Mid-Year Review: The Developments of 2025
A review of the year so far. Marina news from Oman's Al Mouj Marina, Qatar's Old Doha Port and Bahrain Marina.
One question animates this month’s newsletter: How have the developments of 2025, thus far, shaped what’s to come for emerging markets in the region looking to build yachting havens of their own? Charting the announcements, rules, and regulations introduced and the related news, the mid-year review telegraphs a positive sign for the coming years.
Best,
Faisal
Reach out at faisal@maritimeobserver.com
Old Doha Port Introduces Digital Platform For the Entry and Exit of Private Yachts “Minakom”
Old Doha Port has launched Minakom, a digital customs and passport portal created to facilitate the smooth entry of foreign-flagged superyachts into Qatar without the need to disembark ashore. The platform allows cruisers to sort out logistical needs, from passport control to customer clearance and other maritime services.
Bahrain Marina Project Reaches 50 Percent Completion
Bahrain Marina, the flagship waterfront development by Bahrain Marina Development Company, has reached a new construction milestone. The developer announced that phase one of the project has now achieved a 50 percent completion rate, keeping the development on track for the handover to take place in the final quarter of 2026.
Oman’s Al Mouj Marina to Receive Upgrades
The Omani Waterfront Community Al Mouj Muscat will be expanding the development after a $160m loan was secured this week, according to Arabian Gulf Business Insight.
The mixed-use development, part-owned by Tanmia and by the state-owned tourism operator Omran, which owns 40 percent, will use the funding to increase properties to 10,000 units, and enlarge the shopping complex and marina, according to Al Mouj Muscat’s Vice President of Sales, Saleh Al Siyabi.
Halfway Mark: How the Middle East market expanded its superyacht tourism offerings in 2025, Thus Far
Going into the new year, the number of pleasure vessels on the water exceeded any time in history - 6,006 superyachts over 30 meters in operation, according to the latest Superyacht Times Gulf Report - and there are no signs that this rising interest in boating will calm down anytime soon. To this point, the Middle East has been taking note and acting accordingly. With all the licenses granted, marina projects greenlit, and boat shows announced, these emerging markets have spent the first six months of the year expanding their offerings to accommodate foreign-flagged vessels and welcome the international fleet. Here is a look at what has transpired from the regulatory, marina, and expansion fronts for Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, and others.
Rules and Regulations
When it came to regulation, the Kingdom of Bahrain introduced new rules for the entry and exit of foreign vessels. Edict (9) of 2025, as announced by the Minister of Telecommunications, laid out the framework, stating that leisure vessels must obtain a navigation permit from the Ministry of Ports and Maritime Affairs before touching Bahraini waters. The permit, which is renewable, lasts for one year.
Over at the Red Sea, meanwhile, Egypt has continued to promote its superyacht tourism plans when a new edict now permits foreign-flagged, commercially registered yachts to cruise Egyptian waters restriction-free. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Red Sea Authority has issued new licences to three marina operators in an effort to boost tourism in the Red Sea, as well as the first Chartering Company Licenses of 2025.
Finally, Qatar’s Old Doha Port officially launched its digital portal, created to streamline and digitalize the entry and exit of private yachts. With “Minakom”, private superyachts may long onto the customs and passports platform to handle the logistical procedures without the need to disembark ashore.
Marina
This year, a number of countries started to announce, expand, or build marine facilities, in alignment with the demand for more berthing options and the rapid rise of the marina industry. The most ambitious, perhaps, is Jordan’s Marsa Zayed Project, located on Aqaba’s coastline. Hailed as one of the most significant real estate projects in the Red Sea, the 3.2 million square meter project features a marina and yacht club, alongside Aqaba’s cruise ship terminal, hotel units, and residential options. Phase one of the project was launched in February.
Elsewhere, the much-anticipated waterfront development, Bahrain Marina, continues to progress, with phase one reaching a 50 percent completion rate. As for the marina itself, the Bahrain Marina Development Company shared that it has entered into an agreement with United Marine Trading (UMT) to construct a new superyacht-dedicated marina. The company will construct floating docks that will accommodate 167 vessels at a maximum of 50 meters in length.
Most recently, Oman’s Al Mouj Muscat has been gearing up to upgrade its own property after securing a $160m loan to fund expansion plans. The mixed-use development, part-owned by Tanmia and by the state-owned tourism operator Omran, which owns 40 percent, will use the funding to increase properties to 10,000 units, and enlarge the shopping complex and marina.
First-time Players
Turning to the United Arab Emirates, where Dubai has become an established market with the superyacht community, this year witnessed many international brokerage houses, service firms, and brands expand into the region.
Ocean Independence opened its Dubai office earlier this year, marking the company’s entry into the Middle East. The firm, which specializes in yacht sales, charter, new build, and management, opened its 16th branch at Dubai Harbour Marina, adding to its worldwide roster of offices, with other locations including Monaco, Fort Lauderdale, Athens, and Mumbai. Similarly, Consultancy group Oceanskies has formally entered the Middle East superyacht market with Oceanskies Dubai, joining the brand’s offices. In Malta and Southampton, United Kingdom.
Sunreef Yachts debuted the Ultima 55 at this year’s Dubai International Boat Show, the first vessel to be produced in the builder’s Ras Al Khaimah production facility. Elsewhere, Italian shipyard Azimut Yachts extended its partnership with Elite Yachts to enter Saudi Arabia and introduced its Azimut Concierge Service. The shipyard plans to open boutiques in Doha, Dubai, and Kuwait.
The number of brands branching out to the UAE is best read as an indicator of the industry’s confidence in the region, despite misgivings and security concerns attributed to geopolitical tensions and economic downturns. Looking ahead toward the remainder of 2025, more events are on the horizon. Old Doha Port brings back the Qatar Boat Show from November 5-8, followed by the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show, taking place at Marina Hall, ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi.