Category: News

Saudi Red Sea Authority issues yacht charter licenses for the first quarter of 2026

The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has granted a number of yacht charter licenses, the first in 2026 thus far. The authoritative body, which oversees the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s coastal tourism activity, has issued permits to Mayassar Nooraldeen Al-Haddad Company, Seem Prime Company and Ocean Breeze Company. SRSA was formed in 2021 to strengthen…
Gulf Craft enters 40-meter yacht market with the launch of Majesty 145

UAE-based builder Gulf Craft has pivoted to the 40-meter segment with the launch of the Majesty 145. With design by Cristiano Gatto, in collaboration with the yard’s in-house design arm, the Majesty 145 joins the Majesty 175 and Majesty 160 in yachts above 40 meters. The Majesty 160 is set to launch in late 2027. …
Abu Dhabi’s Sobha City development to build 130-berth yacht marina

UAE-based real estate operator Sobha Realty is adding to Abu Dhabi’s leisure marine infrastructure with a new superyacht marina. Sobha City, the developer’s first project in the UAE capital, will feature a 130-berth marina as part of the $11 billion waterfront community. The marina, to be placed along the 2-kilometer stretching promenade, is set to…
Italian firm Luca Dini Design & Architecture launches Saudi Arabia office

Italian yachting firm Luca Dini Design & Architecture expanded into the Middle East with the launch of a new base in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Luca Dini KSA, based in Riyadh, is a multidisciplinary hub for Italian architects and designers to work in close proximity to local talent. The firm specializes in the exterior…
IGY Marinas to serve Egypt’s $1 billion Il Monte Gala Project as Marina Advisor

Global operator IGY Marinas is expanding its Middle East presence with its appointment as Marina Advisor to the Il Mont Towers development. LONG READ: With Gulf Craft’s Superyacht Service Centre, Captain Patricia Caswell plans to make refitting in the Middle East the norm. [Maritime Observer Newsletter] This follows the announcement of the EGP 50 billion…
Bahrain Marina Development Company appoints Gagan Suri as new CEO

Bahrain Marine Development Company has named Gagan Suri as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective from April 1st, 2026. BDMC, the master developer behind the Bahrain Marina, announced the appointment of Suri on the heels of the waterfront project’s operational launch. Suri has resided in the Kingdom of Bahrain for over a decade and has…
Bahrain Marina Share Progress Update for Phase 1

One of Bahrain’s biggest superyacht projects in construction is nearing the finish line. Bahrain Marina, the flagship waterfront development, has now achieved an 88% completion rate. The first phase of the $530 million flagship waterfront facility, built by Bahrain Marina Development Company, spans over 250,000 square meters. The project will feature a 167-berth marina for…
A new yacht club and marina planned in Muscat as part of $390 million tourism project

Four Seasons is bringing a marina and yacht club to Muscat, Oman, as part of a new $390 million ( RO 150 Million) tourism complex. On March 31st, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Oman Tourism Development Company signed an agreement to establish development in Al Bustan. INTERVIEW: Turn left for servicing: With Gulf…
Omaya Yachts enters Middle East market with BB Yachts Agency

Luxury catamaran builder Omaya Yachts announced an exclusive partnership with BB Yachts Agency, which has become the brand’s official representative in the United Arab Emirates and wider region. The Bulgarian builder plans to use the partnership with the Dubai-based BB Yachts to expand into other key markets, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Of the announcement,…
Dubai International Post Show postponed to November 2026

The Dubai International Boat Show, originally scheduled for April 8-12, has been postponed, organizers have announced. Due to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, the 32nd edition of the event has been rescheduled to November 25-29, 2026, at Dubai Harbour. This Autumn slot, strategically chosen in tandem with the start of the region’s boating…