$318 Million Electric Superyacht Featured at Dubai Boat Show

What do purchasers of the world’s largest yachts seek these days? The same things many of us craved during pandemic lockdowns: more space and a stronger connection to the outdoors.

Additionally, yacht owners want to be eco-conscious—or at least appear to be. (Massive motor yachts can consume up to 500 liters of fuel per hour.)

The vessels displayed at the Dubai Boat Show reflect the desires of those willing to spend millions on these floating homes. New models featured larger windows, sleeker designs, and understated elegance, moving away from the more confined feel of older yachts. Shipbuilders also emphasized energy-efficient features, an important consideration for those mindful of climate change.

This show has become an increasingly crucial marketing event for shipbuilders as wealth flows into the region. While some smaller manufacturers reported a slowdown in demand for fishing boats, those building the largest yachts said their order books were full. In fact, revenue for UAE-based Gulf Craft in 2023 is expected to double its previous record, according to Chairman Mohammed Alshaali. The last time their shipyard was at full capacity was around 2015 or 2016, he said.

Although the UAE has become a haven for Russians since the invasion of Ukraine, boosting real estate prices, restrictions imposed by European countries have affected the yacht market. "The demand is still there, but the ability for Russians to use their yachts has become limited, which will impact sales," Alshaali explained. "They can buy and keep land in Dubai, but yachts are mainly meant for use in Europe and the Mediterranean. Many European countries are now off-limits."

More than 200 boats, some new and others long in the making, were displayed on land and water at the five-day show. This included over 40 superyachts, defined as those longer than 80 feet. (Definitions vary, but megayachts are over 200 feet, while gigayachts exceed 300 feet.)

Here are five of the most interesting new or notable yachts showcased this year:

Majesty 111

Who said mid-century modern design was dead? The interior of the Majesty 111 is filled with curved wood, clean lines, a mix of natural materials, and subtle pops of color. This tri-deck vessel, from Gulf Craft, was designed in collaboration with the Netherlands-based Phathom Studio. A small pool with a glass bottom sits above the master bedroom, but the skylight can be covered for privacy. The yacht features 40% more glazed glass than typical yachts under 101 feet, creating a stronger connection between the interior and exterior. It also includes six cabins, a salon, dining area, kitchen, and a plunge pool on the upper deck.

• Shipbuilder: Gulf Craft (UAE)
• Length: 111 feet, 10 inches (34.1 meters)
• Price: From $12 million, according to a representative

Aeolus

This gigayacht concept was dramatically unveiled at the show. Designed by former Rolls Royce chief designer Giles Taylor, the sleek, rounded decks rise over the elongated body. Taylor emphasizes that "her curves don’t make her too feminine because there’s a masculine quality to her strong, bold architecture." It’s envisioned as a sanctuary on the ocean, appealing to young tech entrepreneurs and visionaries—though they’d need to succeed early in life to afford it.

The Dutch shipbuilder is close to finalizing a deal to sell the first vessel, which is expected to take around five years to build. Oceanco says Aeolus, named after the Greek god of wind, is designed to transition away from fossil fuels and can be reconfigured for alternative fuels or future energy technology.

• Shipbuilder: Oceanco (the Netherlands)
• Length: 430 feet (131 meters)
• Price: Over €300 million ($318 million), according to the company

Sunreef 80 Eco

This electric yacht can be used emissions-free for extended trips—provided it’s navigated properly in good weather. You can run the electric motors for a few hours, anchor, recharge, and when conditions allow, raise the sails and harness wind power. Meanwhile, the boat generates energy as it moves, with solar panels covering almost the entire catamaran. Owners include Formula 1 boss Fernando Alonso, who serves as a brand ambassador. Sunreef is planning to expand production to the Middle East with a shipyard in Ras Al Khaimah.

• Shipbuilder: Sunreef Yachts (Poland)
• Length: 78 feet 3 inches (23.9 meters)
• Price: From €7.5 million, according to the company

Evo 120

This aluminum sports yacht, known as the Viktoriia, was designed by the Italian Sea Group, which operates Tecnomar. It boasts an elegant curved silhouette, a jacuzzi, and a dining area. The superyacht can accommodate up to 12 guests in four rooms. The crew area includes a captain’s cabin with a single bed and two crew cabins with twin beds.

• Shipbuilder: Tecnomar (Italy)
• Length: 120 feet (36.6 meters)
• Price: €16.8 million, according to a representative

Nomad 101

The Nomad 101 is ideal for families or cruise enthusiasts seeking longer voyages. It features three decks and an outdoor flybridge. The yacht also has space for two jet skis and a tender (a small boat). Gulf Craft introduced this model as a surprise reveal from its shipyard in Umm Al Quwain.

• Shipbuilder: Gulf Craft (UAE)
• Length: 99 feet, 6 inches
• Price: Available upon request