Category: News
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Yas Marina receives “Superyacht Ready” accreditation, first in Abu Dhabi
Yas Marina, one of the Middle East’s biggest marinas, has affirmed its position as a leading luxury tourism hotspot after it was granted a “Superyacht Ready” designation by the Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA). The achievement, the first to be granted in Abu Dhabi, confirms that the marina holds up to international standards for superyachts in…
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ORA Developers announce 204-berth marina in UAE’s Ghantoot community
Global real estate firm ORA Developers is introducing a new yacht marina to the UAE as part of Y Views at Bayn. The project, located within the 4.8 million-square-meter Bayn master in the luxury area of Ghantoot, sits in a strategic position between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Alongside a 204-berth marina, the facility boasts 1.2…
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UAE yacht firm OceanWorld acquires stake in Italian shipyard Wider
In the next phase of its growth, Italian yacht builder Wider has announced a new capital increase and shareholder. The UAE-based OceanWorld Group has acquired a stake in the holding company Wider Luxembourg S.à.r.l. to establish a strategic partnership with it. The agreement, with its planned gradual entry, was signed in 2019, finalized through a…
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Gulf Craft appoints new dealer for the Majesty brand in key Asian yacht markets
UAE-based shipyard Gulf Craft is expanding further into the Asian superyacht market. The builder has named Asia Yachting as the exclusive dealer for Gulf Craft’s Majesty brand. Majesty, the yard’s flagship line, will be sold in the Philippines and Hong Kong exclusively through the dealer. “We are pleased to welcome Asia Yachting as our dealer…
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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…
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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. …
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
