As the yachting world increasingly looks towards experience-led cruising, a new event has emerged in the Arabian Gulf that speaks directly to this evolution. Yas Rendezvous, an invitation-only yachting rally from Yas Marina to Sir Bani Yas Island, made its debut from 8 to 11 December 2025. Following the energy and glamour of Abu Dhabi’s Formula 1 Race Weekend at Yas Marina, the event introduced a new format designed to connect yacht owners, industry leaders and regional stakeholders through shared exploration.
A new kind of yachting rally
Organised by Yas Marina with the support of DCT Abu Dhabi and strategic partners including AD Ports Group and ADCB, Yas Rendezvous was conceived as an annual yachting rally rather than a competitive regatta. Yacht owners were invited to sail at their own pace in a relaxed convoy format.
Following a ceremonial departure from Yas Marina, participating yachts traced a route across Abu Dhabi’s archipelago of more than 200 lesser-seen islands in the Al Dhafra region, showcasing the emirate’s natural diversity and marine assets. While several vessels paused at Emirates Palace Marina for a welcome reception hosted by the marina, others continued directly to Sir Bani Yas Island.
Hosted in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism, the event aligned closely with Abu Dhabi’s vision for premium, experience-led tourism while signalling a long-term vision for the emirate’s growing yachting ambitions.
The fleet
Seven yachts participated in the inaugural Yas Rendezvous, ranging from 15 to 65 metres LOA. Among the standouts was 65-metre motor yacht Joia The Crown Jewel, the largest yacht in attendance. Built by Italian shipyard Codecasa, the superyacht features a nine-suite layout that accommodates up to 20 guests, a cinema, gym and generous outdoor lounges.
Also drawing attention was 37-metre Connected, a brand-new Benetti that Yas Marina describes as one of the “most attractive yachts currently available for charter in Abu Dhabi”. With exterior styling by Stefano Righini, Connected is one of the yard’s latest B.Yond 37M semi-custom models, with accommodation for up to 12 guests and seven crew.
Island immersion at Sir Bani Yas
At Sir Bani Yas Island, participants were welcomed into a curated programme designed to immerse guests in the natural and cultural richness of the destination. Yacht owners and guests stayed overnight in one-bedroom pool villas at Anantara Al Yamm Resort. Days were shaped around tailored island activities, including kayaking, wadi walks, guided nature and wildlife drives, archery and biking.
The programme culminated on 10 December with a yachting panel discussion followed by an Arabian, Bedouin-themed beach barbecue dinner complete with live music, fire dancers and a DJ.
Yas Marina has outlined a long-term ambition to grow the event into an annual flagship, exploring new island destinations across the emirate with each edition.
Jassim Albastaki, general manager of Yas Asset Management, described the rally as the start of a broader movement within marine leisure. “Yas Marina Rendezvous marks the beginning of a new flagship experience at Yas Marina, bringing the global yachting community together,” he says. “More than an event, it reflects our ambition to create journeys that go beyond berthing, where yachting, lifestyle and destination discovery come together. It is a long-term movement that connects yachting routes across the Gulf and the Red Sea into one global destination vision, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role in the future of marine leisure.”
This strategic outlook aligns closely with Abu Dhabi’s wider tourism goals. Haitham Ali Khamis, director of tourism product development at DCT Abu Dhabi, highlighted the rally’s broader significance, stating: “The successful launch of Yas Rendezvous represents an important milestone in the evolution of Abu Dhabi’s marine leisure offering. By bringing together international yachting audiences in a setting that combines premium marina infrastructure with unique natural environments, we are strengthening Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a destination for high-value marine tourism while supporting the objectives of Tourism Strategy 2030.”
Yas Marina will be showcasing the future of Yas Rendezvous at the 2026 Dubai International Boat Show. Those interested are invited to meet the team on 8 April at 5.00pm at the Yas Marina stand, where plans for the upcoming edition will be officially revealed. Further information is also available directly via the Yas Marina website and Instagram page.
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