Speakers

Wayne Shepherd, the General Manager of Dubai Harbour Marinas, is an accomplished international executive with a wealth of experience in developing and operating multiple marina facilities across global regions.

His expertise lies in the seamless integration of waterfront lifestyle developments from concept design to operations.
His credentials include education and accreditation in Business Operations (Australia), Ship, Yacht & Boat Building (New Zealand), and is a long-standing Certified Marina Manager (United States).

Recently, under his leadership, Dubai Harbour Marinas claimed gold in Health and Safety, and silver in Innovation at the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards. Additionally, Dubai Harbour Marinas achieved a global first by simultaneously receiving the 5 Gold Anchors, Clean Marinas, and Superyacht Ready accreditations from The Yacht Harbour Association. This further underscores his commitment to excellence in the marina industry

Mohamed Alzaabi is a visionary leader in the luxury yachting industry, transforming the Middle East’s maritime landscape. In 2011, he founded Royal Yachts to set new industry standards in yacht brokerage, charter, and management. Today, the company stands as a market leader, offering bespoke luxury experiences through an elite fleet of superyachts.

Recognizing the demand for high-end yacht charters, Mohamed positioned Royal Yachts at the forefront of the industry, introducing an exclusive fleet to Dubai and elevating regional yachting standards. The management division now oversees a growing fleet of 30m+ superyachts, ensuring seamless ownership experiences and world-class operational standards.

His flagship yacht, a 35m Benetti tri-deck, epitomizes luxury and versatility, cruising the Mediterranean in summer and the Arabian Gulf in winter. Beyond business, Mohamed is committed to establishing Dubai as a global maritime hub, shaping the future of yachting through innovation and excellence.

From his first trial sail in 1988 at the Vikings Sailing Club, Michael Mifsud was firmly converted to the sport of Sailing.  Having participated in many dinghy regattas, eventually passing on to keelboats and offshore racing.

Buying his first keelboat in 2002 Michael became very passionate about the cruising and the leisure side of sailing. For many years Michael was the Hon Secretary of the Malta Cruising Club.

In 2013 Michael was elected a director of Creek Developments PLC, operators of Malta’s largest yacht marina. In 2017 he was appointed board secretary to Malta Marittima and was the last board secretary for this agency. Being very passionate about the sport of sailing, especially since he was the parent of two very committed competitive sailors, Michael was elected as President of the Malta Sailing Federation in 2018 and in 2019 was appointed CEO of Yachting Malta Ltd, two positions he still holds to date.

In his role as President of the Member National Authority, Michael holds regular meetings with all local sailing clubs and associations and with his counterparts in Group D of World Sailing and Eurosaf. In 2023 Michael was appointed on the International Regulations Commission of World Sailing and represents World Sailing at IMO meetings related to the Maritime Safety Committee and Sub Committee on Navigation, Communication and Search& Rescue.

In his current role of Chief Executive Officer of Yachting Malta Ltd, Michael has promoted the sporting and financial benefits of sport sailing to Malta as a niche sports tourism destination particularly in shoulder months. On the other hand, his position in Yachting Malta gave the opportunity of working closely with the Yachting Industry to improve and consolidate Malta’s offering. His most recent contribution being a consultative voice toward the drafting of the New Superyacht Policy document launched in November 2023.

Instrumental in launching the first Yachting Malta sustainability guidelines in 2020, Currently Michael is working on the Power4Med project an EU funded project to develop a set of toolkit facilities to transition to carbon neutrality for marinas in the med.

Greg Stinner is a highly accomplished executive with three decades of experience in the Middle East, specializing in infrastructure, energy, transportation, and the leisure marine industry. A German national, he is fluent in English, German, French, and Arabic.

Career Highlights:

Education: Holds a degree in International Business & Finance from George Washington University and completed the Strategic Leadership Program at Columbia University.
Investment Banking: Gained extensive financial expertise at Merrill Lynch, Shearson Lehman, and Oppenheimer Inc.

Industrial & Infrastructure: Held senior leadership positions at AEG and ALSTOM, and co-founded Synergy Group, focusing on energy, transport, and water management.

Marine Industry: Founded Red Sea Boat Service, served as CEO of ART MARINE LLC, and most recently established Arte di Mare – a premier, full-service 360 degree one-stop-shop yachting enterprise with thus far operations and facilities in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and El Gouna, Egypt.

As the founder of Voyage Wellness Academy, Bianca has developed over 42 specialized courses, providing top-tier education for spa professionals. She also leads Superyacht Spa Services, offering bespoke treatments, spa consulting, and luxury wellness solutions tailored to the superyacht industry. With a passion for excellence, Bianca continues to shape the future of high-end wellness experiences.

