Where to rent a yacht in Thessaloniki?

Obtaining UAE citizenship is a complex process, available to a limited number of people. The government grants citizenship for exceptional contributions, investments, or unique skills beneficial to the country. I learned that changes were made in 2021, allowing certain categories of foreign professionals to apply for citizenship. However, long-term visas and residency are available to most expats. A "Golden Visa" for 5 or 10 years can be granted to investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals. This makes Dubai attractive for long-term living and working, even without citizenship.

Sea cruises offer a new perspective on Dubai. I went on an evening cruise through Dubai Marina on a traditional dhow boat. The city lights reflected in the water, creating a magical atmosphere. Dinner on board with local cuisine and live music made the evening unforgettable. For those seeking luxury, yacht rentals are available, allowing you to explore the coast, see the Palm Jumeirah, and Burj Al Arab from the sea. Cruises to Bluewaters Island, home to Ain Dubai, the world's largest observation wheel, are also popular. Deep-sea fishing and water sports complete the list of water-based entertainment.

Dubai Marina is one of the most prestigious and modern areas of the city, located along an artificial canal. It is known for its high-rise buildings, luxury hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and beaches. Famous places such as Marina Walk, Dubai Marina Mall and many elite residential complexes are located here.

No, this is prohibited by safety rules.

Yes. On yachts, we have music systems.

At the foot of the Burj Khalifa, in the heart of the city, lies the Dubai Fountain, the largest choreographic fountain in the world. Imagine: evening comes, and suddenly the dark surface of the lake comes to life with thousands of jets of water soaring to a height of 150 meters. To the beat of the music — from classical Arabic melodies to modern world hits — the water dances, changing colors and shapes. I stood among the mesmerized crowd, feeling the cool spray on my face and forgetting about the time. This show repeats every half hour, and each time it seems unique. Nearby there are cozy restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy the view with a cup of tea or something stronger.

Rescue vests do not need to be worn on board the yacht.

The cockpit is the place on the yacht where all the magic happens. Here you control the ship, enjoy the sun and discuss with friends which of you will be the first in line for a cocktail. This is the ship's control area, where one or two steering wheels, a navigation system, winches for controlling sails and other equipment are located. The yacht's skipper spends most of his time here. The cockpit also applies to the entire interior of the yacht, unless it is divided into cabins, a gallery and other rooms. If you suddenly hear the phrase “everyone to the cockpit!”, this is just an invitation to have fun.

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.

Burj Khalifa can be reached by metro, taxi or bus. The nearest metro station is Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall on the Red Line. From the station, you can walk to the skyscraper or take a free shuttle to the Dubai Mall, which is located nearby.