DOHA: Qatar’s rapidly expanding maritime infrastructure, growing interest in luxury yachting and transformation of waterfront destinations are strengthening its position as a major boating and marine tourism hub in the Gulf, according to Gulf Craft Chief Executive Officer Erwin Bamps.
Speaking to The Peninsula on the sidelines of the Qatar Boat Show 2026 at Old Doha Port, Bamps said the country’s boating industry has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a predominantly fishing-oriented market into a thriving luxury yachting destination.
“Qatar has always been an important market for us. The inner Gulf as a whole has been our core market, not just the UAE,” he said, noting that Gulf Craft has maintained a presence in Qatar since the 1980s.
“What you see is that it has become, from a fishing boat market, also a yacht market,” he added.
Bamps attributed this transformation partly to major waterfront developments, particularly The Pearl Island and Old Doha Port, which have redefined marinas as integrated leisure, hospitality and tourism destinations.
“Marinas have become the centre part of the town where you go and spend your weekend rather than a parking for boats,” he said.
He noted that waterfront living has increasingly become a preferred lifestyle across the Gulf, creating opportunities for greater connectivity between regional yachting destinations.
According to him, Gulf Craft is working with governments and industry stakeholders to promote interconnected maritime destinations, enabling yacht owners to cruise between Qatar, the UAE and other Gulf countries.
At this year’s Qatar Boat Show, Gulf Craft showcased eight yachts and boats, including three premieres, demonstrating the company’s commitment to innovation and product diversification.
The collection included the Majesty 120 superyacht, two new leisure power catamarans and a passenger vessel designed to serve the growing tourism and hospitality sectors.
Bamps described the Majesty 120 as a demonstration of the company’s engineering capabilities, sophisticated interior design and craftsmanship.
“The Majesty 120 is a good presentation of the skills and capabilities of the shipyard. And it lets people dream,” he said.
He highlighted changing customer preferences, noting that boating has increasingly become a multigenerational family activity rather than primarily a recreational fishing pursuit.
“We have many people here where we have sold to the grandfather, the father and now to the son,” he said.
Bamps also emphasised the importance of Gulf Craft’s longstanding partnership with Gulf Yachts in Qatar, particularly in customer support, after-sales services and promoting boating as a lifestyle.
Commenting on the Qatar Boat Show, he said the event has evolved beyond showcasing vessels into celebrating waterfront living, tourism and leisure.
“We are celebrating a way of living and not just the type of product that is lying here on the water,” he said.
Looking ahead, Bamps identified comfort, spacious interiors and innovative layouts as increasingly important priorities in yacht design.
He explained that modern customers are seeking vessels offering the same amenities and convenience as their homes, including sophisticated kitchens, entertainment systems and comfortable living spaces.
“Today people come on board and they do not want any less comfort than their home. They want the TVs. They want the Wi-Fi. They want everything to be on the boat. So it becomes a second home,” he said.
Bamps added that Gulf Craft would continue expanding its international dealership network while developing innovative vessels to meet evolving customer expectations.
He also highlighted emerging opportunities in Africa and Asia, alongside the company’s continued investment in manufacturing capabilities, including its two shipyards in the Maldives.