Ben Taylor is a respected voice in the marine and yachting industry, known for delivering expert-led discussions and authentic insights through The Ben Taylor Podcast and The ICOMIA Podcast. As a host and industry podcaster, he brings together key stakeholders from global marine brands to policymakers to explore the latest developments shaping the future of leisure yachting.

Artur holds a pivotal role in shaping the Sunreef Yachts brand image and reputation. On board with the company for over ten years, he has honed his skills in handling press relations, crafting communication strategies, and ensuring a cohesive brand message. His expertise extends beyond traditional PR responsibilities. He actively engages in the creative process, lending his insight and vision to the development of the company’s marketing content.

Throughout his tenure at Sunreef Yachts, he has solidified the company’s position as a leader in the domain of responsible yachting. He has a deep understanding of the brand’s values and has been instrumental in integrating sustainability into the company’s core ethos. Passionate about delivering impactful messages, Artur’s current focus revolves around promoting the Sunreef Yachts Eco line of sustainable catamarans.

By highlighting the company’s commitment to eco-friendly practices and working with brand ambassadors including superstar athlete Rafael Nadal, Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso or professional explorer Mike Horn, he aims to create a compelling narrative that resonates with customers, reinforcing the brand’s dedication to a greener future.

Sali Osman is a technology, cyber risk, audit, and privacy executive and trusted advisor for Fortune 60 companies who has more than 25 years’ experience managing risks of digital disruption (AI & IoT) and ESG solutions in emerging markets. She served on the board of directors for the fastest-growing Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company in East Africa. At Amazon Web Services (AWS), Osman led business transformation influencing a revenue of $2 billion across the automotive, media, and broadcast, financial, and health services industries . As the chief information security officer for the International Monetary Fund, Osman worked with regulatory bodies and central banks in governing cryptocurrency and digital payments. She led diplomatically sensitive, high-profile investigations, and highly secured satellite communications. Osman also served as CEO of Full Hunt, a machine learning (ML) cybersecurity start-up. Osman authored AWS’s guidance on M&A risks and EU-GDPR and contributed to NACD’s first cyber-risk oversight publication. Osman is featured in law journals, international and local media outlets

Jad Zakkak Migliorini is a seasoned and passionate leader in the yachting industry, bringing over 15 years of expertise to the sector. After a successful tenure as Head of Sales for Azimut in Europe, he has expanded his role to oversee the brand’s global marketing division. As CMO of Azimut Yachts, Jad combines strategic vision with deep industry knowledge to drive the growth and innovation of one of the world’s leading luxury brands.

Patrick has built a highly successful career by combining two of his greatest passions; marketing and superyachts. With an impressive track record spanning more than 30 years, he’s held Board-level positions within a range of companies that span superyacht brokerage, yacht management, crew placement, yacht design, naval architecture, engineering and yacht construction, as well as refits, marina management, yacht finance, yacht insurance, boat show management and yachting media. He’s been responsible for the brand strategies of some of the biggest names in the industry, helping to build brands such as Boat International, Fraser, Azimut Benetti, Lusben, Porto Montenegro and Vripack. Patrick spent 4 years as the Managing Director of Blohm+Voss in Monaco, before being appointed Managing Director of Northrop & Johnson Europe and is now VP of the parent Group, MarineMax.

Captain Patricia Caswell is the General Manager of Gulf Craft Services. With over 20 years of hands-on experience as a Superyacht captain and having previously served as the Quality Control Manager, she brings a valuable blend of technical expertise and seafaring insight to her role and leadership. Patricia is a driving force behind ensuring Gulf Craft’s yachts meet the highest standards, overseeing every detail from design and delivery to service and maintenance. Her accomplishments include leading the triumphant sea trials of the Majesty 175 – the world’s largest composite production yacht—a milestone that highlights her unwavering commitment to excellence. In 2025, Patricia’s influence in the industry was recognised when she was elected Vice Chair of the Leisure Marine Association. Known for her compassionate leadership and passion for the yachting industry, making her an invaluable asset to Gulf Craft.

Andrea Dini has been a journalist for BARCHE for over 20 years. Based in Monaco, he serves as the Managing Director of Investor Media Monaco Sarl, a renewed company specialised in media activities and the organization of both B2C and B2B events. With extensive experience in planning and overseeing high-profile business and sports events in Monaco and globally, Andrea has also held prominent positions in the yachting and powerboating sectors at both institutional and business levels. Andrea is also Board Member of the Cluster Yachting Monaco.

Spending her summer visits to the UAE as a child wandering around the Gulf Craft factory and playing in the showrooms cemented Abeer Alshaali’s commitment to the company. Mrs. Alshaali was raised and educated in the United States of America. She always yearned to work in the family business, but after completing her bachelor’s degree at Rice University in Houston, Texas, she joined HSBC to gain an initial experience.

