Dubai is one of the world’s most exciting destinations that offers an adventure seeker looking to enjoy the great outdoors in the glorious waters of the Arabian Gulf and remarkable championship sporting facilities apart from the world-class shopping, dining and nightlife, as well as the venue for hosting events.

The Industry Outlook

During the Dubai International Boat Show 2018 (DIBS 2018), it is reported that the UAE (United Arab Emirates) marine industry is seeing a healthy growth in the industry, currently positioned as the second largest in the world, after China.

“This boom in trade has led to the local market gradually maturing, with clientele looking further than only acquiring boats, now taking into account quality and configurations,” according to the source.

Visitors of DIBS 2018 were treated to a special preview of a new line of luxury boats designed by Alberto Mancini ahead of its launch in 2019. During the VIP evening, held at the Four Seasons Hotel (by invitation only), Oceanco showcased the next generation superyacht, a 115 metre Long ‘Tuhura’ designed in collaboration with the award-winning Lobanov Design and leading engineering experts, BMT.

Previously, the same company had also unveiled two yachts; the 86 metre launched in 2013 and the 110 metre Jubilee launched in 2017, and both were designed in collaborations with Lobanov Design studio. The same year saw several debuts from award winning yacht manufacturers. One of the manufacturers Gulf Craft unveiled the Majesty 100, measuring at 32 metres.

Another year saw the launch of Dubai, the largest yacht in the world that was originally commissioned by a Prince from Brunei to be built at Blohm & Voss in co-operation with Lurssen shipyard. The hull was later acquired by Platinum Yachts and then sold to the Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, who renamed the yacht to ‘Golden Star’.

With every release of a new yacht model by major yacht manufacturers within UAE, is indicative of the ever-growing demand and lucrative trend of investing in maritime vessels in the UAE market. The yacht companies work at positioning themselves in the market to stay competitive and relevant, and to cater to the tastes and likes of their customers so as to successfully handle the rapid rise through the ranks of the industry.

Here, YACHT STYLE’s “Who’s Who of Yachting in Asia”, salutes the outstanding personalities who have made it to the Top 100 Power List in Asia-Pacific (United Arab Emirates):

BAMPS Erwin (UAE)
As CEO of Emirates-based Gulf Craft, Bamps plays a key role in the company’s growth across its expanding portfolio of luxury yachts and leisure boats. Today, the company is one of the world’s leading superyacht shipyards and enjoys a growing international presence. Gulf Craft recently ventured into the world of megayachts.

JAMIE BOAG (UAE)
Team Director of three consecutive editions of the Volvo Ocean Race, and winning with Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing in 2014-15, Boag was Tour Director of the WMRT M32 Australia regatta in 2016, and has now established a consultancy business in Hong Kong. He is presently working with Nautor’s Swan to establish a ClubSwan racing circuit in Asia. Boag is also a noted sailor in his own right, masterminding Eammon Conneely’s TP52 Patches campaign to victory in 2006, and racing at the highest level in Europe, North America and Asia.

***This article is republished from Issue 41 of Yacht Style. View the full list from page 62 onwards.

Words by Yacht Style | Additional reporting by Andrea Sim