By Emily Fair, Senior Marketing Executive – Smart Mobility, Artemis Technologies
The Middle East is emerging as a global hub for high-end travel, driven by major coastal developments such as NEOM and Red Sea Global in Saudi Arabia.
As these destinations set new benchmarks for innovation and sustainability, water transport is increasingly recognised as a crucial element in delivering an elevated, eco-conscious guest experience. Conventional diesel-powered boats, once the default, no longer align with the aspirations of modern luxury travellers who expect exclusivity, comfort, and a reduced environmental footprint.
Until recently, it was challenging for resort operators and their partners to provide water taxis or sightseeing vessels that combine speed, cutting-edge technology, and minimal ecological impact. Fully electric foiling vessels are changing the equation. By gliding above the water to reduce wave impacts, they eliminate the noise and emissions of diesel engines, offering a ride that is both cleaner and smoother. This innovation dovetails with the region’s broader emphasis on responsible development, opening new possibilities for how luxury tourism can expand in a genuinely sustainable way.
Meeting these elevated expectations in every aspect of travel – from boutique hotels to island excursions – requires solutions that are as forward-thinking as the new resorts themselves. Electric foiling vessels fit seamlessly into this vision, and they reflect a growing industry consensus that the future of high-end tourism lies in environmentally friendly, experience-focused offerings.
The Market Is Moving Towards Sustainable Luxury
There are good reasons why luxury resort operators need to look closely at this technology. The Middle East’s luxury tourism market was worth 53 billion USD in 2023, and is set to achieve compound growth of 5.5 percent per year up to 2030. However, a closer look at specific niches reveals even more dynamic growth. Yachting, cruising, and small-ship expeditions are set to expand at 7.8% annually – an indication that water-based experiences are increasingly significant for high-net-worth tourists.
At the same time, ecotourism and a desire for greater sustainability are major trends in the luxury space. According to Euromonitor International, high-net-worth travellers already account for 36% of global expenditure on travel, and the Middle East dominates the list of regions preferred by luxury travellers. This is backed up by a 2023 Bain & Company survey which found more than two-thirds of leisure travellers to the MENA region considered sustainability to be important and 57% were ready to recommend a holiday destination based on such considerations.
Water transport in and around resorts should therefore be a key area for sustainability initiatives. The introduction of environmentally-friendly water transport is a commercially astute move when high-end travellers want luxury combined with eco-friendly innovation and a sense of authenticity. They seek tranquility and the ability to live in the moment, which is difficult on a noisy, polluting diesel boat slammed by the waves.
A Changing Mindset Around Luxury Excursions
For high-end tourists, tranquillity and authenticity matter just as much as five-star amenities. A study by Mastercard, for example, found there is a definite appetite for micro-trips among high-end tourists in the Middle East, with sustainability a prominent selling point. More than fifth of travellers are ready, the study found, to spend heavily on private locations and luxury private islands. This aligns with a 2024 McKinsey report, which noted that “aspiring luxury travellers” form a large segment willing to invest in upscale travel if it promises unique and meaningful encounters. In this context, electric hydrofoil vessels transform water excursions into exclusive, near-silent journeys over the water, free from diesel fumes and rough wave impacts.
Electric Foiling Technology Makes Business Sense
Battery-electric foiling vessels such as the Artemis EF-12 Escape represent a significant step forward in water transport, combining speed, minimal wake, and passenger comfort. Capable of reaching 30 knots and with a range of up to 52 nautical miles, these vessels align with the evolving demands of luxury tourism while minimising environmental impact.
The development of ultra-fast charging capabilities for these boats, along with minimal servicing when compared with diesels, means a valuable operational return on investment. Vessels experience less downtime and are quickly available for the next run or trip.
The electric foiling technology lifts the boat above the waves to provide passengers with an ultra-smooth journey that is a unique experience in itself. Spacious, refined cabins with excellent views for the passengers to revel in transforms wildlife viewing or shoreline tours. Minimal wake enables swifter transit through busy or sensitive areas, producing less disturbance of boats at anchor, for example. With zero operational emissions guests explore coastlines and islands while helping to reduce their carbon footprint.
The Right Technology at the Right Time
Electric foiling technology has come at the right time for the expanding luxury tourism market in the Middle East. The availability of totally electric, fast, smooth and eco-friendly water taxis and excursion boats with high-spec cabins provides the solution that operators need. These are vessels at the cutting-edge of sustainable water transport, more than capable of both meeting the requirements of operators, port and harbour authorities, and the increasing numbers of wealthy tourists wanting environmentally-friendly but genuinely luxurious experiences.
