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by Admin
The seventh edition of the Gulf Superyacht Summit 2025 was held in Abu Dhabi on December 4 and 5 this year. Held around the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix every year, it aimed to position the region as a premier year-round superyacht destination. The key discussions in the event focused on nuclear propulsion, AI integration, and regional infrastructural development.
Major Announcements during the Gulf Superyacht Summit 2025
- Laurens Last, a Dutch entrepreneur who made his fortune in the packaging business, announced his dream acquisition of Heesen Yachts. He also shared the strategic shift of the shipyard towards larger 60 to 70-meter yachts with higher gross tonnage (GT).
- Erwin Bamps, CEO of Gulf Craft, announced the creation of a new dedicated superyacht service division in Ajman. This service division will offer refit and after-sales support to yachts up to 80 meters.
- The Gulf Superyacht Report 2025/2026 was also launched at the summit. This report included market data, infrastructure updates, and policy changes across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and the Red Sea corridor.
- Milaha is separating its commercial and superyacht operations. It is opening a dedicated superyacht refit facility in the Qatar Free Zone, which will offer discreet, high-standard services.
Key Trends of the Event
- Design legend Espen Øino discussed how modular nuclear-reactor technology could provide transoceanic range and near-zero emissions. Experts from Lloyd’s Register and Stephenson Harwood also confirmed that regulatory bodies and yacht owners are seriously considering this shift in tech.
- The use of AI in design workflows, navigation, client services, and predictive maintenance is enhancing efficiency and service quality in the sector.
- From a winter yacht hub to a potential year-round base, the Gulf and Saudi Arabia have several new marinas and streamlined digital clearance platforms (such as Saudi’s ‘Ebhar’ and Qatar’s ‘Minakom’).
- There were discussions about developing a seamless cruising network from the Suez Canal to the Arabian Gulf, with multi-stop itineraries across destinations like Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and new developments in the Red Sea (such as Amaala, Sindalah, and NEOM).
- The Gulf’s capacity for major refit and maintenance work has grown significantly in recent years, reducing its dependence on Europe for servicing.
A major concern discussed during the summit was how regional instability in the Red Sea remains a concern for passage planning. Yet, strong investment and regulatory advancements may soon solve this situation and transform the Gulf into a major global superyacht hub.
The event had a strong industry backing. Lürssen Yachts was the event partner, while Stephenson Harwood served as the cocktail host. The featured sponsors of the event included Bering Yachts, Maritime Cook Islands (Platinum Sponsors); Al Seer Marine, Gulf Craft, MB92 Group, Felix Maritime Agency, and Zairos (Gold Sponsors); Camper & Nicholsons, YachtEye, Phoenix Yacht Management, Sunreef Yachts, and HFW (Silver Sponsors), and many more.
