Superyacht Charter and Luxury Cruising in the Middle East

The Middle East is one of the world's great winter sailing grounds. From November to April the Gulf, the Red Sea and the coasts of Oman are warm, calm and sunny, while Türkiye's Turquoise Coast and Cyprus come into their own from May to October, so a yacht can follow the seasons all year.

Americans can choose between three ways to go to sea: a cruise on one of the new ships based in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha or Jeddah; a crewed superyacht charter, priced by the week; or a day on a traditional dhow. Most Gulf cruises start and end in the same port, which makes flights from the US simple.

Start with the cruise lines and the finest suites at sea, compare superyacht charter prices, and plan a route with our yacht itineraries. For entry rules at each port, see visas and entry.

The winter season, from November to April, brings superyachts to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, and increasingly to Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast, where untouched reefs and island resorts are opening one by one. Our guide to superyacht charter explains how charter works here, and yacht itineraries sketches the best routes, from the Gulf islands to the Red Sea and the Musandam Peninsula.

Owners will want the region's marinas, from Dubai Harbour to Yas Marina, and shipyards and refit for maintenance between seasons.