Built in 2006, the 162-metre superyacht Dubai currently holds the fourth position in the world’s largest superyachts’ ranking. Accordingly, the vessel belongs to one of the most premum owners, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Born in 1949, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was appointed Crown Prince of Dubai in 1995, while in 2006 he became prime minister and vice president of the United Arab Emirates, after the death of his elder brother.
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was the one to support the development of the Palm Islands, the Burj Al-Arab hotel, the Burj Khalifa skyscraper, the Dubai World Cup and the Godolphin Stables, as part of the mission to transform Dubai into a lush and desired business location.
A number of businesses and economic assets of Dubai were created by two companies under the Sheikh’s ownership, Dubai World and Dubai Holding. The first one consolidates real estate, logistics and other business investments in the USA, the UK, and South Africa. The second one develops and manages hospitality, business parks, real estate, and telecommunications through different operation units.
What is more, Sheikh Mohammed holds in Meraas Holding that develops a number of retail, lifestyle and themed complexes in Dubai, including Legoland and a Bollywood movie theme park.
Sheikh Mohammed was also responsible for some of the significant steps of the development of the UAE, including the launch of Emirates Airline and development of two airports in Dubai.
During the 1970s, taking the position of the head of the Dubai Defence Force and the Minister of Defence, Sheikh Mohammed, among other things, led the development of Dubai’s civil aviation, with the first Emirates flight conducted in 1985. Furthermore, in 1989, Sheikh Mohammed inaugurated the first Dubai Airshow: in 2013 the exhibition had grown to over 1,000 exhibiting companies.
In 1991, Sheikh Mohammed merged the port of Jebel Ali, together with the free trade zone located in the port, and the port of Rashid, creating the Dubai Port Authority. In 1999, he founded Dubai Ports International, which in 2005, together with the Dubai Port Authority, was transformed into the port operator DP World. In less than four years, DP World has been able to become one of the top three port operators in the world.
In 1999, Dubai Internet City (abbreviated DIC), a free economic zone of Dubai, was created under the management of developer TECOM Investments, a member of the Dubai Holding group. Currently, more than 1,100 companies are registered on the territory of Dubai Internet City.
In November 2000, the Dubai government created the Dubai Media City free economic zone Dubai Media City, which serves as a starting point for the development of the UAE media, which became the regional centre for hosting news agencies, publishing houses, interactive media, and advertising organisations. production and broadcasting activities.
In 1995, an idea of building 'the most luxurious hotel in the world’ - Burj Al Arab - came to the mind of Sheikh Mohammed. The grand opening of the hotel took place in December 1999, part of Jumeirah tourist group.
In 2010, Dubai saw the opening of the Burj Khalifa skyscraper, currently the tallest building in the world. With 163 floors and 828-metre-tall structure, Burj Khalifa was reported to cost $ 20 billion, becoming a key part of Dubai’s business centre.
Another attraction, Palm Islands, the project of an archipelago of artificial islands is being implemented by Nakheel Properties. When all the planned Dubai islands are built, the territory of the emirate will increase by more than 500 square kilometres.
As to his personal life, Sheikh Mohammed has 16 children. Recently, his name has been hitting media headlines with one of the most viral scandals connected with the royal family, as his wife Princess Haya fled Sheikh Mohammed’s palaces in Dubai with two children, seeking political asylum in Britain.
M/Y Dubai
The ruler’s superyacht, Dubai, was constructed jointly by German leading ship builders Blohm + Voss and Lurssen. She was further transported to Dubai on a floating dock, where local yard Platinum Yachts completed the build and interior design.
It is speculated that the original order for Dubai had been placed by the Prince of Brunei. It was however suspended in 1998 (bare hull completed) and finally sold to the Dubai government.
Dubai features a beam of 22.4 metres and a draft of 5 meters, with interior volume of 12,488 tones. Accommodating for 24 guests in 12 cabins all with open balconies, the yacht features a 21-meter atrium, a swimming pool, cinema, black hawk landing platform, submarine garage and a dance floor.
Additionally, the superyacht disposes of her own specially constructed berth island next to Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah Island, in front of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s summer palace.
