Freehold plot of approximate 900,000 square feet will include facilities for the manufacture of luxury mega and superyachts
October 23rd 2014 – Gulf Craft, one of the leading superyacht-building shipyards in the world, announced it will be opening a brand new facility in Dubai Maritime City (DMC), a world-class maritime cluster in the heart of Dubai.
Mr. Mohammed Hussein Alshaali (right) Chairman of Gulf Craft and HE Khamis Juma Buamim (left) Chairman of DMC during the signing of the agreement
The company will invest $100 million over the next five years in developing the approximately 900,000 square foot freehold plot located within the marine district of DMC. The state-of-the-art facility will be used to build a shipyard for the manufacture of mega and super yachts.
Commenting on the announcement, Mohammed Hussein Al Shaali, Chairman of Gulf Craft said: “A presence in Dubai Maritime City is a much anticipated move for the company and will open a new horizon for Gulf Craft’s prospective global plans at a strategic level. A prominent footprint and operations within Dubai will place us at the heart of the regional and international market.”
His Excellency Khamis Juma Buamim (lower left), Chairman of Dubai Maritime City, and Mr. Mohammed Hussein Alshaali (lower right), Chairman of Gulf Craft along with (from upper left) Mr Erwin Bamps, CEO of Gulf Craft, Mr. Mostafa Agib, Plant Manager of Gulf Craft and Dr. Mohammed Hamdan Al Shamsi, Member of the Board of Directors of Gulf Craft
Erwin Bamps, CEO of Gulf Craft added: “As a company, Gulf Craft has been lauded for its creative approach to yacht and boat building and this new shipyard will allow us to further align with Dubai’s National Innovation Strategy which aims to make the UAE one of the world’s most innovative nations within the next seven years. We intend investing in a state-of-the-art setup with regard to technology, design and operational efficiency.”
Dubai Maritime City, which is located on an area of over 21.52 million square feet, has been designed to promote the interests and lifestyle of the maritime community. Supported by highly developed and sophisticated infrastructure, as well as a suitable environment for the modern life balance between work and living conditions, Dubai Maritime City offers facilities to suit a multitude of purposes such as housing, offices, entertainment and retail.