Author: The Maritime Observer
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Saudi Red Sea Authority Issues New Licenses to NEOM’s Sindalah Marina & Other Yacht Companies
To continue positioning Saudi Arabia as a global superyacht destination, The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has granted 12 new licenses for the purposes of marina construction, leisure marine recreation, and cruise ship operations. Of the permits handed – in out in the past two months – NEOM’s Sindalah Island Marina received a construction license…
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Abu Dhabi Introduces 10-Year Golden Visas for Superyacht Owners
Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism has introduced “Golden Quay to Abu Dhabi”, a new initiative aimed at attracting superyacht owners to invest in Abu Dhabi. Under this Golden Visa, vessel owners are offered the opportunity to obtain a 10-year UAE Golden Visa with benefits including a long-term residency and access to Abu Dhabi’s…
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Medasia Marine Delivers First X-Shore Boat in the UAE
Boutique superyacht company Medasia Marine has announced the delivery and registration of the Gulf’s first fully electric X Short 1 boat to a UAE client. The X Shore 1, built by Swedish boat builder X Shore, is powered by a 125KW electric motor and uses sustainable materials for its construction. The vessel offers silent and…
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How the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix played an important role in establishing The Middle East’s Superyacht Prospects
Alongside the convenience of all year-round pleasant weather, the increase of vessels visiting The Middle East can be attributed to a number of factors – the investment in infrastructure, improved number of facilities, domestic manufacturing, and the modernization of regulations. While the aforementioned are essential components to any superyacht destination, what may have truly contributed…
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SRSA Issues First-Ever Yacht Chartering Licenses in Saudi Arabia
For the first time in Saudi Arabia, three yacht chartering companies have received licenses from The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA). Following a verification process ensuring compliance with all SRSA regulations and requirements, Hill Robinson Saudi Limited, Faisal M. Higgi & Associates Co. Ltd, and JLS Yachts Limited have been granted chartering licenses that aim…
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Yacht Builder Oceanco Settles Case for the use of Myanmar Blood Teak; Agrees to €150,000 Fine
Dutch superyacht builder Oceanco has been ordered to pay a €150,000 fine after reaching a settlement agreement with The Dutch Public Prosecution Service for breaching European timber laws. The EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) forbids the importation and use of illegally harvested timber into the EU, and regulates the vetting process of buyers, requiring them to…
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Court Ruling For The Sale of M/Y Alfa Nero Set For Early 2025
According to the Antigua Observer, a ruling on the seizure of the 82-meter motor yacht Alfa Nero is expected to be made by the Antiguan High Court in February 2025. The sale of Alfa Nero was challenged by Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov and the yacht’s special purpose vehicle (SPV) Flying Dutchman Overseas, the British Virgin Island-registered company…
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Third Edition of Aqaba’s “Boat Show” Announced for 2025
Aqaba’s “Boat Show” returns for the third edition in 2025. The event, which takes place in Aqaba’s Ayla Marina, has been announced for 23-24 May 2025. The marina is part of Ayla Oasis, a luxury resort located in Aqaba, Jordan, along the country’s Red Sea coast. Ayla Marina is Jordan’s largest and only superyacht marina,…
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With Virtuelle Offering 3D Tours, You Can Now Explore Your Future Yacht Before It’s Even Built
When it comes to selling a big ticket and emotional purchase such as a superyacht, there is more of a story to be told than what is currently offered in the yachting industry. A story that should be individualized to each prospective future yacht owner, proportionate to their own desires and needs. No one understands…
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Sunseeker Fined For The Illegal Importation of Teak; Pleads Guilty on Three Charges
On Wednesday, November 27th, British shipyard Sunseeker International pleaded guilty to three charges for the use of 11 imports of illegal Myanmar teak (with evidence of more) and breach of timber laws. Sitting in front of the Bournemouth Crown Court, the luxury boat builder was fined a total of £358,759,64 by Judge Jonathan Fuller. This…
