BackA magnificent superyacht, inspired by the traditional wooden dhows that once sailed the Arabian Gulf, is set to make waves as it hits the market in Dubai for a whopping $9,995,000 (Dh36,706,637). Yacht brokerage firm Bush & Noble announced the availability of this unique vessel, which pays homage to the rich maritime history of the region.
For centuries, dhows have played an essential role in connecting the Arabian Gulf's various locales and facilitating trade, with Dubai emerging as a regional hub. The 50-metre wooden superyacht takes its cue from these legendary vessels, boasting teak cladding, six lavish state rooms, and exquisite Italian-sourced furnishings that spare no expense.
Henderson Marine International is credited with designing and engineering the superyacht, with construction commencing in 2020. The vessel combines teak and fiberglass materials, incorporating additional teak on its "superstructures"—yachting jargon for the primary area housing accommodations, bridge, and other crucial components. Bush & Noble touts the yacht as the "largest wooden superyacht ever built."
Accommodating up to 12 guests in its six state rooms, the superyacht—which refers to yachts over 24m in length—also offers space for five crew members. With an opulent and spacious design, the yacht features luxurious trappings sourced from Italy and is powered by diesel engines, reaching top speeds of 18 knots, or roughly 33 kph.
Brett Noble, co-founder of Bush & Noble, expressed excitement about the addition of the one-of-a-kind wooden yacht to their fleet, saying, "It truly is a one-of-a-kind yacht that is sure to impress even the most discerning yachting enthusiasts." Such bespoke vessels are a rarity, typically not displayed at boat shows or widely advertised. Prospective buyers can contact Bush & Noble for more information or to arrange a viewing.
The introduction of this spectacular superyacht comes as the UAE strengthens its position as a premier yachting destination. The Dubai International Boat Show at Dubai Harbour this year showcased Dh2.5 billion worth of boats, featuring 35 superyachts. Michel Torbey, the Middle Eastern sales representative for manufacturer Sanlorenzo Yachts, remarked, "I would say you would have to go back as far as before the crash of 2008 to see a similarity in how strong the market is right now."
Further signs of the burgeoning yachting trade across the UAE include luxury yacht maker Sunreef's construction of a massive new shipyard in Ras Al Khaimah. Known for its high-profile clientele such as Rafa Nadal and Fernando Alonso, the company announced last month that it had begun building a state-of-the-art factory to manufacture sleek boats catering to the ever-growing demand in the Middle East and Asia.