Author: The Maritime Observer

The Dubai International Boat Show rescheduling may end up benefiting the Middle East superyacht as a whole

The Middle East’s biggest yachting event was only a few weeks away when regional conflict broke out on March 1st. The uncertain status of the Dubai International Boat Show, scheduled for April 8-12, worsened as tensions escalated. Some predicted the show to move forward at a reduced capacity, while others anticipated an outright cancellation due…
Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) appoints Dr. Maryam Ali Ficociello as CEO

The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has announced the appointment of Dr. Maryam Ali Ficociello as the new chief executive officer. The announcement comes as the SRSA enters its next phase of growing the Kingdom’s coastal tourism sector while ensuring the protection of the marine environment. The appointment, effective March 22nd, 2026, finds outgoing chief…
State of 2026 Dubai International Boat Show uncertain; Decision Expected to be made this week

With tensions in the Middle East, including the UAE, escalating with no signs of abating, the fate of the upcoming Dubai International Boat Show hangs in the air. A decision on the state of the event, taking place from 8-12 April at Dubai Harbour, is expected to be made clear this week, as organizers of…
Aqaba’s Ayla Marina Boat Show returns for fourth edition

The Ayla Marina Boat Show, Jordan’s only boating event, will return for its fourth edition this year. The show, taking place at Aqaba’s Ayla Oasis resort, will occupy its usual end of date from the 22-23rd of May. Organizers say it is poised to be bigger in scale than events of the past, with 30…
Gulf Craft provides an update on Superyacht Service Centre; key infrastructure installed

Berths will soon be occupied for maintenance works at Gulf Craft’s upcoming Superyacht Service Centre (SYSC) , which the company has announced is nearing completion for operational readiness. The 10,000sqm facility, located in Ajman, UAE, saw a significant development this week, with the successful certification load test of the Cimplai 600-ton travel lift. The lift…
Port regulator AD Ports Group Reports Record Revenue

AD Ports Group, the Abu Dhabi-based developer and port regulator, reported full-year revenue of AED 20.8 billion for 2025, a 20 percent year-on-year increase. Net profit, meanwhile, increased 17% YoY to AED 2.1 billion. EDBITDA was reported at AED5.1b, a 12% increase While the group oversees global trade, logistics, and transport, it has played a critical…
Egypt to build 150-berth yacht marina as part of $1 Billion Development IL Monte Galala

Egypt’s state institutions and the private sector have joined forces to boost the country’s tourism offerings with the announcement of Il Mont Galala Towers and Marina project. Announced last week in Cairo by Tatweer Misr, the project’s lead developer, the mixed-use development, valued at $1.06 billion, will be situated in Ain Sokhna on the Western…
Yachting Ventures to showcase emerging talent at Dubai Boat Show with return of Startup Zone

Yachting Ventures, the vehicle that has served as the launch pad for entrepreneurs in the leisure marine space, returns to the grand stage once more with the Startup Zone, the company has announced. The Zone, which launched at the event last year, gives emerging businesses the platform to network and gain visibility with industry professionals. …
UAE’s Medasia Marine Delivers Largest Flexiteek Installation on 52m Yacht Al Manara

Medasia Marine, a UAE-based marine construction company, has completed what is believed to be the largest Flexiteek decking project onboard the 52-meter yacht villa, Al Manara. Flexiteek is a synthetic teak panel created by the eponymous British company, made from UV-stabilised high-quality composite materials. It has been frequently used in modern pleasure vessels in lieu…
Kuwaiti Investment Firm Acquires 3 Percent Stake in Ferretti Group

Bader Nasser Al Kharafi, a Kuwaiti businessman, has announced the acquisition of a 3 percent stake in Italian superyacht builder Ferretti Group. The deal, done through his investment firm BNK Holdings, is part of a “broader strategic plan to build a global portfolio focused primarily on high-end assets and high-quality companies”. Al Kharafi assumes several…