Author: The Maritime Observer

Foreign Commercial Yachts Now Permitted to Cruise Egyptian Waters Restriction-Free

In a significant development to Egypt’s superyacht tourism plans, foreign-flagged, commercially registered yachts are now permitted to cruise Egyptian waters restriction-free. The new edict, enforceable from May 2025 onwards, stipulates that the vessel’s maritime agent must supply local authorities with a confirmation, ensuring that no commercial activities will take place in Egyptian territorial waters for…
Saudi Red Sea Authority Grants New Marina Licenses to Three Operators

The Saudi Red Sea Authority has issued new licences to three marina operators in an effort to boost tourism in the Red Sea. The three operators to receive licenses are Aljar Marina tourism company (Yanbu), Al Ahlam Marine Tourism in Albuhairat city (Jeddah), and Pearl Marina Chartering Company (Jeddah). The grant of the licenses mentioned…
Gulf Craft Group Reappoints Erwin Bamps as CEO

In a homecoming of some sorts, UAE shipyard Gulf Craft has announced the return of Erwin Bamps as Chief Executive Officer as the builder continues it’s growth in international superyacht markets. Bamps succeeds Yannis Haidis, who was named CEO in August 2024 after Gulf Craft entered a new organizational structure, establishing Gulf Craft Group, a…
Bahrain Announces New Regulations for the Entry and Exit of Foreign Flagged Yachts

With plans to establish the Kingdom of Bahrain as a global superyacht hub, the next step would be to modernize the regulations to facilitate the smooth entry and exit of superyachts. Edict (9) of 2025, announced by the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, outlines several key developments that ensure…
Bahrain Marina Project Enters Into An Agreement with United Marina Trading to Construct New Marina

One and a half years after construction commenced on the Bahrain Marina Project, Bahrain Marina Development Company has shared a significant update. The company has appointed United Marine Trading (UMT) to construct a new superyacht-dedicated marina. UMT, specialists in marina design, construction, and maintenance, will build floating docks that will accommodate up to 167 vessels…
French Government to Auction Off 41-Metre Seized Vessel

Two years after motoryacht Stefania was seized during a stopover in Northwestern Italy, the French authorities will be putting the vessel up for sale. The 41-metre boat was confiscated at the behest of the French government following a money laundering case involving a Belarusian national. Marseille’s prosecutor’s office states that the “criminal activities” of Belarusian…
US Government May Proceed with Sale of Seized Yacht Amadea after District Court Ruling Determines True Owner

Case: US v. M/Y Amadea, 23-cv-09304, US District Court, Southern District of New York (Manhattan). On Monday, March 10th, Judge Dale Ho. released his judgment on a case to determine the actual owner of Amadea, the 106-meter seized superyacht, ruling that Eduard Khudaintov’s attempt to block the US Government’s plans to auction off the vessel,…
Second Edition of Qatar Boat Show Announced for November 2025

Following the success of the inaugural Qatar Boat Show in 2024, Old Doha Port has penciled in the event’s second edition for November 5-8th, 2025, at Old Doha Port marina. The first show garnered more than 23,500 visitors and saw exhibitors from 11 countries with 74 vessels displayed across the 250,000 square meter venue. Old…
Several Regulatory Announcements Made for Foreign Flagged Yachts Visiting the UAE

Coming out of the 31st Dubai International Boat Show, several key regulatory additions concerning foreign-flagged vessels entering the UAE. Announced by the Dubai General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), here are new additions to the UAE’s leisure marine policies. Golden Visa Scheme: Following the footsteps of Abu Dhabi’s “Golden Quay Initiative,” Dubai has…
Azimut Expands to Saudi Arabia with Elite Yachts

Following a successful showing at the 31st Dubai International Boat Show, Azimut Yachts announced their expansion to Saudi Arabia through an existing dealership with Elite Yachts. This also marks the introduction of the Azimut Concierge Service in the Kingdom, an offering created to enhance the ownership experience of Azimut’s clientele with a 24/7, multilingual team….