Hospitality News
Gulf Craft Reveals New Vision for the Future at Dubai International Boat Show with the Global Launch of Majesty 111 and Nomad 101
 
																								
												
												
											Gulf Craft is showcasing the new Majesty 111 and Nomad 101 superyachts at the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) 2023, two breathtaking vessels that highlight the celebrated yacht maker’s new vision of the future. Making their global debut at DIBS 2023, the two superyachts epitomise Gulf Craft’s new era of dynamic growth under the strategic theme, ‘Legacy in Motion’, driving the company to push boundaries through four core focus areas: Technology & Innovation, Path to Sustainability, Global Expansion and Next Generation.
Gulf Craft celebrated its 40th anniversary at last year’s Dubai International Boat Show, looking back on four decades of passion, innovation and growth. This year, the boat and yacht manufacturer will build on that rich legacy as it moves towards its future and sets out its commitment and vision for the decades ahead.
Meticulous market research and trend forecasting for a broader global market establish the Majesty 111 and Nomad 101 as new leaders in their class. Luxurious interiors and earthy hues set the tone for the onboard experience of the Majesty 111: the cabins flow from one to another, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor transition. Sustainability is also a major theme in the superyacht, with better fuel efficiency, smart product design and emissions-reducing technologies. Incorporating sustainable materials throughout, the Nomad 101 features powerful engines, which, combined with much better fuel efficiency, unlock more adventurous and far-flung destinations for exploration. A generous amount of glazing maximizes exterior views, while the Portuguese Bridge offers a full walkaround deck.
Mohamed Hussein Alshaali, Gulf Craft Chairman, said: “At Gulf Craft, we never shy away from out-of-the-box thinking. This innovative spirit inspired our growth from a builder of small fishing boats to one of the world’s leading yacht builders. The Majesty 111 and the Nomad 101 are a nod to our legacy while reflecting a bold, forward-thinking stance. Our visitors at the Dubai International Boat Show can experience the future of yachting built with a clear focus on sustainability.”
Majesty 111: The new breed of superyacht
The Majesty 111 expands the horizon of design, engineering, architecture, and technical features. A joint effort between Gulf Craft and Netherlands-based Phathom Studio, the Majesty 111 features a meticulously designed tri-deck configuration and a functional “mid-century modern” design language that follows function, offering a seamless indoor-outdoor connection and strong adaptiveness for the charter market to appeal to a broader audience.
Optimised livability and the seamless indoor-outdoor connection are achieved with large and tall expanses of glazing, nearly 40% more than a typical sub-101 ft yacht. The smart configuration sets the stage for a light and airy atmosphere in the interiors and unrestricted exterior views throughout various segregated social zones on the various decks?.
The main deck features a spacious salon, dining area, and fully-equipped galley?. At the forward end, the owner’s stateroom features a mesmerising skylight into the upper deck plunge pool creating wonderful reflections while pouring in natural light.
The Majesty 111 features a 6-cabin layout – 5 plush lower deck guest cabins and a 15sqm forward VIP cabin, a first in its size segment that redefines spatial planning. It features a large open deck for configurable furniture arrangements, an asymmetric sky lounge with 270-degree panoramic views, a foredeck plunge pool, and ample storage spaces inside and outside for marine toys – a 4m+ tender and a jet ski at the swim platform are effortlessly integrated.
Advanced technology, innovation, energy, sustainable solutions, and optimised hull design enable the Majesty 111 to attain top performance at cruising speed with available power and the least possible fuel consumption. This efficiency allows for longer, further cruises to offshore destinations in the Far East, French Polynesia, Australia, etc.
With an actual LOA of 110 ft 10 in (34.10 m), a 6-cabin layout, and 240 GT, Majesty 111 is the perfect yacht for various cruising scenarios. Further, the signature semi-displacement hull platform facilitates colossal interior volumes on a sub 300GT vessel without sacrificing performance.
A well-appointed galley, separate anchor deck for ease of mooring and crew operation, generous crew cabins (5/6 crew in three cabins), and lounge under MLC compliance developed by keeping crew feedback in mind make her a quintessential vessel in highly commercial cruising grounds.
