Airbnb for yachts marketplace...

YachtFinds.com taps into the growing market for rentals in the region

A new online marketplace is the first in the Middle East to offer luxury yachts for sale or rent, making it the Airbnb for boats.

Launched at Dubai International Boat Show, the YachtFinds.com platform currently features more than 100 vessels, with many available to hire by the hour or on a day rate for visitors looking for an elevated stay that can blend accommodation with adventure.

More listings are expected to be added with yacht owners able to rent out their marine assets to tourists. Prices on the platform for hourly rental range from US$162 up to US$4,087.

The top of the price range is the Santorini (pictured), a 115-foot luxury yacht which can accommodate 80 guests and sleep 10 in 5 cabins. The yacht has a jacuzzi, jet skis and a private chef and is located in the Marsa Al Arab marina next to the iconic Burj Al Arab.

Speaking at the launch Saeed Ghanem Al Suwaidi, CEO of YachtFinds.com, said the platform is designed to meet the needs of the GCC’s rapidly expanding maritime market. The UAE currently accounts for half of the yacht and marina market in the Middle East.

He added that beyond luxury and leisure, yacht ownership is now a lucrative asset, with rental opportunities offering strong financial returns.

According to Allied Market Research, the global yacht rental market is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 15% through 2027, reaching an estimated US$28 billion.

Many new hospitality developments in the region are including marinas, as they look to attract high-end guests.

These include the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Ras Al Khaimah being built on a two-island development called Mina.

Newly opened is the Kempinski Hotel & Resort Sariya Yanbu Red Sea in Saudi Arabia which has 118 rooms and suites plus a marina.

Part of the Red Sea Project and scheduled to open late 2025, SLS Red Sea offers 150 rooms, suites and villas, including pool villas, a marina and championship golf course.

Welcoming guests from 14 March 2025, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab will have 300 rooms and 86 suites, a superyacht marina (home to Santorini yacht mentioned above) and six waterfront dining destinations.

YachtFinds.com is powered by AI to streamline the listing, buying, selling, and renting of boats and yachts. The platform has smaller boats available for fishing and family fun trips as well as luxury yachts for cruises and exclusive events.

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