In short: the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) fills the city with visitors every winter, and a private yacht is the easiest way to take a break from the malls. A Dubai Shopping Festival yacht trip starts at AED 499 per hour for up to 10 guests, with a 2-hour minimum (AED 998). Prices are for the whole yacht.
Plan your yacht trip with Yachts Dubai
Send us your date and guest count on WhatsApp — we reply with the available yachts and prices.
Why add a yacht to your DSF trip
The festival usually runs from mid-December into January, the coolest and busiest weeks of the year. Days are spent in malls and markets; a yacht gives you two quiet hours on the water with the skyline in front of you. It also works well for families and groups who travel to Dubai for the festival and want one shared moment together.
Always check the official festival dates and event calendar before you plan, as they change every year.
When to sail during the festival
- Late afternoon and sunset: the best light and pleasant winter temperatures. See our sunset cruise guide.
- Evening: the Dubai Marina and JBR lights after a day of shopping.
- Morning: calm water and a swim stop before the malls open, weather permitting.
New Year week: book on WhatsApp
From 27 December to 5 January, bookings are taken on WhatsApp only, not on the website. Message us early with your date, start time and guest count, because the New Year week is the busiest period of the season. Outside these dates you can book online as usual.
Popular yachts for festival visitors
| Yacht | Guests | Per hour | 2 hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 Ft Luxury Oryx | up to 10 | AED 499 | AED 998 |
| 44 Ft Luxury Majesty | up to 12 | AED 599 | AED 1,198 |
| 56 Ft Majesty | up to 17 | AED 650 | AED 1,300 |
| 70 Ft Majesty | up to 30 | AED 849 | AED 1,698 |
| 90 Ft Bu Mubarak | up to 40 | AED 1,600 | AED 3,200 |
See every yacht on our yacht rental in Dubai page.
A simple DSF day plan
- Morning: festival markets or a mall.
- Afternoon: board in Dubai Marina or Dubai Harbour (depending on the yacht) for a 2-hour cruise past JBR, Ain Dubai, the Palm and Atlantis.
- Evening: dinner back in the Marina.
Celebrating something during your trip? Birthday packages include decoration and a cake from AED 600 per hour, and you can add flowers (AED 200) or a photographer (AED 700). See birthday yacht rental.
Good to know
- Every guest needs an original passport or Emirates ID (Coast Guard rules).
- Bring a light jacket: winter evenings on the water are cooler.
- Captain, crew, fuel, soft drinks, water, ice, a sound system and life jackets are included.
- Pay by card, Apple Pay or Tabby in 4 payments; see yacht rental with Tabby.
FAQ
When is the Dubai Shopping Festival?
It usually runs from mid-December into January. Check the official festival website for this year’s dates.
How much is a yacht during the festival?
Our prices do not change for the festival: from AED 499 per hour for up to 10 guests, with a 2-hour minimum.
Can I book online over New Year?
From 27 December to 5 January bookings are by WhatsApp only. Outside these dates you can book online.
Is a yacht trip good for families?
Yes. The yacht is private, life jackets are on board and children stay with an adult on deck. Read our family yacht trip guide.
Plan your break from the malls on our yacht rental page or message us on WhatsApp.
