Category: News

Ocean Independence Celebrates The Opening of New Dubai Branch

Brokerage house Ocean Independence has touched down in The Middle East. The firm, which specializes in yacht sales, charter, new build, and management, has announced the opening of its 16th branch at Dubai Harbour Marina, adding to its worldwide roster of offices – with other locations including Monaco, Fort Lauderdale, Athens, and Mumbai. Overseeing operations…
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…
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…
Medasia Marine Deliver 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…
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…
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,…
Saudi Red Sea Authority Grants Operator License to Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina

The Saudi Red Sea Authority has issued an operator license to Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina in a move to boost marine tourism and strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a yachting hub. Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina is the first international harbor to receive this license. The organization, owned by Public Investment Fund subsidiary Sela,…
UAE, Jordan & Turkey Marinas Receive Top Honours at Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards

The Marinas edition of the 2024 Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards was held on November 23rd, recognizing achievements, initiatives, and leadership exhibited by marinas across The Middle East, North Africa, and the Türkiye (MENAT) region. The ceremony, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, announced the winners during this year’s…
Gulf Craft Chairman Mohammed Alshaali Honoured with “Lifetime Achievement” Award at the Boat Builder Awards

During the 10th annual Boat Builder Awards, Gulf Craft Chairman Mohammed Alshaali was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award. The 2024 Boat Builder Awards ceremony, an event organized by business magazine IBI and trade show METSTRADE, was held at Amsterdam’s National Maritime Museum. As the recipient of the Award, Mr. Alshaali was recognized for his…
“Dubai Code for Ports” Launched by Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation

In an effort to boost maritime capacity, The Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) has announced the launch of the ‘Dubai Code for Ports”. Explained as a first of it’s kind project, the code is a comprehensive technical guide to set benchmarks for the maritime infrastructure sector in the UAE and beyond. The guide…