Nomad 101: When innovative design meets performance
Decades of experience combined with the need to enhance the yachting experience set the ideal setting for the new Nomad 101.
The yacht’s harmonious proportions, ample interior space, and great outdoor entertainment features make the Nomad 101 an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy long, leisurely cruises – perfect for those who value family time and want to take in the journey rather than just the destination.
With an actual LOA of 97 ft 8 in (29.77 m), a 5-cabin layout, a flybridge and 130 GT, the Nomad 101 is the perfect yacht for varied cruising scenarios. The spacious living spaces with three crew accommodations and a captain’s cabin are ideal for charter and owner-operated vessels. The VIP Guestroom and three twin guest cabins are situated on the lower deck and connected by a lobby area with a dedicated laundry – critical on long passages. All staterooms have their own private en suites and shower facilities. The Nomad 101 excels with a large 35 sqm generous crew quarters with a secondary galley, mess area, and captain’s cabin, all per MCC compliance for charters.
The full-walkaround upper deck features 35 sqm of exterior and 16 sqm of interior lounge space, which creates a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors. Further, the meticulous design also leaves generous space for storage with the ability to hold two 3-seater jet skis and a Williams 325 tender.
The long-range capabilities of the Nomad 101 and its seaworthiness make her a stress-free vessel to take on more adventurous and far-flung destinations such as the Caribbean and South America. She offers an excellent nautical range (1,030 nm) at cruising speed (12 knots) on minimum fuel consumption for her size, making her a stress-free vessel on extended cruises.
Efficiency and the desire to be as environmentally friendly as possible were key drivers for the technology on board. With reduced hull penetration and excellent fuel efficiency topped by a good nautical range, the Nomad 101 is a clear economical, and environmentally-friendly choice for long passages. One of the key features throughout the superyacht is the liberal use of recycled and natural materials in almost all cabin areas, some of it tastefully inlaid with earthy tones.
With spacious crew cabins and crew movement areas, separate entertainment zones, fully-equipped decks, a smart layout, and ample storage, this yacht lives up to its credentials and is apt for chartering opportunities.
Hospitality
The Square at Nad Al Sheba Gardens Returns for Season Two with More to Experience, Discover, and Enjoy.
 
														After captivating over 680,000 visitors in its first season, The Square at Nad Al Sheba Gardens reopens at the end of October, ushering in a new season of elevated experiences. The destination by Shamal Holding will celebrate its official inaugural evening on 31st October 2025, welcoming guests daily from 4 PM to 12 AM. The Square continues to evolve as a refined hub for gastronomy, culture, and connection, a destination that blends Dubai’s cosmopolitan energy with an inviting community spirit.
Launched in November 2024, The Square at Nad Al Sheba Gardens quickly became a go-to lifestyle destination, renowned for its homegrown dining concepts and vibrant social energy. Building on this success, Season Two will introduce an enriched line-up of elevated experiences, thoughtfully designed for Dubai’s outdoor season.
The destination’s creative theme celebrates the idea of more, not in scale but in quality, detail, and experience.
“The Square reflects one of the most exciting shifts in how people experience Dubai, a destination that celebrates the city’s dynamic spirit through its culture, cuisine, and community,” said Abdulla Binhabtoor, CEO at Shamal. “It’s more than a venue; it’s a destination that reflects Dubai’s modern and connected spirit. With Season Two, we are taking that experience further, transforming The Square from a place to visit into a place to truly belong”.
This season, The Square welcomes back beloved homegrown favourites including Public, Home Bakery, Omar Odali, Asma, Kokoro, and the kids’ Art’ Play area — each bringing a distinct flavour of Dubai’s creative spirit. Adding to this, an array of new culinary destinations will make their debut, elevating the venue’s gastronomic offering with Cipriani Dolci, SLRP Ramen & Rolls Bar, Maxzi – The Good Food Shop, and more.
