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.
Oyster Yachts has introduced its new 24-meter 805 sailing yacht, developed with Humphreys Yacht Design. The model features a twin-access swim platform, configurable interior layouts, and solar-powered hardtop.CEO Ashley Highfield confirmed first delivery for 2027. The yacht offers 3.4-meter or 2.7-meter keel options, with the latter complying with Mediterranean seagrass regulations.Former Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös joins as strategic advisor, stating: "Oyster is very similar to what Rolls-Royce is all about with its relentless striving for perfection."The 805 includes four convertible guest cabins and Oyster's largest sub-30-meter owner's suite. Standard features include ultra-thin marble surfaces and 3kW solar generation.Oyster Yachts was founded in 1973 by Richard Matthews. For 52 years the British brand has created the world’s finest luxury bluewater sailboats.Credits: Oyster Yachts
May 30, 2025
The 2025 ICOMIA Congress, hosted by Spain's ANEN in Palma de Mallorca, concluded yesterday after five days of meetings and events. The gathering, held concurrently with IFBSO's annual congress, brought together marine industry representatives, including Italy's delegation led by Andrea Razeto of the Italian Marine Industry Association.Key discussions centered on three committees chaired by Stefano Pagani Isnardi: the Technical Committee addressed upcoming revisions to the European Recreational Craft Directive; the Superyacht Division examined IMO greenhouse gas reduction proposals and French anchorage restrictions; while the new Trade and Market Intelligence Committee analyzed global tariff developments. ICOMIA has launched dedicated online resources for Posidonia meadow protection updates and tariff tracking.Frank Hugelmeyer (NMMA) was elected ICOMIA President, succeeding Darren Vaux, with Finnboat's Jarkko Pajusalo as Vice President. The board expanded to include representatives from Spain, Turkey, Sweden, and Australia alongside existing members.The 2026 Congress is scheduled for May 24-28 in Washington, D.C., hosted by NMMA.Credits: The Italian Marine Industry Association; Eugene Zhyvchik/Unsplash
May 30, 2025
Cantieri di Pisa has commenced construction of a 40-meter full-custom yacht at its shipyard, marking the occasion with a traditional coin ceremony. The steel-hulled vessel, featuring an aluminum and composite superstructure, was sold several months ago and is scheduled for delivery in 2025.Designed by Antonio Luxardo, the four-deck yacht accommodates six guest cabins and six crew cabins – an unusual configuration for its size. The layout includes an owner's stateroom with private terrace on the main deck, four guest cabins and a VIP cabin on the lower deck, plus crew quarters on the bridge deck. Two saloons, multiple relaxation areas, and an aft Jacuzzi complete the amenities.The yacht's technical specifications include a sub-500 GT volume and propulsion by twin 1,550 HP MAN V12 engines, projected to deliver a 15-knot top speed and 2,000-nautical-mile range. A lateral-launch garage will accommodate a 6.6-meter tender and water toys.Engineering was developed by Studio Sa.Ma.Re Design with support from Luxardo and Optima Design. The construction utilizes vacuum-bonded composites to reduce weight and improve efficiency. The yacht will carry Bureau Veritas Charter class certification.The coin ceremony, attended by the French owner and shipyard representatives, follows maritime tradition dating to Roman times. Cantieri di Pisa's management emphasized the project combines the yard's signature design elements – including distinctive black and white air intakes – with customized owner requirements.The yacht's charter-focused configuration includes extensive storage, a full galley, and entertainment systems for global cruising. Construction is underway at Cantieri di Pisa's facility in Pisa, Italy.Cantieri di Pisa shipyard was founded in 1945 on the river Arno, the Tuscan shipyard became famous for its planing motoryachts, such as the Akhir and Kitalpha series designed by Pierluigi Spadolini. Since 2021 Enrico Gennasio is the new owner of Cantieri di Pisa.Credits: Cantieri di Pisa
May 30, 2025
Damen Yachting has completed the 26-month refit of the 79.2-meter superyacht Moonstone (ex-Albatross) at its Vlissingen facility. The vessel, originally built by Delta Marine, departed the yard following extensive modifications including a 7-meter extension and full exterior repaint.London-based Harrison Eidsgaard oversaw the comprehensive redesign, which transformed both interior and exterior spaces. Key modifications include a reconfigured sun deck with new bar area, a winter garden added to the bridge deck, and new leisure amenities including a hot tub on the owner's deck and swimming pool on main deck. The lower deck now features an expanded swim platform for water access."We are proud and pleased with the intensive and effective collaboration that led to this final result," said Damon Smallwood, representing the owners. "The Owners have a beautiful yacht to cruise around the world for years to come."The refit utilized Damen Yachting's dual Vlissingen yard facilities and specialized refit teams. Project Manager Daan Langezaal noted: "After months of work on this beautiful project, we proudly bid her farewell. The collaboration with the Owner's team ran like clockwork, and challenges were successfully overcome. A big thank you to everyone involved in this beautiful project."The vessel's summer itinerary remains private following its transformation. The project demonstrates Damen Yachting's large-scale refit capabilities, with Moonstone's modifications addressing both structural changes and interior layout revisions.Technical details of the mechanical and systems upgrades were not disclosed. The refit's duration reflects the scope of work undertaken, which included significant structural modifications alongside cosmetic and functional enhancements. Moonstone's departure marks the completion of one of Damen Yachting's most extensive recent refit projects.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
May 29, 2025
Azimut has appointed two new official dealers in the Asia-Pacific region: Europa Yachts in Indonesia and Short Marine in Australia. The partnerships expand the Italian yacht builder's regional network, which already covers China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan.The appointments follow Azimut's selective dealership model, which assigns one dedicated dealer per market to ensure localized expertise and client-focused service. The strategy aligns with growing demand in APAC, where rising wealth and evolving lifestyles are driving yacht ownership.Azimut Grande Trideck"With these new appointments, we are not only expanding our footprint but also enriching the strength of our network," said Enrico Chiaussa, Azimut Chief Commercial Officer EMEA-APAC. "Azimut now boasts the most comprehensive dealership presence in the Asia-Pacific region, and this milestone reflects our strategic vision of pairing world-class products with localized excellence."Europa Yachts, already established in the Philippines, will represent Azimut in Indonesia through a partnership with local entrepreneur Alvin Gozali. The collaboration combines Europa's operational experience with Gozali's market insights."We are honored and excited to bring Azimut Yachts back to Indonesia: by combining the Indonesian deep market knowledge and connections with Thomas's expertise and the strong foundation of Europa Yachts, we are confident this partnership will deliver exceptional results and elevate the yachting experience in the region," said Gozali.Short Marine, a Sydney-based dealer with over 40 years in the industry, will handle Azimut's Australian operations. The company's technical expertise and community ties aim to strengthen the brand's position in a market experiencing growth in high-net-worth individuals.Azimut Fly 62"We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with Short Marine, who will now be the point of contact for all the Azimut Yachts clients in Australia," said Murry Offord, Head of Asset Management at Balmain Asset Management. "This collaboration marks an exciting new chapter for Azimut in the region."The expansion follows Azimut's recent Asian Rendez-vous event in Tokyo, reinforcing its commitment to the APAC market. The brand continues to prioritize localized service networks to support its growing client base in the region.Azimut Yachts is an Azimut Benetti Group brand. With its Atlantis, Magellano Flybridge, S, Verve and Grande collections, Azimut offers the widest range of 10 to 40 meters.Credits: Azimut Yachts
May 29, 2025