UAE Brief

UAE Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

30.78m luxury motor yacht Majesty 101 by Gulf Craft

May 18, 2012

The exceptional motor yacht Majesty 101, built by one of the best Middle East‘s shipyards Gulf Craft, is a true elegance afloat, providing an unforgettable and reliable offshore performance. The 30.78m Majesty 101 superyacht represents the ultimate in style, luxury as well as safety.

30.78m motor yacht Majesty 101 by Gulf Craft

30.78m motor yacht Majesty 101 by Gulf Craft

10 guests can find the maximum comfort on board the Gulf Craft superyacht Majesty 101, offering 5 beautiful cabins. She carries a dedicated and professional crew of 5, sleeping in a Captain’s cabin and 2 crew cabins.

Majesty 101 superyacht Flybridge

Majesty 101 superyacht Flybridge

Twin CAT C32 1800 HP@2300 rpm engines can propel the 30.78m luxury yacht Majesty 101 to the maximum speed ranging from 24 to 27 knots. Majesty 101 boasts a maximum beam of 6.5m (21’04”), while her draft is of 1.07m (3’06”).

Luxury yacht Majesty 101 Main Saloon

Luxury yacht Majesty 101 Main Saloon

Superyacht Majesty 101 Dining

Superyacht Majesty 101 Dining

Gulf Craft Majesty 101 superyacht Owner's Stateroom

Gulf Craft Majesty 101 superyacht Owner's Stateroom

Motor yacht Majesty 101 Owner's en-suite

Motor yacht Majesty 101 Owner's en-suite

VIP Stateroom aboard the luxury yacht Majesty 101

VIP Stateroom aboard the luxury yacht Majesty 101

Superyacht Majesty 101 VIP en-suite

Superyacht Majesty 101 VIP en-suite

30.78m Gulf Craft superyacht Majesty 101 Double Guest Stateroom

30.78m Gulf Craft superyacht Majesty 101 Double Guest Stateroom

Majesty 101 superyacht Twin Guest Stateroom

Majesty 101 superyacht Twin Guest Stateroom

Mourjan Marinas IGY’s Wayne Shepherd promoted to General Manager Marina Operations

May 14, 2012

Mourjan Marinas IGY’s Wayne Shepherd, a legendary veteran of the marine industry, has been given an honour to become General Manager, Marina Operations. Now, being responsible for all superyacht marinas of this prestigious Dubai-based company, Mr Shepherd has worked as Mourjan Marinas IGY’s Regional Operations Manager for the past four years.

Wayne Shepherd - General Manager Marina Operations

Wayne Shepherd - General Manager Marina Operations

With close to 35 years experience in Australia and the Middle East, 19 of which have been spent in marina management, Mr Shepherd brings a passion for the industry that has seen him work on all aspects of marinas, from implementing international standards facility and asset management, to working with sales on increasing occupancy, revenues, and ensuring effective control of financial results to meet operational objectives.

Michael Horrigan, CEO of Mourjan Marinas IGY, said: “Wayne is a world-class leader in our industry and has been a tremendous asset to our company since joining us in 2008. This promotion is recognition of his hard work and dedication over the years and I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to deliver the highest standards for our clients in the region and around the world.”

Mr Shepherd has been a key player in driving the growth of one of the company’s flagship projects – Doha’s Lusail Marina – which has just marked its first year of operations.

Prior to joining Mourjan Marinas IGY, Mr Shepherd was the Operations Manager for d’Albora Marinas, Australia’s largest marina operating company, supporting six marinas across the States of New South Wales and Victoria including the award winning Nelson Bay marina.

“I am looking forward to bringing my experiences in the industry to this role which is a tremendously exciting and challenging opportunity as we move into the next phase of our development as a company,” said Mr Shepherd.

“We have achieved a great deal over the past few years and I’m confident there is much more to come.”

Wayne is a Certified Marina Manager (CMM) with a degree in Advanced Marina Management from the International Marina Institute, USA. He has also studied Small Business Operations and management in Australia and Ship, Yacht & Boat Building in New Zealand.

Sunreef Yachts represented Polish Superyacht Market in the Middle East

May 01, 2012

Following his meeting with the French Prime Minister, Mr Francois Fillon, in October 2011, the Sunreef Yachts President, Francis Lapp, was given an honour to take part in a critical business mission by accompanying the Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, on his official visit to the United Arab Emirates as well as Saudi Arabia, which was held from 21 to 24 April, 2012.

Sunreef Yachts representing Polish Superyacht Market in the Middle East

Sunreef Yachts representing Polish Superyacht Market in the Middle East

Given the business specificity of the region, the Polish Ministry of Economy invited only a few select companies specializing in luxury goods, including Sunreef Yachts, to proudly represent their unique, high-end products, exclusively Made in Poland. This prestigious invitation confirms the strong position of the Sunreef Yachts brand in the luxury sector in Poland.