Columbus Yachts has started building its new 48-meter Crossover model at Palumbo Superyachts' Savona shipyard. The steel-hulled explorer with aluminum superstructures follows two previously sold Crossover units (42m and 47m), marking the shipyard's first self-financed project in this series.Designed by Hydro Tec, the vessel features an 8.6-meter beam and 2.75-meter draft, optimized for stability and long-range cruising. The exterior combines explorer-style proportions with a bulbous bow and streamlined stern for ocean-going capability. Key features include a multifunctional aft deck that can store a large tender or convert into a pool and lounge area.Accommodation includes six cabins for 12 guests, with the owner's suite on the upper deck and a VIP cabin on the main deck. The naval architecture was developed jointly by Hydro Tec and the shipyard's engineering team.No delivery date or price was disclosed. The Crossover series targets owners seeking a balance between expedition capability and contemporary yacht design.Founded in 2008 under Palumbo Superyachts, Columbus Yachts combines 50+ years of maritime expertise with modern yacht-building innovation. The brand gained recognition after launching its first 54m superyacht Prima in 2011 and later pioneering hybrid propulsion technology, earning RINA certification for its Sport Hybrid 40m.Specializing in semi-custom and full-custom builds (37m–120m), Columbus offers four lines: Atlantique, Crossover, Sport, and Classic. Its flagship 80m Dragon exemplifies its craftsmanship. As part of Palumbo Superyachts, the brand provides end-to-end owner support alongside sister yards ISA Yachts, Mondomarine, and Extra Yachts.Credits: Columbus Yachts
June 30, 2025
The 34th Monaco Yacht Show will take place from September 24-27, 2025, featuring approximately 560 exhibitors across Port Hercule. The event will display 120 superyachts, including 50 new builds from 2025, alongside 60 luxury tenders.Organizers have introduced a new sustainability program developed with the Water Revolution Foundation, highlighting exhibitors advancing environmental initiatives. The show's thematic zones include the Yacht Design & Innovation Hub for new concepts, the Adventure Area showcasing over 40 luxury vehicles and water toys, and the upper deck lounge for luxury goods and services."The exhibitor list helps future owners identify key contacts for custom builds, refits, or charters within an exclusive, innovation-focused environment," said Gaëlle Tallarida, Managing Director of the Monaco Yacht Show.The current exhibitor roster includes shipyards, designers, equipment manufacturers, and luxury service providers. The list remains subject to updates through summer 2025.Credits: MYS
June 30, 2025
The latest 80-meter Amels Limited Editions superyacht has arrived at Damen Yachting's Vlissingen shipyard in the Netherlands after construction at their Galatz facility in Romania. The vessel will now undergo full outfitting in preparation for delivery in 2027.Project Manager Danker Rijk stated: "After an impressive launch in our Galatz shipyard, we are delighted to welcome this Amels 80 to Vlissingen to commence the outfitting phase. This is an exciting milestone toward delivering another exceptional yacht on schedule."The 2,175 GT superyacht features exterior design by Espen Øino and interiors by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design. With accommodations for 14 guests and 21 crew members, the vessel represents Damen Yachting's combination of custom features with proven yacht-building technology.The Amels 80 follows the Limited Editions series' approach of offering semi-custom superyachts with reduced build times compared to fully custom projects. No further details about the owner or specific custom features were disclosed.Damen Yachting, a division within the Damen Shipyards Group, was created in 2019. The division combines the pedigree and heritage of Amels yachts with a growing portfolio of SeaXplorer yachts and Yacht Support vessels.Credits: Damen Yachting
June 27, 2025
Flexjet and Ferretti Group have introduced Riva Volare, a custom aircraft cabin design inspired by Riva motoryachts. The collaboration brings nautical styling to Flexjet's Gulfstream G650 jets and Sikorsky S-76 helicopters, targeting ultra-high-net-worth travelers.The Gulfstream G650 configuration accommodates 12-15 passengers for flights up to 16 hours, while two Sikorsky S-76 helicopters will operate in Florida and a new Milan-based service covering Italy and the French Riviera. Ferretti Group clients will receive preferential access to the helicopter operations.The design blends elements from Riva's 1960s Aquarama with contemporary Aquariva models, using artisanal materials and distinctive patterns. The interiors were developed through collaboration between both companies' design teams.Kenn Ricci and Alberto Galassi"I have long admired the iconic style of Riva, and seeing this brought to life in our aircraft is nothing short of exceptional," said Flexjet Chairman Kenn Ricci. Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi added: "Riva Volare is another splendid result of our collaboration with Flexjet, a brand with which we share the same passion for constantly raising quality standards."The design was unveiled June 26 at Milano Prime Linate Airport, with displays of the aircraft alongside a Riva Aquariva Special yacht. No pricing details were disclosed.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
June 27, 2025
Italian shipyard AB Yachts, part of Next Yacht Group, has unveiled the AB 110S, a sportier version of its AB 110 model. The 33.7-meter yacht marks AB Yachts' first collaboration with automotive design firm EXE Design, incorporating elements such as a raked windshield and lightweight profile."We also boast over 20 years of experience in naval architecture. [And] this cross-sector approach is the real added value of our work," said Stefano Bedoni of EXE Design.Key features include multiple retractable systems: a sliding cockpit cover, a sunroof between the helm and saloon, and a hardtop that can cover either the helm station or sunpad. The main deck integrates a sunbathing area and a bar serving both indoor and outdoor spaces. A forward "flying couch" provides elevated seating with panoramic views.Powered by three MAN V12X-2200 engines, the AB 110S reaches 48 knots. The engine room is fully soundproofed to minimize noise and vibrations. No pricing or delivery details were disclosed.Italian shipyard AB Yachts was founded in 1992. In 2001, AB Yachts was acquired by the Fipa Group. Today Next Yacht Group is the owner of the historic Maiora, AB Yachts, and CBI Navi brands. AB Yachts range consists of semi-displacement yachts from 17.70 to 42 meters.Credits: AB Yachts
June 26, 2025