2024 was a milestone year for PHOENIX YACHT MANAGEMENT, marking a period of significant growth and achievement. In an exclusive interview, CEO Ian Harris and Managing Director Yousuf Al Hashimi reflect on the remarkable journey of PHOENIX since its inception in 2022. What began as a vision to redefine yacht management in the Middle East has quickly evolved into a leading provider of bespoke management, charter, and sales services. In just two years, the company has established itself as an important player in the luxury yachting industry, combining innovative strategies with a commitment to excellence.
The duo also discuss how PHOENIX is shaping the future of luxury yachting in the Middle East and beyond. By leveraging Dubai’s position as a global hub, the company is creating opportunities for yacht owners and enthusiasts to explore the region’s potential while maintaining international standards of service and professionalism.
As PHOENIX continues to expand its reach, Ian and Yousuf remain focused on their mission: delivering world-class services that elevate the yachting experience and set new benchmarks for the industry.
Ian, when did you launch Phoenix Yacht Management and how did it all start?
Ian Harris: I founded Phoenix in Dubai in 2022 on an auspicious day – August 18, my birthday – and assumed the CEO position. It followed a career of over 25 years of experience in technical and operational management that began with me joining the Royal Marines and Royal Navy in the UK. I then spent 16 years as a Chief Engineer in the commercial shipping sector, oil and gas, and major engineering projects in Singaporean and South Korean shipyards.
Ten years ago, I shifted to luxury yachting, where I have been involved with the construction and delivery of some of the world’s largest superyachts. My professional journey in the superyacht industry includes serving as the Head of Operational & Technical Division at a leading family office and yacht-management companies before going on to establish Phoenix Yacht Management.
In November 2023, I was joined by Yousuf Al Hashimi, a UAE entrepreneur, who serves as both Managing Director and Partner, and is instrumental in the development of the group. I oversee the day-to-day yacht management operations, making sure that operating structures and processes are in place.
These include developing and implementing company procedures and safety management systems that are a necessity. We ensure they are implemented, adhered to, and become second nature as standard practices.
Yousuf concentrates on driving regional business growth and fostering development initiatives. His efforts are directed towards enhancing local market strategies and identifying expansion opportunities, ensuring that our operations align with regional needs and contribute to our overall expansion. That is how we complement each other.
In November 2024, after a year of full operations, we aimed to establish ourselves in enhancing awareness and understanding the advantages of professional yacht management services within the local and regional market.
Your tagline states, ‘With Phoenix, yacht owners need only prepare for the most enriching, unforgettable experiences’. As founder, how do you further define what you aimed to set up?
Ian Harris: At Phoenix, our mission is to redefine yacht management, allowing owners to focus on unforgettable moments. Every yacht is unique, and our approach ensures ownership is seamless, secure and deeply personal, with each experience tailored to the owner’s tastes and aspirations.
This vision demands setting and adhering to exceptionally high standards. First and foremost, yachts must be maintained to the highest technical standards to ensure safety and performance. Our commitment also extends to planning and logistics. For example, we design bespoke itineraries, securing permits well in advance.
Onboard, the ambience should reflect the owner’s style, creating a luxurious yet welcoming space that feels like home.
A cornerstone of our philosophy is our focus on the crew. Seasoned owners understand that a yacht’s crew can make or break the onboard experience. At Phoenix, we prioritise developing a crew culture centred on service excellence, where members are deeply invested in the yacht and its operations.
We emphasise crew longevity, as experienced crew members familiar with the vessel can anticipate the preferences of both the owner and guests, ensuring service that is seamless and anticipatory. This continuity enhances comfort and preserves the yacht’s value by reducing wear and depreciation.
We are also pushing for a shift in the industry’s approach to yacht management. Phoenix offers top-tier management support including strategic crew support and specialised personnel, such as highly experienced Chief Engineers. Our team features seasoned professionals, such as former Chief Stewardesses, who provide invaluable training to crew members. This structured approach enhances operational standards, quality and the onboard experience.
In a way, my regimented background has been instrumental in understanding, developing and retaining the very best crew profile – individuals who are internationally trained and committed to a high standard of performance. It taught me the importance of precision, adaptability and teamwork, qualities we instil in our crew to ensure exceptional service.
Developing and maintaining this well-trained team is key to Phoenix delivering a truly outstanding yachting experience.
