The emirate during the epidemic has become a favorite destination for celebrities
Luxury yachts in Dubai.. the perfect excursion as if you traveled
Strict rules to limit the spread of the virus in all tourist events.
AFP
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The Emirate of Dubai attracts millions of tourists, despite the crisis of the Corona virus, and yachts seem to be at the forefront of what attracts many of its visitors and residents, away from the threats of the epidemic in a city that presents itself as a home of luxury and luxury.
In the emirate, which is one of the first destinations to reopen its doors to visitors since July 2020, life is proceeding normally, while keeping restaurants, hotels and beaches open.
While the government has imposed strict rules regarding the wearing of the muzzle and social distancing, to limit the spread of the virus, the UAE is implementing a rapid vaccination campaign, which has resulted in one of the highest vaccination rates in the world.
Many tourists and Dubai residents find yachting a safer bet.
Since the outbreak of the epidemic last year, Saudi resident of Dubai, Nada Naim, (36 years), has made trips on yachts on four different occasions.
"It's more special, because it just means having fun with family and friends, it's the perfect outing in light of the pandemic... you feel like you can finally breathe, like you've traveled," she told AFP, noting that she had not left Dubai since February 2020.
Dozens of white yachts daily cross the emirate's artificial canals, while other yachts moor along the coast in the waters overlooking the tall towers near the artificial islands.
Companies that rent yachts, which are currently allowed to operate at a capacity of 70%, say they have noticed a growing interest in chartering yachts, after the easing of closures last year, especially among those who wish to stay with relatives during the pandemic period.
The director of one of these companies, Muhammad al-Sayed, said, "When they eased the restrictions of closure, and the situation became normal, people preferred something safe that fits the restrictions, and the company of their families and friends."
Al-Sayed, who has been working in the yacht rental sector for eight years, added that residents and tourists alike “want to see the sights and sail, they want to relax and enjoy, and we provide them with an appropriate service, while following all the rules, sterilizing the yacht, and providing them with health supplies.”
Although making these trips sometimes requires paying as much as $4,900 for three hours on a 42-meter-long ship, for example, Dubai residents say the cost is affordable when shared among passengers.
"The price (per person) becomes less than a comprehensive breakfast in a restaurant," Naeem said.
increase in demand
Dubai is famous for its skyscrapers and giant real estate and entertainment projects, but it also has the most diversified economy in the oil-dependent Gulf region. Over the years, it has transformed into a regional and global financial, commercial and tourism center, which prompted the emirate to open its doors to tourists in July last year, amid a campaign Intensive vaccination.
The return of life to the sector helped to recover many commercial activities, and to return to pre-Covid-19 levels.
"I have noticed an increase in the demand for chartering boats since March 2021, at a time when some restrictions were still imposed in hotels and beach clubs," another director of a yacht rental company told AFP.
During the epidemic, Dubai became a favorite destination for many celebrities, such as French footballer Paul Pogba and Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo.
restrictions
Even on the most luxurious party yachts, there are still restrictions associated with the virus, including the need for social distancing and the wearing of masks.
The competent authorities seized groups of people who had violated the restrictions, and imposed heavy fines on them, but most of the flights are going smoothly.
Palestinian Jilan, who has lived in the UAE for more than 30 years, said, "Riding a boat is simple, but it means being in the fresh air, staying away from strangers and meeting only those you trust."
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