A yacht broker in Dubai markets a vessel, qualifies buyers, coordinates viewings, sea trials and surveys, and guides the paperwork through to registration transfer, usually for a commission on the sale price. This page explains how brokerage works in Dubai, what it typically costs, and how it compares with listing directly on a marketplace — so you can choose the route that fits your yacht. BoatFinder+ is a marketplace, not a licensed brokerage; where a licensed broker is required we say so.
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A yacht broker markets the yacht, prices it against comparable sales, qualifies buyers, arranges viewings, sea trials and the pre-purchase survey, then guides the sale through payment, registration transfer and marina handover. The broker acts for the party that appointed them, normally the seller.
Typically 5–10% of the sale price, paid by the seller on completion, with the lower end more common on higher-value yachts. Confirm the rate, the exclusivity period, the marketing spend and the cancellation terms in the written agreement.
No. An owner can list and sell privately, and BoatFinder+ supports that directly. A broker is worth the commission when the yacht is high value, when you are outside the UAE, or when you want the marketing, buyer qualification and paperwork fully delegated.
Ask for the trade licence and confirm the company is permitted to broker vessels in the emirate it operates in. Ask for recent completed sales in your size and price band, how buyer funds are held, and whether independent escrow through a lawyer or bank is available.
In the standard arrangement the seller pays the commission out of the sale proceeds on completion. Where a buyer appoints their own broker to search on their behalf, that fee is agreed separately with the buyer.
No. BoatFinder+ is a UAE marine marketplace. Owners list directly and buyers contact them through the platform. Where a transaction needs a licensed broker, escrow agent or lawyer, that work is done by the relevant licensed party, not by BoatFinder+.
Registration with the relevant UAE maritime authority, hull insurance, service and refit history, mortgage clearance if the yacht is financed, a marina NOC and settlement of berthing fees, seller identification or trade licence, and the survey report.
Marketing to completion commonly runs from a few weeks to several months depending on price band, condition and how quickly the survey, finance clearance and marina NOC steps are completed. Larger yachts generally take longer.
| Factor | Dubai yacht broker | BoatFinder+ marketplace |
|---|---|---|
| Typical cost to the seller | 5–10% commission on completion | Free standard listing; 2% concierge close if used |
| Who runs the sale | The broker, under a signed mandate | The owner, with concierge support on request |
| Buyer reach | The broker's own network and portals | Public UAE and GCC search traffic plus platform buyers |
| Pricing visibility | Usually on application | Public AED asking prices |
| Survey and paperwork | Coordinated by the broker | Owner-led, TruCheck™ inspection available |
| Best fit | High-value or fully delegated sales | Owners who want reach, control and lower fees |
Brokerage is a service, not a listing. A broker takes responsibility for presenting the yacht and moving a sale through its stages, and is paid on completion.
Commission is the main cost and is normally paid by the seller on completion. Rates in Dubai are typically 5–10% of the sale price, with the lower end more common on higher-value yachts. Ask for the rate, the exclusivity period and the marketing spend in writing before signing, and confirm who pays for haul-out, survey access and delivery.
The two routes are not exclusive. Many owners list on a marketplace for reach and appoint a broker for the transaction, and most brokers will place their own stock on marketplaces too. The decision usually comes down to value, urgency and how much of the process you want to run yourself.
Check the trade licence and that the company is permitted to broker vessels in the emirate it operates in. Ask for recent completed sales in your size and price band, how buyer funds are held, and whether an independent escrow through a lawyer or bank is available. Get the commission, the listing period and the cancellation terms in the agreement rather than in messages.
Most Dubai brokerage activity concentrates around Dubai Marina, Dubai Harbour, Mina Rashid and Palm Jumeirah. Berth availability and transfer of the berth agreement often shape the closing timeline as much as the sale itself, so raise the marina NOC early.