Has Phoenix lived up to this mission or is it still evolving?
Ian Harris: Since it was set up, Phoenix has experienced substantial growth in its service offerings. Our portfolio has fast increased over the last year and now includes superyachts from renowned shipyards around the world. Initially focused on yacht management, which currently represents around 70 per cent of the activity, the company has rapidly expanded into charter and sales, including new builds.
We are overseeing a significant project in build and are in negotiations for a larger vessel, with additional plans to construct a large multihull explorer. We believe catamarans have a bright future in the Gulf region.
There was a change in the organisational structure last year when I formed a partnership with Yousuf, following a leisure charter in the Caribbean.
Today, we have 35 employees, including frontline staff who support Captains and crew alike, organising all processes around the yacht, and skilled management staff, like our Head of Operations with over 25 years of experience specifically in yachting. For instance, we have one manager dedicated to dealing with tenders and toys, as this makes a significant part of the onboard experience.
Was the Dubai location a strategic decision, and do you serve management, charter and sales clients across the UAE, and beyond?
Ian Harris: Absolutely. Establishing Phoenix in Dubai was a highly strategic decision shaped by my extensive background managing some of the industry’s most notable yachts and recognising a unique opportunity in this region to elevate yacht management services.
Dubai and the UAE offer a gateway to build a network of specialised superyacht services and industry professionals, which has enabled us to build a yacht management company that delivers tailored, high-value services to clients worldwide.
Dubai was the ideal choice for several reasons. First, the UAE presented an underserved market for quality yacht management services, supported by its rapidly advancing maritime infrastructure and a growing population of affluent residents. Unlike the highly saturated yacht management and brokerage markets in Western Europe, Dubai offers a promising alternative with room for growth and innovation, a perfect base for Phoenix.
The UAE’s pro-business environment also plays a significant role, allowing for direct interactions between government entities and the private sector, fostering policies that continually improve the industry.
My experience in the region and strong industry roots give us a distinct advantage in serving our clients and making the most of the UAE’s unique opportunities. At Phoenix, we have built an independent, bespoke company focused on delivering exceptional service to the region and beyond.
Yousuf, charters must be an area where your passions in sailing and diving can excel. Can you mention some examples of what enhanced experiences and destinations you have brought to charters offered?
Yousuf Al Hashimi: Most charter requests we receive are directed towards the Med or the Caribbean, some in the Middle East and the Indian Ocean – we are pushing more towards the latter direction.
While the UAE is famous for its impressive skyscrapers and rapidly growing cities, it also features a stunning coastline with rich marine areas, such as Abu Dhabi’s coral reefs and the shores of Fujairah along the Gulf of Oman.
The recently announced Dubai Reef project, a sustainable initiative by Dubai Can, aims to become the world’s largest marine reef development. Over four years, 20,000 purpose-built reef modules will be deployed in Dubai’s waters, supporting fish populations and promoting environmental stewardship.
Additionally, the UAE is home to protected marine reserves like Sir Bani Yas Island and the Al Yasat Marine Protected Area, reflecting the region’s commitment to conserving its rich marine biodiversity.
Our aim is to offer unique adventure charters in the Middle East. A highlight will be our week-long charters exploring the stunning fjords of the Musandam Peninsula in Oman, in addition to exploring the pristine crystal-clear waters of the northern Red Sea within the Sindalah area.
What is your clientele profile and is there a significant percentage of non-UAE-born owners using the various Phoenix services?
Yousuf Al Hashimi: Our client base is nicely balanced between Middle Easterners and Europeans. However, we are increasingly focusing on the domestic UAE market and its Emiratis and UAE residents.
The owner dynamic is evolving, as the Gulf region has completely transformed over the last 10 years. We have witnessed new infrastructure and luxury developments – notably in marinas, hotels and restaurants in the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. This has a direct influence on the regional yacht scene.
Until recently, the largest superyachts, over 90m were, in the majority, owned by Middle Eastern clients, while those in the 40-80m range were generally chartered. Today, with regional developments and changes in marine law, there are more yacht purchases within both size ranges.
The core of our market is 40-60m yacht owners, and they expect their vessels to be managed to the highest standards, similar to the quality they have experienced onboard chartered yachts – and that is what we strive to achieve.
Originally published on Yachtstyle. You can find the original interview here https://yachtstyle.co/leaders-phoenix-yacht-management/