I touched down in Dubai with a mission, experience firsthand the powerhouse that is Gulf Craft, the Middle East’s largest yacht manufacturer. Five days of full immersion into their world, including time spent with their visionary Chairman, Mohammed Hussein Alshaali, promised to be a deep dive into the future of luxury yachting.

First stop? The Dubai International Boat Show. If you ever want to see superyachts in their natural habitat, this is the place. And Gulf Craft? They didn’t just show up; they took over. Nearly 20 of their yachts lined the marina, commanding attention. Among them, four world premieres, including the showstopper, the Majesty 100 Terrace.

The next day, it was time to hit the water. I stepped aboard the Majesty 100 Terrace for a sea trial, and from the moment I set foot on deck, I was struck by its sheer elegance. The interiors were bathed in natural light, with integrated lighting enhancing the yacht’s refined aesthetics. It felt modern but not over-designed—every detail had a purpose. What stood out most was the furniture, meticulously designed in-house and built within Gulf Craft’s shipyard. It created a seamless, cohesive atmosphere that exuded luxury. The owner’s stateroom was another highlight, offering ultimate privacy with a private terrace and breathtaking 270-degree views. It was an experience designed not just for comfort but for unforgettable moments at sea.

Then there’s the upper deck, a sun-drenched oasis with a Jacuzzi and sunpads that practically beg for champagne-fueled afternoons. Smart glass cutouts filter in natural light, giving the space an airy, modern feel. Performance-wise? Smooth, powerful, and whisper-quiet. This yacht was built to turn heads while making waves.

A visit to Gulf Craft’s shipyard sealed the deal. If you think these yachts are just assembled, think again. Gulf Craft is a fully vertically integrated operation, meaning they build nearly everything in-house. From the structure, interior, decking, electrical systems, and even custom furniture, every detail is meticulously crafted by their team. While they work with select suppliers for components like engines and glass, the level of in-house production is what sets them apart. With nearly 2,000 skilled workers on deck, this isn’t just a shipyard; it’s a luxury yacht laboratory.

And that price tag? Gulf Craft offers about 20% more yacht for the money compared to Italian or Dutch competitors. The secret? Efficiency. By keeping most of the production in-house, they cut production time, maintain strict quality control, and deliver a custom product without the bloated costs.

Gulf Craft operates under four core brands: Majesty, Nomad, Oryx cruisers, and SilverCAT catamarans. Majesty represents their line of ultra-luxurious superyachts, blending opulence with cutting-edge innovation. Nomad Yachts are built for adventure, offering long-range cruising capabilities for those who seek exploration without sacrificing luxury. Then there’s Oryx Sport Cruisers, designed for performance and versatility, combining sleek aesthetics with robust power.

At DIBS 2025, Gulf Craft showcased the ongoing evolution of its SilverCAT range; the all-new SilverCAT 35CC (Centre Console) and SilverCAT 35CX (Cross-Over). Known for their exceptional stability, efficiency, and comfort, these latest models incorporate state-of-the-art technology, advanced materials, and smart space optimization, setting a new standard for modern catamarans.

One of the most exciting recent launches from the Oryx lineup is the Oryx 47 LX. Unveiled as a world premiere, this sport cruiser is the definition of high-performance luxury. It boasts an enclosed cabin for all-weather comfort while packing an impressive 1,600 horsepower from four 400-hp outboard engines. With a price tag around $750,000, the Oryx 47 LX offers an exhilarating ride without compromising on comfort. I couldn’t help but imagine this as the ultimate adventure boat for Southern California, perfect for fishing, cruising, or just soaking up the sun.

Mohammed Hussein Alshaali, Gulf Craft’s Chairman, invited me to lunch with his team, a lavish feast that reflected the same level of hospitality and attention to detail as his yachts. Afterward, we moved to his conference room, a sleek space overlooking the harbor where a couple of his yachts were being meticulously detailed for delivery.

He was warm, kind, and easy to talk to. He wanted to hear how I was enjoying Dubai and get my honest take on everything I had seen and experienced. What struck me most was his humility. Despite leading one of the world’s top yacht manufacturers, he was quick to credit his team and emphasized that his customers and workers are always the top priority.

Doug McLaughlin: Gulf Craft has grown tremendously over the years. What has been the driving force behind its success?

Mohammed Hussein Alshaali: Our success comes from our passion for craftsmanship and our commitment to innovation. We started Gulf Craft with a vision to redefine luxury yachting, and we’ve stayed true to that. Vertical integration has played a big role. We build nearly everything in-house, allowing us to control quality, reduce costs, and deliver a superior product. But ultimately, it’s our people who make the difference. We have a dedicated team that treats every yacht like a masterpiece.

You started Gulf Craft in 1982. What inspired you to enter the yacht-building industry?

My passion for the sea started at a young age. I was always fascinated by boats and how they were built. Before founding Gulf Craft, I worked in diplomacy, but I knew I wanted to create something that would leave a lasting impact. I saw an opportunity to build world-class yachts right here in the UAE, and I took the leap. We started small, but with dedication and a clear vision, we grew into what Gulf Craft is today.

What were some key milestones in Gulf Craft’s journey?

There have been many. One of the most significant was launching our first Majesty Yacht in the early 2000s. That was our entry into the world of superyachts, and it put us on the global map. Another milestone was opening our state-of-the-art shipyard in Umm Al Quwain, allowing us to scale up production while maintaining the highest quality standards. More recently, the Majesty 175, the world’s largest composite production superyacht, was a game-changer for us and the industry.

How is Gulf Craft expanding into the U.S. market, and how does that customer differ from others?

The U.S. is a very important market for us, and we are seeing tremendous growth there. American buyers tend to focus heavily on customization and performance. They want yachts that not only deliver luxury but also offer strong engineering, reliability, and the latest technology. Our Nomad range, for example, has been particularly successful in the U.S. because of its long-range capabilities and efficient fuel consumption. We are expanding our dealer network and increasing our presence at major boat shows in the U.S. to ensure that our American customers receive the same level of service and quality that we provide worldwide.

What does Gulf Craft do differently that sets it apart?

Mohammed Hussein Alshaali: We combine tradition with innovation. We are not just building yachts; we are crafting experiences. Our ability to control production from start to finish means that every yacht we deliver meets our high standards. That’s something many other manufacturers simply can’t do.

Before founding Gulf Craft, you had a distinguished career in diplomacy. How did your diplomatic background influence your approach to building and expanding Gulf Craft?

Mohammed Hussein Alshaali: Diplomacy teaches you patience, negotiation, and the importance of relationships. These skills helped me navigate the complexities of the yacht industry, from dealing with suppliers and partners to understanding international markets. It also reinforced the importance of reputation—something we’ve built Gulf Craft on from day one.

Reflecting on your journey with Gulf Craft, what advice would you offer to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Have a clear vision and stay committed to it. Success doesn’t happen overnight, it takes dedication, adaptability, and resilience. Surround yourself with the right people, always prioritize quality, and never stop innovating.

Looking ahead, what’s next for Gulf Craft?

We’re always pushing boundaries. Sustainability is a big focus, and we’re investing in hybrid and alternative energy solutions for yachts. We also have new models in development that will redefine what’s possible in luxury yachting. At Gulf Craft, we don’t just build yachts; we create experiences that stand the test of time.

As I wrapped up my time with Mohammed Hussein Alshaali, it was clear that Gulf Craft’s success is built on more than just world-class yachts, it’s built on vision, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Their legacy isn’t just about what they’ve built so far, but about the innovations yet to come. The future of luxury yachting is being shaped right here in the UAE, and Gulf Craft is at the helm.