Sunreef Yachts President Francis Lapp during one of the meetings with local businessmen

Sunreef Yachts President Francis Lapp during one of the meetings with local businessmen

Francis Lapp has participated in several meetings with local businessmen and assisted in the official conference of Prime Minister Tusk, in the presence of the Emirati and the Saudi rulers, which aimed to solidify future business cooperation and mutual exchange of the highest quality local goods.

Gulf Craft attended the 1st Ajman Industrial Exhibition

April 27, 2012

The inaugural edition of the Ajman Industrial Exhibition, officially opened by His Highness Shaikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council member as well as Ruler of Ajman, was held from April 23 to 25, 2012.

Gulf Craft at Ajman industrial exhibition 2012

Gulf Craft at Ajman industrial exhibition 2012

Sponsored and organised by the Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI), the inaugural Ajman Industrial Exhibition was aimed at promoting Ajman’s wide range of locally made products and offered services and was held at the Ajman University of Science and Technology (AUST).

As Gulf Craft has been founded in 1982 in Ajman itself and is still having one of its 4 shipyards situated in the same Emirate, the company was proud to attend as an exhibitor in the event, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

Gulf Craft celebrated its 30th anniversary

April 03, 2012

Gulf Craft Inc. celebrated its 30th anniversary in the yacht and boat building industry with a gala celebration held on March 10 at its state-of-the-art Majesty Yachts manufacturing facility in the United Arab Emirates, attended by members of the ruling families of the country. Among the company’s extensive range of vessels on display during the event was the recently completed motor yacht Majesty 135 – the yard´s largest superyacht ever built.

Gulf Craft´s 30th anniversary

Gulf Craft´s 30th anniversary

As a privately held, UAE-based company, Gulf Craft has been a major player in the growth of the nation’s manufacturing industry. The company operates over a million square feet of shipyards and workshops in the United Arab Emirates in addition to a facility in the Maldives and has delivered more than 9,000 craft to date. Its boats and yachts have proudly waved the Gulf Craft banner on shores far beyond the GCC and the global demand for its products is a triumph for the UAE’s manufacturing industry.

Gulf Craft´s luxury motor yacht Majesty 135

Gulf Craft´s luxury motor yacht Majesty 135

Oceanco´s Chairman Dr Mohammed Al Barwani receives the World of Yachts recognition award

March 15, 2012

Dr Mohammed Al Barwani, of the Sultanate of Oman and Chairman of the renowned Dutch shipyard Oceanco, received the World of Yachts recognition award during the prominent gala dinner, taking place at the One & Only Royal Mirage Hotel in Dubai.

Dr Mohammed Al Barwani

Dr Mohammed Al Barwani

“It is an honour to be recognized by leaders from the Middle Eastern Maritime Industry. In only 25 years, Oceanco has established its name within the superyacht industry as the premier builder of 80-90m super yachts. I have been witness to the launch of twenty three of the world’s finest luxury yachts,” said Dr Al Barwani, beaming with pride.  He added, “I am dedicated to seeing that Oceanco continue to be at the cutting edge of innovation, technology and design, building iconic yachts for today and tomorrow.”

Dr Barwani warmly thanked the Dubai World Trade Center representative, Mr Shubir Khattau, the Publisher of The World of Yachts and Boats magazine, Mr Nabil Farhat and Mr Mohammed Shamma, President of AMIA – Arab Marine Industries Association.

Describing the event, Nabil Farhat said, “This award has been conferred upon Dr. Barwani for his leading role at Oceanco Yachts and his outstanding contribution to the Super Yacht World. As a direct response to market demands, Oceanco is continuing to move forward with implementing its plans for constructing a new yacht-building facility to accommodate yachts up to 145 meters in length. In keeping with Oceanco’s vision for the future, its new high tech facility – capable of being expanded in the future – is expressly designed and purpose-built for the exclusive function of building 100+ meter yachts.”

Dr Mohammed Al Barwani is the founding chairman of the MB Group of Companies, which is headquartered in the Sultanate of Oman. Some of the key group companies are MB Petroleum Services, Petrogas E & P, Mawarid Mining Company and United Engineering Services. Employing more than 6000 employees from over 51 nationalities across 4 continents, the MB Group of companies have completed 30 years of operations in 2012.

Large Contingent from Australia present at Dubai International Boat Show 2012

March 15, 2012

The evening before the Dubai International Boat Show, running these days, AIMEX presented an important networking event. Australia’s reputation for quality, excellence as well as innovation has increased significantly during the past 5 years with many UAE companies wishing to distribute Australian products.

