What to take with you on a yacht?

Popular festivals and regattas in Dubai include: - Dubai International Boat Show: An annual event showcasing the latest yachts, boats and marine equipment. - - Al Gaffal Traditional Bow Race: A traditional doe race that attracts many participants and spectators. - Dubai Sailing Week: A week of sailing competitions and events for yachtsmen. - Dubai Food Festival: A celebration of gastronomy, where you can taste dishes from the best chefs. - Dubai Shopping Festival: An annual shopping festival with great discounts and entertainment programs.

The presence of BBQ-grill should be watched in the description of the yacht.

Low seasonality begins from the beginning of January.

Dubai attracts businesses and investors due to the absence of personal income tax and corporate tax for most companies. This makes the city appealing to professionals and entrepreneurs. I spoke with expats who noted that the lack of income tax allows them to keep more of their earnings. However, since 2018, a 5% VAT (Value Added Tax) has been introduced on most goods and services. This step is aimed at diversifying government revenue. The overall tax system is transparent and streamlined, which facilitates doing business and stimulates economic activity.

The following events are organized for yachtsmen in Dubai: - Regattas and races: Regular sailing regattas and motor yacht races, information about such events is sent by the yacht club to yacht owners by e-mail. - Social events: Parties, barbecues and meetings in yacht clubs, the organization of such events is handled by Anyships. - Training courses: Courses on yacht management and safety on the water, are held on the initiative of the Dubai Maritime Authority. - Exhibitions and fairs: Exhibitions of yachts and marine equipment, such as the Dubai International Boat Show.

To go out into the open ocean, special yachts are needed, which are highly durable, reliable and equipped with everything necessary for long sea crossings. Here are the main types of yachts that can go out to the ocean: Ocean cruisers Sailing Cruisers: These yachts are specially designed for long voyages in ocean conditions. They have a sturdy hull, usually made of steel or aluminum, and are equipped with everything necessary for autonomous navigation, including a navigation system, satellite communications and sufficient supplies of fuel and fresh water.  - Examples: Oyster 565, Hallberg-Rassy 44, Amel 50. Motor cruisers: Motor yachts for ocean crossings also have a solid construction and large fuel tanks, allowing them to cover long distances without refueling. They are equipped for a comfortable stay on board for several weeks or months.    - Examples: Nordhavn 60, Fleming 55, Selene 54. Expedition yachts These yachts are designed for extreme conditions and are often used for research expeditions. They have reinforced hulls capable of withstanding ice loads and severe sea conditions.    - Examples: Damen SeaXplorer, Numarine XP Series, Arksen 85. Catamarans Catamarans, due to their stability and spaciousness, are also suitable for ocean crossings. They provide a large living area and comfort in swimming.    - Examples: Lagoon 620, Fountaine Pajot Alegria 67, Catana 53. Trimarans Trimarans, like catamarans, have high stability and speed, which makes them suitable for crossing oceans.    - Examples: Neel 51, Dragonfly 40, Corsair 37. Key features of ocean yachts: Robust housing: Materials such as steel, aluminum or carbon fiber provide high strength and reliability. Autonomy: Large fuel tanks, water desalination systems and sufficient provisions for a long voyage. Navigation equipment: Modern navigation and satellite communication systems for safe and accurate navigation. Comfort: Providing comfortable conditions for the crew for a long time, including heating, air conditioning and entertainment systems. Choosing a yacht for ocean travel depends on the planned routes, budget and personal preferences, but the main thing is safety, reliability and the ability to withstand the harsh conditions of the open sea.

Driving in Dubai is organized to a high standard, but there are a few things to note. Driving is on the right-hand side of the road and the roads are generally of a high quality, making driving easy. However, traffic during rush hour can be heavy, especially on major roads like Sheikh Zayed Road. Speed and traffic cameras are in operation throughout the city, and fines can be substantial. I hired a car and found that local drivers can be quite fast and sometimes make unexpected maneuvers, so it’s important to be attentive. Parking can be expensive in the city center, but shopping malls often offer free parking. Public transport, including the metro and tram, is a good alternative for getting around the city.

Dubai is located on the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula in the southern part of the Persian Gulf. It is the largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and one of the seven emirates that make up the country.

Dubai Marina is a 3-kilometer long artificial canal, surrounded by skyscrapers and residential complexes. Walking along the Marina Walk, I felt like I was in the center of a modern metropolis, where life is bustling around the clock. Here you can see luxury yachts moored at the docks and even rent one for a sea voyage. In the evening, Marina transforms into a lively district with many restaurants, cafes, and shops. I enjoyed dinner at one of the restaurants overlooking the water, watching the city reflected in the calm surface of the canal. For those who love adventure, there is an opportunity to climb the "Ain Dubai", the largest Ferris wheel in the world, located on Bluewaters Island next to the Marina.

The Emirates are known for their hospitality and friendliness. Despite being a minority in their own city, they retain a strong sense of national pride and culture. I remember once being invited to a traditional majlis meeting where news is discussed and stories are shared over a cup of Arabic coffee. The locals appreciate respect for their customs and religion. If you show interest in their culture, they will be happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. This open and friendly attitude makes your stay in Dubai especially enjoyable.