Cipriani Dolci
Making its debut at The Square, Cipriani Dolci introduces a refined taste of Italian elegance in a relaxed yet sophisticated setting. Guests can indulge in timeless classics — from freshly baked pastries and artisanal coffees to the brand’s signature Cipriani dishes — all served with understated glamour.
SLRP Ramen & Rolls Bar
The bold and playful SLRP Ramen & Rolls Bar brings its signature fun-loving energy to The Square. Expect steaming ramen bowls, crisp handrolls, and vibrant Japanese-inspired bites, perfect for laid-back evenings under the stars.
Maxzi – The Good Food Shop
Celebrated for its commitment to quality, traceable ingredients and wholesome dining, Maxzi – The Good Food Shop joins The Square’s curated line-up, offering a fresh take on conscious cuisine that feels both nourishing and stylish.
Home Bakery Kitchen
A returning favourite, Home Bakery Kitchen unveils its exclusive hole-in-the-wall Milkshake & Hot Chocolate concept, serving indulgent shakes and rich, comforting hot chocolates — the perfect treat for cool Dubai evenings.
The destination itself has undergone a thoughtful refresh, introducing a more vibrant, experience-led layout. Visitors will enjoy enhanced infrastructure, including parking for over 550 cars, and new water features such as a tranquil koi pond, adding to the venue’s leisurely, resort-style ambience.
A dynamic calendar of live shows, cultural activations, and family-friendly events will ensure that no two visits are ever the same.
Staying true to its community-driven ethos, Shamal continues to champion local businesses, support inclusive spaces, and deliver high-quality, design-forward programming that appeals across generations. As Dubai enters its outdoor season, The Square reaffirms its place as the city’s must-visit open-air destination — where food, culture, and connection come together effortlessly under the open sky.
Hospitality
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef Marks 27th Anniversary with Culinary Showdown & Community Spirit
 
														Sun Siyam Vilu Reef the flagship property of Sun Siyam, is celebrating its 27th Anniversary with a week-long events centered on culinary and community engagement. The resort hosted comprehensive activities, including team building sports and competitive cooking judged by two Maldivian guest chefs, to showcase the talent of both its island team and students from F. Magoodhoo School on 25th and 26th of October.
The culinary competitions were judged by two prominent industry experts. Chef Fathimath Umar, who serves as the Secretariat of the Chef Guild Maldives and is a certified World Chef’s Judge in Culinary Arts and Pastry Arts, currently teaching Culinary Arts at Villa College and Chef Mariyam Shiuna, a WACS Continental Judge and Associate Lecturer at the Maldives National University.
Honoring the resort’s history and the incredible dedication of our team since 1998, this milestone anchors our legacy while setting the course for many more years of delivering the authentic Maldivian spirit to our cherished guests.
“Reaching the 27th anniversary reflects our dedication to service and extraordinary experiences,” said Resort Manager, Mr. Thoha Yoosuf. “By celebrating culinary talent, we not only honour the creativity and hard work of our team but also strengthen our bond with the local community through the shared language of food.”
The celebrations highlighted the resorts’ role in preserving community bonds and elevating Maldivian talent and traditions, defining 27 years of Maldivian Hospitality.
Hospitality
MENA Hospitality Market Value Set to Top US$487 Billion by 2032 Amid Unprecedented Tourism Expansion
 
														The value of MENA’s hospitality market is set to grow from US$310 billion in 2025 to more than US$487 billion by 2032, according to data released ahead of the Future Hospitality Summit – FHS World, Madinat Jumeirah Dubai, 27-29 October.
The travel and tourism sector is projected to contribute US$367 billion to the Middle East economy and support 7.7 million jobs this year, says the World Travel and Tourism Council. International visitor spending is expected to reach nearly US$194 billion, up nearly a quarter from 2019, pre-pandemic levels, with domestic spending forecast to hit US$113 billion.
As of Q2 2025, the Middle East’s hotel construction pipeline reached an all-time high of 650 projects with 161,574 rooms. At the end of June, 337 projects, with almost 86,500 rooms, were under construction, with 147 projects due to start by Q2 2026.
