Uber threw a yacht party in Dubai over the weekend — here's what happened

UberYacht 2
The UberYACHT was offered over the weekend for a fixed price. Uber

Uber has experimented with all kinds of extensions of its basic ride-hailing service in different cities around the world. There's UberPOOL, for carpooling; UberEATS, for food delivery; UberCHOPPER, for your helicopter needs; and even a pilot program of UberBOAT that took partygoers across the bay in Miami last year.

Advertisement

It was only a matter of time, then, until the company offered the ultimate in luxury rides: UberYACHT.

The boating service launched in Dubai over the weekend, but it was just a one-time event: a four-hour open-bar cruise from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets, booked in advance via the app, cost about $82 per person for unlimited drinks and a performance from an on-board DJ. Vouchers were provided for regular Uber ride service to and from the marina.

“At Uber we are constantly innovating our services – we want to be more than just a leading global technology app. We want to provide experiences at the push of a button," Uber UAE General Manager Chris Free said in a statement. "Following the success of UberCHOPPER, launched in November 2015, we are thrilled to introduce UberYACHT to Dubai's waters with this exclusive party that residents can book just as they would an Uber car or chopper, with the same level of convenience, reliability, and accessibility.”

Here's what went down on the UberYACHT party.

Advertisement

The yacht service worked a lot like a normal Uber ride hail, although it had to be reserved 48 hours in advance and confirmed by a phone call.

My #UberYacht is picking me up tomorrow morning!

A photo posted by Ahmed (@abulhassan) on Apr 29, 2016 at 10:50am PDT

 

Advertisement

Those who had booked stood in line to board at the marina, preparing for their boozy cruise.

#uberyacht is happening now in #Dubai

A photo posted by Mustafa Othman (oath) (@mustafaoathman) on Apr 30, 2016 at 2:42am PDT

 

Advertisement

It looks like it was a fine day to be out on the water.

 

Advertisement
Advertisement

The drinks flowed freely.

UberYACHT Party, this only happens in #Dubai #uberyacht #uber #mydubai #nikkibeach #atlantisthepalm #yachtparty #cheers 🍷🍸🍹🍺🍾🍻🛳

A photo posted by Stéphane Raubuch (@stephaneraubuch) on May 2, 2016 at 2:26am PDT

 

Advertisement

Photo accessories were provided for the perfect (branded) party pic.

What would we do without Uber? #UberYACHT #Uberparty #Ubercool 😍

A photo posted by Anoushka Talukdar (@anoushkat) on Apr 30, 2016 at 5:52am PDT

 

Advertisement

From the yacht, Dubai's iconic skyline appeared in all its towering glory.

A day well spent with @Uber_UAE #UberYACHT #dubai #mydubai #nikkibeach #LG #G4 #camera #phonography #photooftheday #picoftheday #phoneography #skyscraper

A photo posted by Kareem Mazhar (@keeksawy) on Apr 30, 2016 at 12:17pm PDT

 

Advertisement

The lucky passengers were on the packed cruise for four hours.

Good vibes on the #UberYacht with @Uber_UAE and @NIKKIBeachDubai #MyDubai #UAE #UberEverywhere

A photo posted by Ahmed (@abulhassan) on Apr 30, 2016 at 7:44am PDT

 

Advertisement

Even the bartenders provided entertainment; this one was especially skilled at tossing around bottles.

Bar man skill on @uber_uae #UberYACHT

A video posted by Dan Heywood (@danheywood) on Apr 30, 2016 at 4:29am PDT

 

Advertisement

There's no word yet on what the future holds for UberYACHT, or what city might offer the service next.

UBER Yacht 🛳 #MyDubai #uberyacht #party

A photo posted by The Bikini Society (@tbsdubai) on Apr 30, 2016 at 7:16am PDT

 

Arts & Culture Uber
Advertisement
Close icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. It indicates a way to close an interaction, or dismiss a notification.