Initially lending her expertise to the Executive Office alongside her father, she seamlessly transitioned into the pivotal role of Deputy Managing Director at Gulf Craft, a globally renowned manufacturer of luxury yachts, superyachts, and leisure boats. Her dynamic approach involves implementing innovative processes to enhance efficiency and refine the overall structure of the company. With a deep-rooted connection to the company’s vision, she is well-prepared to steer Gulf Craft toward a future marked by innovation, efficiency, and global success. Beyond the
boardroom, her commitment extends as she passionately oversees the company’s expansion into key markets such as the US and Europe.

Recognizing the integral role of industrial development in the UAE’s economic growth, she actively supports the nation’s expanding marine industry as the Chairperson at the Leisure Marine Association. Some of the key advancements at LMA during Abeer’s Alshaali’s tenure include signing of MOU between the Maritime Sector at the Federal Transportation Authority for Land and Maritime and LMA to boosting government and private sector collaboration and accelerating UAE’s leisure marine industry growth. She also played a major role in facilitating the ICOMIA World Marinas Conference 2021 and LMA’s affiliation, uniting the leisure boating community, promoting regional marine tourism, and driving sector growth, especially during the pandemic She is also a board member of the Ajman Media City Free Zone and serves as a mentor in the Shaikh Abdulaziz Bin Humaid Leadership Program.

Abeer envisions greater collaboration between the private and public sectors, recognizing the potential to achieve common goals together.

Robert has worked within the Yachting industry for 9 years. Starting at 18 working as a member of the Crew onboard during the refit of an MY 86m at the Pendennis Shipyard in Falmouth, England, and her sister vessel, MY 57m in Italy. Then, at 19, Robert joined RMI Yacht Services working alongside and on behalf of Burgess Yacht Management, as part of the Owners team for Interiors onboard MY Luminosity, a 107m PYC Vessel at the Benetti shipyard in Livorno.

From there, he was part of the core foundation of SYI, working alongside the newly founded team to complete their debut project, MY Energy, launched in the Netherlands in 2022. Towards the end of 2022, Robert took the lead in heading SYI’s repair and refit division, expanding operations throughout the GCC region, and exploring the European, Asian, and Pacific Yacht fleet markets, based on the demand for high quality repairs, maintenance and refits, bringing European standards and quality for interiors whilst still aiming to meet their tight deadlines between charters/trips.

Figen Ayan is a distinguished expert in the cruise and luxury travel industry, with over 30 years of experience spanning multiple sectors, from port management to destination development. A dual French-Turkish citizen born in Paris, Ayan’s career has been marked by her visionary leadership and commitment to advancing the global maritime and tourism landscapes. A graduate of La Sorbonne and a licensed tourist guide certified by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey, Figen’s expertise is vast and diverse. From 2014 to 2024, she served as Chief Port Officer at Galataport Istanbul, where she played a pivotal role in the creation of the world’s first underground cruise terminal, an innovative project that has set new standards for the global cruise industry.

As a European Commission Expert, she has been at the forefront of policymaking and program implementation, driving strategic initiatives that shape the future of cruise and port operations in Europe. Additionally, Figen served as President of the MedCruise Association (2021-2024), and now holds the esteemed position of Honorary President. MedCruise represents 155 ports across 22 countries in the Mediterranean, and under her leadership, the association achieved significant milestones in port collaboration and sustainable tourism.

As the founder of Ayan Consulting, Figen provides expert advisory services focused on port and destination development, optimisation, and philanthropic initiatives, guiding both public and private sector clients toward sustainable growth and innovation. Her career has also included roles as a port agent, tour operator, and marketing professional, specialising in both Turkish and international cruise ports.

In addition to her business acumen, Figen is a licensed Somatic Experiencing therapist, offering a unique approach to healing trauma and stress disorders. This holistic expertise enriches her work, emphasising the importance of emotional well-being in high-pressure environments.

Hailing from Austria, Europe, Christian Gumpold is a visionary in the field of yacht design and innovation.

After his studies in Industrial Design and Innovation Management in Graz, Austria, he founded a yacht design studio, where he gained extensive expertise in both exterior and interior design through numerous superyacht projects.

As a true innovator in the industry, Christian is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of yachting, striving to design extraordinary products and deliver unparalleled experiences for superyacht owners.

He serves as the CEO and lead designer of MIGALOO Private Submersible Superyachts. MIGALOO is redefining the future of yachting by introducing a revolutionary third category of yacht: superyacht-sized private submarines. The design of the 165-meter M5 Private Submersible Superyacht offers owners an unparalleled alternative to traditional motor yachts and sailing yachts. The core benefits of a submersible superyacht are unparalleled privacy and safety for the owner and guests, thrill and exploration, modern technology and ultimate individualization, setting a new benchmark for the evolution of the yachting industry.