Saudi Arabia tops the Middle Eastern hotel construction chart, with more than 92,000 rooms across 342 projects. Next is Egypt with 127 projects and a record-high room count of over 28,000, followed by the UAE with 100 projects (25,470 rooms); Oman with 27 projects (4,709 keys) and Qatar with 16 projects (nearly 3,500 rooms).
The unprecedented hospitality, tourism and infrastructure expansion reinforces the region’s position as a global magnet for investment, say experts.
Amr El Nady, Head of Hotels & Hospitality MEA and Managing Director, Global Hotel Desk at Jones Lang Lasalle, said: “Saudi Arabia is targeting 150 million tourist arrivals annually by 2030, while Egypt aims for 30 million international visitors by 2028. Both nations are seeking to significantly increase tourism’s contribution to their GDP, with KSA targeting 10% and Egypt 15%. This strategic focus is driving substantial hospitality investment, with mega-projects like NEOM, The Red Sea Project, and AlUla in KSA, alongside Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, Ras Al Hekma, South Med and Red Sea developments.
“The surge in development creates opportunities for both major international hotel operators and boutique brands to diversify their portfolios by introducing new concepts ranging from ultra-luxury desert resorts to culturally immersive heritage properties. The diversification strategy allows operators to cater to evolving traveller preferences while supporting the countries’ objectives of transforming their economies through sustainable tourism growth and positioning themselves as premier global destinations.”
JLL added that liquidity in the hotel investment landscape remains remarkably robust, underpinned by resilient hotel trading performance and increasing tourist arrivals. Performance data shows year on year growth in terms occupancy and ADR metrics, reflecting the sector’s operational strength and market confidence.
Amr El Nady added: “This strong performance has significantly enhanced appetite from regional and international investors – from high-net-worth individuals to institutional players – all seeking high-yielding, income-generating hotel assets and mixed-use developments, particularly across the UAE market. The region’s investment appeal continues to attract diverse capital sources drawn to its strategic positioning and growth potential.
“Last year, JLL forecasted US$1.2 billion in Dubai hotel transactions, and current market activity indicates we are on track to exceed this milestone, further demonstrating sustained investor confidence.”
In the UAE, Dubai’s hospitality sector – which has around 10,000 new rooms on the way between now and 2027 – continues to deliver an outstanding performance, according to the hospitality division at leading real estate advisory group and property consultant, Cavendish Maxwell.
“Occupancy levels rose to 81% in H1 2025, an increase of 2.5% year-on-year,” said Vidhi Shah, Director, Head of Commercial Valuation at Cavendish Maxwell. “Meanwhile ADR across Dubai’s hotels and resorts reached US$159, up 4.7%. With its hospitality sector continuing to lead the way in setting new benchmarks in safety, inclusivity and connectivity, Dubai remains a premium, global destination for leisure and business travellers, in turn opening up a plethora of new investment opportunities.”
Oman is also increasingly becoming a hot spot for hospitality investment, with tourism expected to contribute 5% to GDP by 2030 and 10% by 2040 – and overtake transport and logistics to become the country’s second most important industry after hydrocarbons.
Oman is set to boost hotel room inventory by 25% by 2030, with 9,600 new keys on the way in the next five years, and 2,600 by the end of 2025, recent insight from Cavendish Maxwell shows. In H1 this year, more than 1.1 million guests checked in to 3-5 hotels, where revenues rose more than 18% to US$367 million. The strong performance led to almost 5% growth in hospitality employment, with 10,800 people now working in the industry.
The Middle East’s continued growth in tourism and hospitality is being further boosted by various government campaigns and initiatives across the region to encourage investment, international visits and business set up.
In KSA, upcoming global events like Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034 are boosting already strong demand for real estate, including project in the hospitality sector. In addition, from January 2026, foreigners will be able to purchase real estate assets in designated zones – a landmark development set to further deepen investor appetite.
Investment and real estate is a key track at FHS World, with more than 30 presentations, panel debates, workshops and one-to-one conversations covering everything from smart capital to sustainability and investment, cross border strategies to building global partnerships, investing in mixed-use projects and much more. Visit futurehospitality.com/world/agenda for subjects and speakers across the three-day programme.
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