Gerard Seeber - Consul General Austrade Dubai with Sharon Foster Export Adviser NSW Trade  Enterprise

Gerard Seeber - Consul General Austrade Dubai with Sharon Foster Export Adviser NSW Trade Enterprise

The evening hosted by AIMEX alongside Austrade and the New South Wales (NSW) government ensured that some key contacts were made prior to the 5 day show, maximising the opportunities for the 23 strong Australian contingent.

Gerard Seeber the new Austrade Consul General based in Dubai was enthusiastic about the large contingent from Australia stating that Austrade Dubai had been invited to a press conference by the Boat Show organisers to talk about the capability of the Australian marine sector with Australia being the 3rd largest pavilion at the Show. Seeber mentioned the value of the marine manufacturing industry to Australia and the importance of nurturing business in the UAE; a valuable emerging market for the Australian marine sector.

Les Webster - Central Coast Marine Installations Farrokh Golchin - CMS

Les Webster - Central Coast Marine Installations Farrokh Golchin - CMS

Sharon Foster, Export Advisor spoke on behalf of the NSW Department of Trade and Investment. Foster stated that NSW had a strong maritime engineering sector with cutting edge capabilities. She advised the marine sector is a significant contributor to the NSW economy. The NSW government has been a strong supporter of the marine sector in NSW allowing many companies the opportunity to exhibit at international shows and supporting NSW companies drive to export.

Michael Skalij - Boat Bog Babak Khosravi - Austrade Brett Mudie - Boat Bog

Michael Skalij - Boat Bog Babak Khosravi - Austrade Brett Mudie - Boat Bog

MaryAnne Edwards AIMEX CEO said, “it was great to see major UAE companies like Gulf Craft represented at the function with Erwin Bamps keen to talk about the Australian market and opportunities for Australian products.” Major distributor ART Marine also attended the event advising they were keen to support Australian companies where they could. Art Marine currently distributes Riviera in the Middle East.

Turbomot Marine Engineering LLC (Distributors) with Richard Chapman - Coursemaster Autopilots  Hydrive Engineering

Turbomot Marine Engineering LLC (Distributors) with Richard Chapman - Coursemaster Autopilots Hydrive Engineering

The Dubai International Boat Show runs from the 13-17 March. Australian companies represented at the show are; Aqualuma Marine Lighting, Austral Propellers, Bellingham Marine, Boat Bog, Central Coast Marine Installations, Coursemaster Autopilots, GME, HyDrive Engineering, Marine Technologies Australia, Marine Tech Industries Australia, Ocean Media, PolyFlex Group Australia, Pyrotek Noise Control, Riviera Marine, Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Seawind Catamarans, Spear Green Design, Stebercraft, Superior Jetties Superyacht Australia, Superyacht Sydney, Supra Boats and VEEM Propellers.

Gulf Craft’s motor yacht MAJESTY 105 premieres at Dubai International Boat Show

March 13, 2012
Opening day of the Dubai International Boat Show saw an exciting premiere of the new Gulf Craft superyacht concept from its Majesty Yachts range, the motor yacht Majesty 105. Gulf Craft is the largest manufacturer of luxury yachts and fibreglass boats in the Middle East and Asia and the premiere of the new Majesty 105 Yacht follows the UAE-based shipyard’s recent showcase of its largest ever hull construction – the Majesty 135 superyacht – at its 30th anniversary gala celebration held on Saturday, March 10th at its yacht manufacturing facility in the UAE.

(L-R) Erwin Bamps, Mohammed Alshaali, Saeed Hareb

(L-R) Erwin Bamps, Mohammed Alshaali, Saeed Hareb

The Majesty 105 superyacht  is the latest in a series of revolutionary concepts created by Gulf Craft. It represents both, the degree of engineering, design and technological sophistication already achieved by the company during its three decades in the business as well as its ability to anticipate and meet the need for striking new superyacht concepts tailored to diverse cruising needs.

Attendees were offered the exclusive opportunity to tour the striking blue-hulled, triple-decked superyacht – which features 5 staterooms, including a luxurious owner’s stateroom, 2 crew cabins and one captain’s cabin, 8 bathrooms in addition to a dayhead. The Majesty 105 yacht runs on 2 Caterpillar C32 rated engines and can reach top speeds of 27 knots.

(L-R) Trixie Loh, Erwin Bamps, Mohammed Alshaali, Saeed Hareb, Nabil Farhat, Mohammed Shamaa (1) - Copy

(L-R) Trixie Loh, Erwin Bamps, Mohammed Alshaali, Saeed Hareb, Nabil Farhat, Mohammed Shamaa (1) - Copy

The interiors are furnished in gold teak veneer with soft, light carpeting and furnishings in a sea-inspired colour scheme that gives a nod to Mediterranean elegance. Extensive exterior space – including an outdoor steering helm and a hard-topped sundeck fitted with comfortable sofa seating, a wet bar, fridge, icemaker and barbeque – makes this the perfect yacht for outdoor entertaining.

