coast to Oman and its capital, Muscat, on the second day of the UAE and Oman superyacht cruise. Known for its antiquity, the city dates back to the 1st century AD and is dotted with 16th-century Portuguese forts such as A Jalali and Mirani, which tower over the harbour.Photo: Unsplash/Anfal ShamsudeenToday, the city is a mix of modern architecture, with the marble Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and ancient buildings. The coast of Oman is dotted with beautiful inlets, where traditional dhows ferry locals between the islands.

Day 3: Muscat to Fujairah

After enjoying the tranquil waters of Oman, Fujairah is the next stop on your superyacht cruise in the UAE and Oman. The city of Fujairah has a blissfully large beach surrounded by the Hajar Mountains, a city bustling with souks and cafes, and a famous Portuguese fort overlooking the water.Photo: Unsplash/Ahmed AldaieDay 4: Fujairah to Abu Dhabi

Head to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, on day four of the UAE and Oman superyacht cruise. Your itinerary will take you through northern Oman, with its unusual island-like peninsulas and dramatic landscapes. Abu Dhabi is home to a gorgeous patchwork of old and new, a bubbling glass jungle dotted with the city’s architectural and cultural history.Photo: EmpireJust 15 minutes by boat from Abu Dhabi, Nurai Island is a boutique island offering sanctuary for all from the dizzying hives of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This tranquil haven lures guests with its pristine sandy beaches, azure waters and all the amenities one could expect for a relaxing getaway. Beachfront yoga, island tranquility, beautiful swimming pools and luxury spas are just some of the leisure facilities Nurai Island has to offer.Photo: Unsplash/Ahmad HasanThose who prefer an active recovery can choose from some of the many physical activities on the island, including fishing, swimming and tennis. End an incredibly peaceful day by watching the sunset reflect on the water during one of Nurai Island’s many immersive culinary experiences.Photo: EmpireDay 5: Dubai

On the last day of the cruise, return to Dubai. The city sits on the southeastern coast of the Persian Gulf, where guests can plunge into the mild turquoise waters. Jet skiing, parasailing or snorkelling, the water sports possibilities in Dubai are endless.Experience moments of pure magic with a day out on Dubai’s crystal-clear shores, using the ocean as your playground, viewed against the city’s majestic backdrop. To cap off an unforgettable yacht cruise, spend the final evening of your superyacht cruise in the UAE watching the sunset from the world famous Kite Beach as the kites sink in the amber glow of the setting sun.Photo: Vangelis KovuThis article was originally published on SuperYacht Times Newspaper Issue 42. To read more stories like this and never miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, subscribe here.