Alison Vassallo is a Partner of Fenech and Fenech Advocates and heads the Yachting Practice within the firm.

For the past 19 years she has advised owners, shipyards and financiers on the sale and acquisition, registration, financing, importation, chartering, leasing and fiscal requirements of superyachts. She has over the years been appointed by the Maltese Government as advisor on representations made to the European Commission on pertinent issues affecting the superyacht sector. More recently she was elected by the Maltese Authorities to the Steering Committee responsible for the ongoing formulation of a National Superyacht Policy for Malta.

Alison has chaired the Yachting Business Section within the Malta Chamber, which acts as a main reference point to the authorities on the continued development of the superyacht sector in Malta, for the past 10 years.  In 2021 she was appointed as Malta Legal Representative to MYBA – the Worldwide Yachting Association. She is also a Member of the yachting sub-committee within the Malta Maritime Law Association and of the International Superyacht Society (ISS).

Xavier is an entrepreneur living in Dubai for more than 30 years.
Born in Brittany -France, the land for famous sailing races, he turned his passion for sea and sailing into work, as a dealer for Lagoon catamarans, Beneteau monohulls, Dragonfly and Neel trimarans.

Gianmaria Costantino is Chief Commercial Officer of The Italian Sea Group S.p.A., global player in luxury yachting with brands Admiral, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, Picchiotti, NCA Refit and Celi 1920.

Graduated with honours in International Economics and Finance at Luigi Bocconi University in Milan, and with a master’s degree in Finance from Hult International Business School in London, Gianmaria Costantino has worked at Meti Corporate Finance, iM Global Partner and at a leading division company, before joining TISG, where he worked alongside the management on commercial projects, gaining cross-company experience.

A member of the Company’s Board of Directors since October 2022, Gianmaria Costantino lead TISG’s Sales Team and is responsible for fostering the Group’s commercial development at a global level, representing its values of stylistic avant-garde and technological innovation.

Jo Assael joined the London office of IRI in 2023 as Yachts Commercial Director. Prior to joining IRI, Mr. Assael spent more than five years in yacht management at Döhle Yachts transitioning from Technical Director to Commercial Director responsible for managing the company’s growth. From 2013-2018 Jo worked for the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry as their Yacht Code Specialist and was heavily involved in drafting the Red Ensign Group’s Yacht Code while also conducting newbuild and in-service yacht surveys, inspections, and audits.

He previously served as a surveyor for the United Kingdom’s (UK’s) Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and served as a lead technical specialist representing the UK MCA at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Before his time at the UK MCA, Mr Assael was a large yacht naval architect, working on projects ranging in size from 60 to 120m. Mr. Assael serves as a British Superyacht Ambassador in technical and regulatory affairs. He is a Chartered Engineer (CENG) with the Engineering Council and a member of the Royal Institute of Naval Architects (RINA). Mr. Assael has a degree in Naval Architecture from Solent University.

James founded Jaffa & Co and is recognised internationally for his knowledge and expertise. He has been shortlisted for the Citywealth Lawyer of the Year Award and recognised as a leading advisor within the London market for ultra-high net worth sector. He has also been ranked in Chambers Guide and the Legal 500, both of which recognise the UK’s leading legal advisors. Clients praise James’ fast response times and ability to simplify complex matters. One leading, international brokerage describes James as “without doubt, one of the finest specialists in the industry and a pleasure to deal with.” In his personal capacity, James is an avid sailor and competes nationally and internationally. He enjoys spending time in the South of France with his family, onboard their own boat.
One newsworthy fact about you or your work that we can include in our marketing collateral – “Our business grew 10% year on year, and we have advised on assets worth $/€ 3bn+ in 2024.”

Maria Alekseenko Magan is a Monaco-based entrepreneur and the founder of Experiential Yachting, an innovative venture that redefines the conventional use of yachts. With over 15 years of experience in retail yacht charters and business development, Maria brings a wealth of knowledge and a forward-thinking vision to the yachting industry.

Maria’s unique perspective arises from her extensive professional background, as well as her personal experiences as a charterer and a member of a former yacht-owning family. She was a pioneer in organizing unique yacht charters to diverse destinations, including Northern Norway, Iceland, Madeira, Alaska, Antarctica, and Tanzania.

Beyond traditional yachting, Maria is committed to promoting longevity and advanced well-being at sea through various experiments, projects, and protocols on yachts. Her mission continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of yachting and beyond, offering innovative strategic solutions to grow and expand businesses from land to sea, and inspiring a new era of Multifunctional yachting.