How to choose a charter yacht in the UAE?

Events to celebrate the UAE National Day (Emirates National Day) Emirates National Day, celebrated on December 2, is a large–scale holiday dedicated to the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. Various events are held throughout the country on this day.: Main events for the UAE National Day: • National parades: Vibrant parades featuring the armed forces, police, representatives of various emirates and cultural groups. • Airshow: Aerobatic teams demonstrate their skills by performing complex shapes in the sky. • Fireworks: Grand fireworks displays over the largest cities of the UAE, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. • Cultural performances: Traditional Arabic dances, musical performances, exhibitions of handicrafts and folk crafts. • Car shows: Exhibitions of retro cars, tuned cars and motorcycles. • Concerts: Performances by famous Arab and international performers. • Themed decorations: Cities are decorated with national flags, garlands, and installations. • Sports events: Various sports events, including camel racing and horse racing. • Special offers in shopping malls: Many shopping malls offer discounts and promotions in honor of National Day. • Free activities for children: Entertainment programs, contests and games for children. • Exhibitions dedicated to the history of the UAE: Expositions telling about the history and culture of the country. • Visit Historical Sites: Many historical sites and museums offer free admission on National Day.

The main currency in Dubai is the UAE Dirham (AED). However, most tourist and retail locations accept major international credit and debit cards, as well as US dollars and euros.

Must-visit: • Al-Fahidi (Bastakia): An old neighborhood with traditional houses. • Dubai Museum (Fort Al Fahidi): The history of the city in the ancient fort. Dubai Bay (Creek): Boat trip "Abra", markets. • Heritage/Diving Villages: Traditions and Crafts. • Shindagha: The old houses of the sheikhs. Other options: • Hutta Fort: A mountain fort. • Jumeirah Mosque: Traditional architecture. In short: you can see old Dubai at Al Fahidi, Dubai Museum and Dubai Bay.

The capacity of the yacht depends on its size and class. Here are the main categories and their capacity: Small motor boats and speedboats -Capacity: up to 10 people -Usage: short walks, fishing, water sports Medium-sized motor yachts -Capacity: from 10 to 20 people -Usage: family outings, parties, short cruises Large motor yachts -Capacity: from 20 to 50 people -Usage: corporate events, long cruises, luxury parties Megayachts and superyachts -Capacity: from 50 to 100+ people -Usage: luxury cruises, private events, high-end parties Sailing yachts -Capacity: from 6 to 20 people (depending on the size) -Usage: sport sailing, cruises, sailing training For example, a standard 50-60 foot yacht can accommodate about 15-20 people, providing enough space for comfortable recreation and entertainment activities. Megayachts, such as 100-foot or more, can accommodate up to 100 people and provide all the conditions for large events and long sea voyages. Each yacht has its own capacity limits, which depend on its design, layout and classification standards set by the maritime authorities.

Dubai's nightlife offers a variety of options for entertainment. I visited the Dubai Fountain — a musical fountain at the base of the Burj Khalifa, where the light and water show creates a captivating spectacle. City Walk and La Mer are popular areas with restaurants, cafes, and shops, perfect for evening strolls. Club enthusiasts can visit Zero Gravity or WHITE Dubai, where world-renowned DJs and artists perform. For a more cultural experience, the Dubai Opera offers shows, concerts, and musicals. Night markets and festivals, especially during the season, add vibrancy and allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture.

If the yacht is equipped with a kitchen, then it can be used.

Dubai has several locations where you can swim for free: Jumeirah Beach (also known as Jumeirah Open Beach): Dubai's most famous public beach stretching for several kilometers. Kite Beach: Popular with water sports enthusiasts, particularly kitesurfers, but also has a section for general swimming. La Mer Beach: A modern beach with a variety of entertainment options, including pools, but also has a free zone for swimming in the sea. Bear in mind that swimming in the sea in Dubai can be restricted on some days due to tides or weather conditions. Additional tip: Check out a map of Dubai beaches before you go to help you choose a spot with easy access and facilities.

Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is an annual shopping festival in Dubai with huge discounts, entertainment and a festive atmosphere. It usually runs from the end of December to the end of January, the exact dates change every year.

Dubai is the perfect destination for a family vacation, offering entertainment for all ages. Dubai Miracle Garden is a huge flower park with giant installations made of millions of living flowers. I watched children run excitedly among the floral castles and fairytale characters. KidZania in Dubai Mall is an interactive city for kids where they can try different professions, from firefighter to doctor. My nephew was thrilled "working" in a bakery and getting paid in play money. The Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, also in Dubai Mall, offers the chance to see sharks, penguins and even dive in a cage among marine predators. And Legoland Dubai is every child's dream, where all the rides are made from the famous LEGO bricks.

The Dubai Frame is an architectural marvel, a giant frame standing 150 meters tall and 93 meters wide. Located in Zabeel Park, it symbolizes a window between Dubai's past and future. Ascending to the top, I found myself on a glass bridge with panoramic views of the city. On one side stretches old Dubai with its historic districts and souks, while on the other lies the modern metropolis with its skyscrapers and innovative projects. Walking across the transparent floor, I felt a slight dizziness, but the view was worth it. Downstairs, in the museum section, interactive exhibits tell the story of the city's past, present, and future.