By Matteo Zaccagnino Editor-in-Chief
Middle East: the dawn of a new era
The signs are loud and clear. And how could it be otherwise? The Middle East is back in fashion. Or rather, it never stopped being in fashion, but recently the region has been the centre of unprecedented dynamism. On several fronts. Starting with the latest edition of the Dubai International Boat Show. Now in its 31st edition, the show boasted 200 boats on display including many new models such as the Azimut 68 Fly; the presence of all the major players in the nautical industry representing 60 countries and, according to initial estimates, about 30 thousand visitors.
And a great new feature: an area entirely dedicated to brokerage that included, among others, names of the calibre of Bush & Noble, BehneMar and Burgess. ‘We have been present at the fair for several years and this edition was brilliant: every year it gets bigger and better. As the market-leading provider of full-service solutions for superyachts, ranging from sales and purchase, to charter, management, new-build, procurement and crew services, we had some great conversations at the show, which we are sure will turn into great business. We are already making our plans for the future and the brokerage section has been a great addition,’ commented Anastazja Kociokowska, Business Development & ESG Manager at Burgess.
Historically, the Dubai International Boat Show is the most important event for the entire area, which has recently been recording an increase also in terms of the presence of large yachts that have dropped anchor in the United Arab Emirates. According to the latest available data, in the 2023/24 season, growth was 12.8 per cent. But it could be just the dawn of a new area. At least judging by the large investments that are being made. To see them for yourself, just look at what is happening in Saudi Arabia. And more specifically in the Red Sea, where on the maps the island of Sindalah aims to become a new destination for nautical tourism.
A 5-star destination, so to speak. The author of the masterplan and the entire design of Sindalah Island for NEOM, this is the exact name, is LUCA DINI Design & Architecture. When fully operational, the island will offer a marina with 86 berths for superyachts, a refined two-level yacht club with terraces overlooking the sea, evoking the decks of a boat and with interiors designed by Stefano Ricci, and a golf club with a fluid design that blends in with the natural environment. The island will also offer a culinary and entertainment experience of excellence, with 38 restaurants and lounges, as well as a centre dedicated to water sports.
Accommodation will include three five-star hotels offering over 550 ultra-premium rooms, together with exclusive villas and apartments. Visitors will be able to relax in beach clubs and enjoy a high-end shopping experience in the island’s 51 luxury boutiques. ‘Having been chosen by NEOM to create the masterplan and complete design of Sindalah Island, as part of an international competition, is an honour and a milestone for us,’ commented Luca Dini, CEO & Founder of LUCA DINI Design & Architecture. ‘This project’, adds Dini, ’encapsulates the essence of our Studio: creating works that harmoniously blend innovation, sustainability and aesthetic excellence.
Our tailor-made approach allows us to develop unique solutions, together with cutting-edge technologies and innovative materials, creating ever new and visionary projects. Sindalah Island is an extraordinary adventure that is redefining the sustainable urban design model and we are proud to contribute our know-how, consolidated through years of transversal experience in the nautical world, design and international architecture, to the realisation of a project that will redefine the very model of experiential luxury’. New spaces and new moorings that bear witness to the great ferment taking place in the region. A ferment that, once again, the numbers confirm, is reflected in the market. At least judging from the balance sheets presented by the likes of Sanlorenzo and Ferretti Group. For the group led by Massimo Perotti, after the Americas, the geographical area that in 2024, compared to the previous year, recorded significant growth was the Middle East with +55.4%. No less important is the Ferretti Group which, again last year, collected orders in that region totalling 339.5 million euros (273.8 million euros in 2023) with an increase of 24 per cent compared to 2023.
Sales were mainly driven by growing demand in the Made-to-measure and Super Yacht segments. The same goes for Azimut | Benetti. ‘We are happy to announce the extension of the dealership with Elite Yachts to Saudi Arabia and the consolidation of this relationship that has allowed us to introduce the Azimut Concierge Service, a targeted and exclusive service for our customers in the area. Saudi Arabia is currently the most promising market in the entire Middle East region, with a strong increase in the demand for luxury yachts, including large ones, and thanks to the professionalism and vision of Elite Yachts we are confident that we can fully seize these opportunities, further consolidating our leadership in the region,’ said Enrico Chiaussa, Azimut’s Chief Commercial Officer EMEA-APAC.
Not to mention that the Middle East is increasingly becoming a centre of attraction for major sporting events where, even the nautical world, is playing its part. Starting with Formula One which, once again this year, will make four stops, creating Grand Prix races that have become an unmissable event for all fans and non-fans alike. Including the Abu Dhabi GP that takes place inside Yas Marina which, a bit like the Monaco GP, is held by the sea and with large yachts transformed into exceptional grandstands. And, on the same subject, but this time moving from the asphalt of the racetracks to the buoys of a regatta course, making the news is the second season of the UIM E1 World Championship that started at the end of January in the waters of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.
Once again, this is no coincidence. One of the main promoters of the powerboat world championship, which is contested in futuristic electric boats that also have an Italian soul thanks to the contribution of Victory Design in the development of the project, is none other than the PIF, the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund. In short, the future of boating is racing ever faster and heading straight towards the Middle East.
