Category: Features

Interview: IYC CEO Raphael Sauleau on What’s to Come for the Superyacht Industry in 2025 & Beyond

Earlier this month, the CEO of yachting firm IYC sat down with The Maritime Observer in a conversation forecasting what awaits the superyacht market in 2025 and beyond. Over the course of this conversation, Sauleau provided insight on a conveyor belt of trends, opportunities, and challenges concerning the industry, from the U.S. presidential elections to…
The Red Sea Becomes an IMO Special Area, But What About Regulations for Emissions?

On January 1st, 2025, The Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden were officially recognized as “Special Areas” by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)’s International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). Decided during the 80th Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) session in July 2023 – under IMO Resolutions MEPC.381(80) and MEPC.382(80) –…
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…
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…
Mohammed AlShaali – A Progenitor of Middle East Boat Manufacturing

Last week, the founder and chairman of UAE-Based shipyard Gulf Craft Mohammed AlShaali received a lifetime achievement award at the Boat Builder Awards in Amsterdam, recognized for his efforts in building Gulf Craft to the globally successful shipyard it is today. Mr. AlShaali’s contributions to The Middle East cannot be understated. In the same way…
2024 Abu Dhabi International Boat Show Guide

The Abu Dhabi International Boat Show (ADIBS) returns to Marina Hall at ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi for its 2024 edition. The event, which runs from 21-24 November, is the largest marine event in Abu Dhabi, attracting over 34,000 visitors annually. ADIBS, introduced in 2018 and returns this year for its sixth iteration, has become…
How Old Doha Port Is Turning Qatar Into a Global Yachting Destination

Old Doha Port, a project specifically built for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, is also home to the upcoming boat show. The ambitious marina seems like it is the emissary for Qatar’s superyacht prospects, which is setting its sights on attracting the broader populists of the yachting community. Are the merits of this project enough…
Qatar Boat Show 2024 – Everything You Need To Know

In March 2024, the first-ever Qatar Boat Show was announced at a conference, joining stakeholders of Qatar’s marine tourism sector and local, regional, and international boat builders and companies. The event plans to attract over 20,000 visitors and feature 495 exhibitors. The show is supported by the Ministry of Transport as the Strategic Partner, and Qatar Tourism…
Heading into 2025 – The State of The Middle East Superyacht Market

Note: This article is from the Maritime Observer Newsletter. Subscribe now to receive a complimentary, monthly email with all the latest news from the Middle East Superyachting Sector. Reader, September 2024 went profitably by, marking the return of the boat show season opening triumvirate, Cannes Yachting Festival, Genoa Boat Show, and Monaco Yacht Show, where…
NEOM Superyacht Guide – Saudi Arabia’s Ultra-Luxury Destination

Saudi Arabia’s new destination is set to transform the red-sea into an international superyacht destination