Navigating Opportunities: Insights from Luc Khaldoun on the Dubai Boat Show

As the Dubai Boat Show approaches, industry leaders prepare to showcase their expertise and engage with clients. This week, we spoke with Luc Khaldoun, a yachting veteran whose career encompasses various roles in the luxury marine and real estate sectors. His journey from cruise ship officer to yacht consultant and charter broker sheds light on the importance of relationship-building in this competitive market and the factors that establish Dubai as a key location for boating enthusiasts.

Luc’s career trajectory is noteworthy. After studying economics, he began as a cruise ship officer before becoming the owner’s representative for the yacht Reverie. His time as a charter broker at Fraser Yachts cemented his reputation. When both of his Achilles tendons snapped, prompting a sabbatical, he undertook a project to build a castle in the south of France for a superyacht owner. Upon resuming his career, he established his consultancy through a commercial bank in London and positioned himself within Dubai’s burgeoning yachting market, where he launched his business in 2016 and took on a significant role with the MERAAS group, focusing on developing marinas and waterfront properties.

Dubai’s multicultural environment offers meaningful professional and personal experiences. Luc values the city’s neutral ground for individuals from diverse backgrounds and faiths. While some may find Dubai’s artificiality off-putting, Luc perceives it as a favourable setting for both business and leisure. The absence of income tax enhances the investment landscape, creating opportunities unmatched elsewhere.

Nurturing client relationships at the boat show is essential in Dubai’s yachting sector. The focus shifts from merely promoting specific yachts to understanding clients’ varied needs, including those of affluent royals and private individuals. This client-centric approach fosters a relaxed atmosphere conducive to significant connections that benefit all parties. As the number of yacht owners from Eastern Europe increases, cultural adaptability becomes crucial in this evolving market.

Dubai Boat Show attendees are encouraged to create structured itineraries that extend beyond the event to fully embrace the city’s diverse offerings. From water sports and world-class golf courses to exhilarating dune bashing in the desert, numerous activities are available to enhance the Dubai experience. Evening pursuits such as fishing and exploring the vibrant culinary scene provide ample opportunities for engagement. Luc’s preferred dining options include Krasota, known for its sensory dining experience, and Paragon Calcutta, which offers authentic Indian cuisine in downtown Dubai. For accommodation, attendees can choose from luxurious options ideally situated for the show, including Grosvenor House and Jumeirah Hotels, as well as Zabeel Saray on the Palm. The most efficient way to navigate the city is via Uber, which provides a premium transport experience.

The unique atmosphere of the Dubai show distinguishes it from others, allowing guests to enjoy extended evening hours and relaxed interactions—an experience often absent at more chaotic boat shows globally.

Reflecting on past yacht shows, Luc notes that early evening moments, marked by thoughtful conversations, foster valuable networking in a low-pressure environment. Unlike Monaco, where competition prevails, the Dubai Boat Show facilitates deeper engagement and relationship-building. This relaxed setting is particularly suitable for families, introducing children to the next generation of yacht ownership. The diverse experiences offered at the show, especially its range of water toys, create a distinctive opportunity to explore new additions to a superyacht.

With the Dubai Boat Show on the horizon, Luc Khaldoun’s insights highlight the importance of meaningful relationships in a competitive market. The show presents a valuable opportunity for yachting professionals to connect and collaborate within Dubai’s dynamic ecosystem. With its diverse culture and array of offerings, the city remains a vital hub for the yachting community, inviting industry stakeholders to explore new business avenues and foster lasting connections.

Written by Sara Gioanola