“Choosing to premiere the Majesty 105 at the Dubai International Boat Show was a conscious decision,” says Erwin Bamps, COO Gulf Craft. “This region has the highest concentration of superyacht owners in the world and there is a great deal of appreciation for concepts that are different and make a statement.  In terms of design and utilization of space, it is one of our best conceived models and we expect the Majesty 105 to be making quite a few waves in the right circles.”

“The Majesty 105 was conceptualized for the yacht owner who likes to spend the majority of his time above deck,” he added.

“With a steering helm on the sun deck and an interactive outdoor entertaining and lounging space, this is the sort of yacht that would allow you to spend time admiring the coast on an island-hopping itinerary or catch all the action moored alongside waterfront racing circuits like Yas Marina Circuit or the Circuit de Monaco.”

Gulf Craft luxury motor yacht Majesty 105

Gulf Craft luxury motor yacht Majesty 105

Demonstrating its continued commitment to aggressively investing in new market-relevant designs across its entire range, the Gulf Craft fleet at DIBS 2012 features another exciting premiere, the new Silvercraft 36 HT – a brand new concept within its hard-top sport fishing portfolio.

In addition, Gulf Craft will showcase a new hull from one of its most popular series – the Majesty 121 yacht as well as another hull from the Gulf 95 Exp motor yacht range – the revolutionary design concept announced in 2011 to meet the demand for extended living on the water.

Gulf Craft will exhibit a range of fiberglass boats and luxury superyachts from its Majesty Yachts, Oryx and Silvercraft brands at EX 15 and on-water display at the Dubai International Boat Show until March 17th.

ADM 141m Megayacht YAS (ex Swift 141) fitted with watertight door system delivered by Trend Marine

March 09, 2012

Following the launch of the Taylor Made Group´s new watertight door system, reporting a great success, their UK subsidiary — Trend Marine Products Limited — has now delivered a full set of watertight doors with DNV type approval to Abu Dhabi for the 141m motor yacht YAS (ex Swift 141), launched by ADM Shipyards last year as the eleventh largest vessel on the water.  The spectacular Yas superyacht features both interior as well as exterior and styling by French studio Pierrejean Design.

Yas Superyacht-Credit Dick Holthuis Photography

Yas Superyacht - Credit: Dick Holthuis Photography

Bill Morgan, Project Manager said: “I am delighted with this set of doors which meet the exacting requirements of Abu Dhabi Mar. We have ordered a further set for our next prestigious build.” Certified by DNV through the process of on-site witness testing, prior to delivery to Abu Dhabi, these type approved watertight doors are designed for both superyacht and commercial applications.

“This customer focused application is a testament to our in-house technical capabilities at Trend Marine,” said Greg Spray, Superyacht Sales Manager at Trend Marine Products. “Our dedicated and highly experienced engineers work very closely with our customers to deliver a product which conforms to both classification and customer requirements. The products are then expertly produced by our versatile manufacturing team.”

Part of the Taylor Made Group of companies, Trend Marine Products Limited is the world’s leading specialist manufacturer of marine glazing systems and door systems. Employing 250 people at its 12-acre site in northeast Norfolk, the company operates principally in the marine sector and has supplied the major U.K. boat manufacturers for many years, beginning with Fairline and Princess in 1975, Sunseeker in 1979 and Sealine in 1986.

In the last decade, expansion has been principally in the export markets with new customers being diverse in range and including Groupe Beneteau, Hanse, Bavaria, Westport, Horizon, Riviera, Gulf Craft, Marquis Yachts, Sea Ray, Lazzara and Palmer Johnson. Trend has recently acquired sag bending and chemical toughening equipment to support its increasing numbers of superyacht customers.

New Launching Bay and Travel Lift for Gulf Craft’s Superyacht Division

March 05, 2012

Gulf Craft has just successfully finished its second launching bay, which will enable to launch yachts up to 50 m in overall length at its Majesty Yachts shipyard in the United Arab Emirates. Futhermore, the second bay alongside its existing one now permits the yard to handle larger yachts and has also increased its capacity for mobility for the benefit of service as well as refit work.

Gulf Craft´s New Second Launching Bay

Gulf Craft´s New Second Launching Bay

The company also recently took delivery of a second, larger travel lift, with a lifting capacity of up to 500 tons.

Gulf Craft´s New 500-ton travel lift

Gulf Craft´s New 500-ton travel lift

Both investments are of strategic importance in light of the further expansion of the company’s superyacht division.