Tuesday, 18 February 2025
Set sail on an exhilarating journey across the Arabian Gulf, where this session explores exclusive marinas, custom itineraries, and the rising tide of bespoke yacht charters.
CHARTING NEW TRAJECTORIES FOR BESPOKE NAUTICAL EXPERIENCES- 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
Wayne Shepherd, General Manager, Dubai Harbour Marinas UAE
Captain Patricia Caswell, General Manager, Superyacht Service Centre by Gulf Craft and Vice Chair of LMA, UAE
Gregor Stinner, Chief Executive Officer, Arte Di Mare
Moderator
Neity Maddock, Luxury & Hospitality Specialist, Twenty20
Strap in for an immersive panel where our market ‘helmsmen and women’ navigate through the choppy waters of yachting transactions.
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
Alison Vassallo, Partner, Fenech & Fenech Advocates, Malta
James Jaffa, Founding Partner, Jaffa & Co, UK
Mohamed Al Zaabi, Founder & CEO, Royal Yachts UAE
Moderator
Maria Alekseenko Magan, Founder, Experiential Yachting, Monaco
Prepare for a futuristic voyage where AI meets the helm.
Participate in a live demonstration of how smart technologies, from AI-driven navigation to autonomous docking, are reshaping the captain’s bridge.
Witness first-hand how AI-driven systems navigate and dock autonomously. Join us as we explore how AI is transforming yachting and setting the course for the future of autonomous luxury vessels.
- 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?
Panellists
Christian Gumpold, CEO, Migaloo Private Submersible Yachts, Austria
Moderator
Figen Ayan, Founder Ayan Consulting, France
Redefining Luxury: The Silent Revolution in Yachting
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
Nicolas Lapp, Co-founder, Sunreef Yachts, Poland
Michael Mifsud, CEO, Yachting Malta
Interviewer
Figen Ayan, Founder Ayan Consulting, France
As luxury yachting becomes increasingly connected, ensuring secure and seamless navigation is more critical than ever. This session will explore how AI-driven systems, smart navigation technologies, and cybersecurity advancements are revolutionizing recreational yachting in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, making open-sea travel safer and more accessible.
BREACH AHOY! OUTSMART CYBER INTRUDERS BEFORE THEY DROP ANCHOR- Rising Digital Threats – With cyber incidents in the maritime sector on the rise, how vulnerable are onboard and navigation systems?
- Market Outlook – As maritime cybersecurity grows to $9.8bn by 2030, what cutting-edge protocols are essential for yacht owners and operators?
- Protecting High-Value Assets – Strategies to secure internet-connected yacht systems and prevent emerging digital threats.
- Unlocking Missed Market Potential – How addressing concerns about open-sea safety can boost the growth of the leisure yachting industry.
Speaker
Sali Osman, NACD Board Fellow, CISSP, CISM, CRISC, CDPSE Independent Director, USA
Take the helm in this dynamic discussion!
Explore how the new wave of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI) are steering the yachting industry in bold directions.
Will sustainability be their North Star, or is experiential ownership the wind in their sails?
Engage with our panellists as we decode the evolving expectations of the new elite. Join us to uncover how the next wave of elite yacht buyers is transforming the industry.
- 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
Jad Zakkak Migliorini, CMO, Azimut Benetti
Moderator
Andrea Dini, Managing Director BARCHE
From private Michelin-starred dining experiences on the aft deck to onboard spa retreats designed by world-class wellness experts.
This session will bring the yachting lifestyle to life, revealing how luxury services onboard are now the most coveted part of the voyage.
- 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?
Panellists
Robert Myers, Superyacht Refit Dept. Manager, Superyacht Interiors, UAE
Gregor Stinner, Chief Executive Officer, Arte Di Mare
Bianca Blom, Founder & CEO, Voyage Wellness Academy & Superyacht Spa Services
Moderator
Ben Taylor, Director, Taylor Media
Climb into the captain’s chair as we explore interactive case studies on the future of yacht marketing.
From virtual reality showrooms to influencer-led sea trials, this session gives you a front-row seat to the innovative tactics redefining how brokers and shipyards court the next generation of yacht buyers.
- 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 Sales – How are sea trials, curated yachting events, and exclusive adventure showcases redefining the traditional yacht purchase journey?
Panellists
Patrick Coote, VP of Brand Marketing, Superyachts Division MarineMax, Monaco
Artur Poloczanski, Public Relations Director, Sunreef Yachts
Moderator
Ben Taylor, Director, Taylor Media
