During a glittering event attended by the business leaders and practitioners of the Middle East yachting world, the UAE’s largest boat builder, Gulf Craft, received two coveted awards at the inaugural ‘World of Yachts Recognition Awards 2010’. In recognition of its significant investment in product technology and advanced building skills, CEO Nasser Alshaali accepted the award for ‘Innovation and Excellence’ in the Boat Builders category.
Gulf Craft Majesty Superyacht
“It is an honour to be recognised internationally for our investment in the technology we use to build our boats and the innovations we are including in them, proving we not only build beautiful yachts to the strictest international standards, but also continuously optimise and customize them to satisfy our clients’ expectations,” explained Nasser Alshaali.
In addition to the industry’s recognition of Gulf Craft’s building expertise, the prestigious award for ‘Business Lifetime Achievement’ was awarded to His Excellence Mr. Mohammed Hussein Alshaali, Chairman of Gulf Craft.
In describing the award, Mr. Nabil Farhat, Publisher of The World of Yachts and Boats magazine commented: “This award has been conferred for his outstanding contribution in the Global Marine Industry, namely marine development and manufacturing growth in the Middle East.”
Celebrating its tenth year in the luxury superyacht building industry, building 18 yachts in excess of 100ft, the UAE-based company has proved its strength and appeal by exporting nearly 70 per cent of its boats and yachts outside of the UAE.
“Through his strong vision, core values and understanding of our client needs, Mr. Mohammed Hussein Alshaali has turned Gulf Craft from being the number one yacht builder in the region, to an international brand acting as an ambassador for the entire Middle East,” applauded Erwin Bamps, COO, Gulf Craft.
The debut ‘World of Yachts Recognition Awards’ took place at Le Royal Hotel in Beirut, Lebanon alongside the 6th edition of the Beirut Boat Show 2010. Supported by the Arab Marine Industries Association (AMIA), the 32 award winners were chosen by an independent panel of judges and respected industry professionals, recognising outstanding achievements that have occurred in the last few years within the Arab Marine Industries & Services.
Today, Gulf Craft expresses this tradition and craftsmanship in a different form – building multi-decked motor-cruisers that rank with the best in the world in terms of design, quality and materials. While Gulf Craft is a local company staunchly proud of its regional heritage, it is nonetheless armed with a global view and ambitious plans to expand its portfolio worldwide.
Gulf Craft is the Middle East’s and Africa’s largest and leading producer of fiberglass boats and yachts, exporting over 70% of its production to 40 countries through the Majesty Yachts, Oryx and Silvercraft brands. Founded in The United Arab Emirates in 1982, Gulf Craft today produces vessels ranging from 20 feet runabouts and sport fishing boats, to 135 feet luxury motor yachts, with an annual production capacity of more than 400 boats.
