CHARTING NEW TRAJECTORIES FOR BESPOKE NAUTICAL EXPERIENCES

MASTER OF CEREMONY:

  • Dubai at the Helm – Dubai continues to lead the regional yachting sector, with world-class marinas, brokerage services, and luxury developments reinforcing its status as the gateway to the Gulf’s expanding leisure marine market.
  • Saudi Arabia’s Emerging Coastlines – The Red Sea Project, Amaala, and NEOM are unlocking new yachting corridors, positioning Saudi Arabia as a rising destination in the luxury yacht charter circuit.
  • Abu Dhabi’s Wellness and Leisure Expansion – The launch of SHA Wellness Island at Al Jurf introduces a high-end wellness destination for yacht owners seeking new luxury stopovers, complementing Dubai’s dominance.
  • Shifting Tides and Routes – Geopolitical shifts and regional tensions are reshaping yachting itineraries, driving greater interest in secure Gulf waters and the UAE’s stability as a luxury haven for yacht owners and brokers.
  • Market Resilience and Growth – Despite global uncertainties, the Middle East and Africa yacht charter market is projected to grow at 5.9% CAGR through 2031, with Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Abu Dhabi at the forefront of market expansion.

Panellists

Abdulla Binhabtoor, Chief Executive Officer, Shamal Holding, UAE

Captain Patricia Caswell, General Manager, Gulf Craft Services, UAE

Tim Trenker, CEO & Partner, BenheMar, Monaco

STEERING NEW YACHTING TRANSACTIONS AND TRENDS
  • Dubai’s Wealth Boom – How is the influx of millionaires shaping yacht investments and ownership?
    growth?
  • Fractional Ownership Growth – Is co-ownership the future of luxury yachting?
  • 20% Surge in Off-Market Sales – Why are discreet superyacht deals on the rise?
  • Regional Expansion – How are Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Abu Dhabi driving yacht tourism growth?
  • Marine Asset Financing – How is bespoke yacht financing unlocking new investment opportunities?

Panellists

Jo Assael, Yachts Commercial Director, IRI / Marshall Islands Registry, UK

James Jaffa, Founding Partner, Jaffa & Co, UK

Moderator

Maria Alekseenko Magan, Founder, Experiential Yachting, Monaco

THE RISE OF FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP IN YACHTING
  • Fractional ownership now drives 15% of superyacht transactions – how far can this model go?
  • CAGR of 8% – What’s fuelling the growth of yacht syndication and co-ownership?
  • €2m to €10m per shareholder – Is fractional ownership the key to unlocking broader yacht access?
  • $5bn market by 2030 – How will leasing and co-ownership reshape the yachting industry?
  • Investment meets leisure – Are fractional models becoming viable assets for investors, not just adventurers?

CAPTAIN AI: BRAINY BOATS AND CREWLESS CRUISING - AI AND AUTOMATION IN YACHTING
  • AI at the Helm – How is AI reshaping navigation, docking, and onboard operations for a seamless yachting experience?
  • Autonomous Growth – With the market projected to reach $165.61bn by 2030, what’s driving the surge in autonomous ships and yachts?
  • Crewless Cruising – Is full automation the next frontier for luxury yachting, and how close are we to fully autonomous vessels?
  • Tech-Driven Design – How are AI-driven innovations enhancing yacht performance, safety, and guest experiences?
  • Strategic Advantage – Can early adoption of AI and automation become a key differentiator in the competitive yachting market?

THE NEXT STATUS SYMBOL: SUSTAINABLE LUXURY AND THE FUTURE OF GREEN YACHTING
  • Sustainability as Status – Is green technology becoming the ultimate mark of luxury in yachting?
  • Future-Proofing Yachts – How are hydrogen propulsion, bio-composites, and circular design reshaping the next generation of vessels?
  • Silent and Self-Sufficient – Can zero-emission yachts deliver the same level of performance and prestige as traditional superyachts?
  • Tech-Driven Design – How are AI-driven innovations enhancing yacht performance, safety, and guest experiences?
  • Ocean-Positive Vessels – Will future luxury yachts actively restore marine ecosystems rather than simply reduce their impact?

Interviewees

Wael Joujou, CEO, V Marine, Bahrain

BREACH AHOY! OUTSMART CYBER INTRUDERS BEFORE THEY DROP ANCHOR
  • Rising Digital Threats – With cyber incidents up 20% in maritime sectors, how vulnerable are navigation and onboard systems?
  • Market Outlook – As maritime cybersecurity grows to $9.8bn by 2030, what cutting-edge protocols are essential for yacht owners and operators?
  • Securing High-Value Assets – Explore practical strategies to fortify internet-connected control systems & protect against evolving threats
  • Future-Proofing Yachts – How can digital security enhance vessel value and ensure seamless operations in the luxury yacht market projected to hit $40.4bn by 2029?

NEW TIDES OF LUXURY: HOW UHNWIS ARE REDEFINING THE YACHTING EXPERIENCE
  • Shifting Priorities – How are younger UHNWIs redefining luxury, with a focus on adventure, sustainability, and innovation?
  • Experiential Over Ownership – Is the trend towards chartering, fractional ownership, and shared experiences reshaping yacht sales and design?
  • Sustainability as a Status Symbol – Will the new elite prioritise eco-conscious vessels, hybrid propulsion, and circular design over traditional luxury?
  • Tech-Savvy Buyers – How is digitalisation and onboard technology influencing the purchasing decisions of UHNWIs?
  • Personalised Experiences – What bespoke services and hyper-customised yacht features are essential to meet evolving client demands?

Panellists

Xavier Bouin, Founder & Managing Director, TAN Services, France

Gianmaria Costantino, Chief Commercial Officer, Italian Sea Group, Italy

Abeer AlShaali, Deputy Managing Director, Gulf Craft, UAE

ANCILLARY SERVICES: ELEVATING THE YACHTING EXPERIENCE
  • Beyond the Yacht – How are exclusive dining, spa, and wellness experiences transforming yachts into floating luxury resorts?
  • Personalisation at Sea – What bespoke services are UHNWIs demanding to ensure their yachts reflect individual tastes and lifestyles?
  • Culinary Excellence – How are private chefs and Michelin-starred collaborations redefining fine dining onboard?
  • Wellness on the Water – From spa retreats to fitness suites, how is the wellness industry elevating yachting into a holistic luxury experience?
  • The Competitive Edge – How can exceptional ancillary services drive charter appeal, resale value, and guest satisfaction in the ultra-luxury yachting sector?

  • Virtual Voyages How are virtual reality and digital twins transforming yacht sales, allowing clients to experience vessels before they hit the water?
  • Influencers at the Helm – How are social media personalities, content creators, and luxury tastemakers shaping buyer decisions and creating new demand for personalised yachting experiences?
  • Next-Gen Showrooms – From metaverse marinas to AI-driven design tools, how are brokers and shipyards enhancing the yacht-buying journey for tech-savvy UHNWIs?
  • Customisation as Currency – How are brands offering hyper-personalised designs, bespoke onboard features, and immersive buying experiences to appeal to tomorrow’s elite buyers?
  • Experiential SalesHow are sea trials, curated yachting events, and exclusive adventure showcases redefining the traditional yacht purchase journey?
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