Gulf Craft Chairman Mohammed Alshaali was among keynote speakers at the ASMEX (Australian Superyacht Marine Export) Conference, which was held ahead of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.
Alshaali, who co-founded Gulf Craft in 1982, discussed the development and global expansion of the UAE builder, which celebrated its 40th anniversary last year. Over the past four decades, it has grown from a modest producer of small fishing boats to an integrated builder of award-winning luxury superyachts, including the world’s largest composite-built production superyacht, the Majesty 175.
The Chairman also shared his own personal career journey from international diplomat to a leader in the global yachting industry. Looking ahead, he detailed Gulf Craft’s new Legacy in Motion vision for the future, which was announced at the Dubai International Boat Show in March and is focused on four themes: Technology & Innovation, Path to Sustainability, Global Expansion and Next Generation.
Alshaali also talked about Gulf Craft in Australia, where 100ft-plus Majesty Yachts models have been popular due in part to their chartering capabilities. All Majesty superyachts are built specifically to meet the stringent Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) survey class for commercial charters, from corporate events to weddings and birthdays, and private holidays.
“We’ve been selling our boats and yachts in Australia for over a decade now and have seen significant year-on-year growth, quickly making Australia one of our most important markets,” Alshaali said.
“I’m delighted to be back in Australia as a keynote speaker alongside some of the industry’s thought leaders from across the globe. I enjoyed sharing Gulf Craft’s special 40-year story, our vision for the future and our ongoing commitment to the Australian market as part of our global expansion, as well as my own personal experiences with delegates at the event.”
Australian Superyachts, a Gulf Craft dealer, is attending the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (May 25-28), showing a new Majesty 72 and an Oryx 379.
www.gulfcraftinc.com