The Leisure Marine Association MENA (LMA MENA) held the second Future of Yachting event and its 2026 Annual General Meeting on 1 October at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.
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Cross-Sector Attendance
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) hosted the event together with the Association. More than 80 members, industry leaders, sponsors, partners and media attended. They came from across the sector: marinas, yacht building, charter, yacht services, marine equipment, tourism and maritime development.
Abu Dhabi Spotlight
The programme opened with a session on Abu Dhabi, led by Melroy Vaz of DCT Abu Dhabi. He covered the Emirate’s growing yachting offer, charter development and waterfront destinations. He also highlighted the UAE Yachting Alliance, which links Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah to promote the UAE as one connected international yachting destination.
Other updates included:
- Abu Dhabi International Boat Show: Carol Stoneman said the show runs from 19 to 22 November 2026. Around 152 boats are planned, with new sectors and more participation from GCC countries.
- Compass Card: Michael Fetton of JLS Yachts said the card, first created for visiting superyacht crew, will now offer benefits to LMA MENA members through a new partnership.
- Marinas: Ivaylo Kishkov announced the opening of the 75-berth Marsa Al Jubail. Emirates Palace Marina reported upgraded superyacht facilities and plans to host the SailGP championship final. Yas Marina reported strong demand for berths, more crew facilities and electric charging points, and the return of Yas Rendezvous.
- Maritime strategy: Dr. Haya Aldaghlas of Abu Dhabi Maritime presented the updated Maritime Sector Strategy. It has more than 98 initiatives and 19 strategic objectives. One key step is making it easier for yachts to move between Emirates.
Association Update and New Board
LMA MENA Chairman Wyndham Tops, of Red Sea Global, led the AGM. Members now come from 16 countries and markets. The Association has four subcommittees: Marinas, Charter, Boat Finance, and Boat Repair & Refit.
After the member vote, the 2026–2027 Board was confirmed: Abdulla, Carol Stoneman, Farrokh Golchin, Ivaylo Kishkov, Joachim de Jenlis, Linda Negerman, Melroy Vaz, Oliver Rees, Capt. Patricia Caswell, Wyndham Tops and Zaid Shouly.
Industry Panel
Oliver Rees of Green Flag Marine Yacht Services moderated a panel with Erwin Bamps (Gulf Craft Group), Michael Fetton (JLS Yachts), John W.R. Paul (Exalto Emirates), Wael Joujou (V-Marine) and Zaid Shouly (The Captain’s Club). They discussed the opportunities, challenges and next priorities for growth across MENA, followed by questions from the audience.
Looking Ahead
“Future of Yachting is about bringing our industry together,” said Wyndham Tops. “We have tremendous development taking place across the region, but the real opportunity comes when we connect that progress, our businesses, destinations, authorities and people.”
Haitham Ali Khamis, Acting Director of Tourism Products Development at DCT Abu Dhabi, said that marine tourism is central to the Emirate’s Tourism Strategy 2030. Abu Dhabi has more than 200 natural islands and world-class marinas.
The event was supported by Abu Dhabi Maritime, Exalto Emirates, Xclusive Yachts, P&O Marinas, Gulf Craft Group, The Captain’s Club and the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show.
