Qatar

Jinan Shipyard

Day 1 of the Gulf Superyacht Summit 2025

Day one of the Gulf Superyacht Summit drew to a close, with a variety of panels and workshops taking place throughout the day.

Everything you missed from Day 1 of the Gulf Superyacht Summit 2025

Topics and speakers announced for GSS 2025

SuperYacht Times is pleased to unveil the confirmed topics and speakers for this year’s summit.

Gulf Superyacht Summit 2025: Full Programme

Brothers Jumah Abdulla J. A. Al-Muraikhi and Ahmad Al-Muraikhi have channelled their lifelong love of the sea, from childhood fishing trips to a shared enthusiasm for sailing, into establishing <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8513" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jinan Shipyard (Company)">Jinan Shipyard</a>, together with senior consultant Khalil Malaeb, who is supporting them in the project’s development. Located in the Qatar Free Zones, the full-scale facility continues a family tradition that began with their grandfather, who built boats by hand and passed down a legacy of craftsmanship and respect for the water.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/378542/image/large-603b786155fc0d421b091645ba7a1dcf.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/378542"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8513" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jinan Shipyard (Company)">Jinan Shipyard</a> operates under their parent company, Bin Jumah Marine Services, through which the brothers are now realising a long-held dream: the construction of a 38-metre superyacht for themselves, built at their own yard.SuperYacht Times Features Writer Enrico Chhibber met with the brothers Jumah and Ahmad, along with Khalil, in Doha to learn more about their vision for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8513" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jinan Shipyard (Company)">Jinan Shipyard</a>, the progress of their superyacht currently under construction, and their plans for the facility’s future.Early beginningsDiscussing the brother’s project and the development of their yacht manufacturing and refit facility, Ahmad recalls how his fascination with boatbuilding began by crafting traditional dhows. “I started by building small boats from wood just to see if I could make them float,” he said with a smile. “There was no formal training, only a lot of trial, error and persistence.” Over time, that early fascination grew into an ambition to create larger and more advanced vessels, eventually leading to the idea of building a superyacht together with his brother.Jumah added that before developing the facility and beginning construction of their own yacht, the two brothers toured major shipyards across Europe and South Africa. “We wanted to learn from the best,” he explained. “Every visit taught us something different, from how they manage workflow to how they treat materials, and most importantly how precision and passion come together in the creation of a yacht.” This passion led the brothers to begin building their first 38-metre superyacht, inspired by Qatar’s traditional dhow boats, at a facility operated under Bin Jumah Marine Services. “This yacht is for ourselves,” Jumah stated, “and once <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8513" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jinan Shipyard (Company)">Jinan Shipyard</a> in the Qatar Free Zone at Umm Alhoul is complete, we plan to move the yacht there and launch it from our own facility.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/378532/image/large-492a6784d8b3f487ceb681d0a4d6bd90.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/378532">Vision for Jinan Shipyard&nbsp;“It’s mainly out of passion, because they love the sea and they love yacht manufacturing,” noted Khalil Malaeb. Central to the brothers’ ambitions in the yachting sector is the development of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8513" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jinan Shipyard (Company)">Jinan Shipyard</a>, a new facility now around 80 percent complete. Covering an area of 30,000 square-metres, with the option to expand to 50,000 square-metres, the shipyard is strategically located in the Umm Alhoul Free Zone. Once operational, it will offer an extensive range of services, from refit and repair to full-scale yacht construction.The yard will be equipped with a 2,300-tonne Synchrolift, a 300-tonne travel lift, and more than 24 outdoor yacht storage bays. Its sheds, with a height of 18-metres, will accommodate the construction of superyachts of up to 80 metres in length. The facility will include dedicated showrooms where clients can view and select interior furnishings to be incorporated into their vessels.As part of its product development strategy, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8513" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jinan Shipyard (Company)">Jinan</a> has partnered with South African designer Ben Lochner, who is overseeing the creation of a new line of GRP catamarans, the Mountains Cat series, ranging 5.5-metres to 30-metres.“Our goal is to build a modern shipyard that can handle every stage of yacht construction and maintenance,” Ahmad explained. “We want <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8513" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jinan Shipyard (Company)">Jinan</a> to set new standards for capability and quality in the region.” He added that their long-term vision extends beyond their own projects: “We also want to create a platform where other companies can build yachts within our facility under their own brand names, with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8513" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jinan Shipyard (Company)">Jinan</a> acting as an OEM and technical support partner.”To reinforce this commitment to quality, Jumah noted that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8513" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jinan Shipyard (Company)">Jinan Shipyard</a> recently formalised a partnership with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1452" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd's Register (Company)">Lloyd’s Register</a> through a Memorandum of Understanding. “We signed an MoU with Lloyd’s Register to support our build quality and ensure our processes meet international standards,” he said.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/378536/image/large-fe0f20947f83a7a1455c5199cf0393c4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/378536">Next Steps for Jinan ShipyardWith construction of the facility expected to be finalised next year, Ahmad and Jumah have revealed plans for a new line of all-aluminium explorer superyachts measuring around 40-metres in length. Work on the first model is scheduled to begin once their current 38-metre yacht is completed, with the goal of positioning <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8513" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jinan Shipyard (Company)">Jinan Shipyard</a> as a recognised player in yacht manufacturing.“This project aligns with Qatar’s wider national strategy,” Jumah explained. “The government wants Qatari companies to take on major projects and continue to advance, but to do so in line with international standards. That is exactly what we aim to achieve, building locally while meeting global expectations.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/378543/image/large-3604264928d289bfc07dac8e35686749.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/378543">Gulf Superyacht Summit 2025 As the Middle East’s maritime sector continues to flourish, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/280" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gulf Superyacht Summit - 2025">Gulf Superyacht Summit</a> will return in December to the region. The seventh edition of the two-day conference will take place on 4 and 5 December 2025 in Abu Dhabi and promises to draw on the experiences of the previous summits.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/360680/image/large-1ccfba772eaa718021959f7bbf1b528a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/360680">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/280" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gulf Superyacht Summit - 2025">Gulf Superyacht Summit</a> seeks to inform, assist and advise yachting clients and related interested parties, with the goal to develop the Gulf as a superyacht winter destination. &nbsp;Tickets are available <a href="https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/gulf-superyacht-summit-2025-tickets-1393764560319" target="_blank">here</a>You can find out more about yachting in the Gulf region by <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/market-reports/gulf-superyacht-report-2024-2025" target="_blank">downloading the full Gulf Superyacht Report 2024-2025 here</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/349168/image/large-8445e5adef5d1c4fc32934bec670a6df.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/349168">

How two brothers are developing Qatar’s yacht building capacity

SuperYacht Times met with the brothers Jumah and Ahmad, along with Khalil, in Doha to learn more about their vision for Jinan Shipyard.

Inside Jinan Shipyard: How two brothers are shaping Qatar’s yacht-building future

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1452" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd's Register (Company)">Lloyd’s Register</a> (<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1452" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd's Register (Company)">LR</a>) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8513" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jinan Shipyard (Company)">Jinan Shipyard</a>, a shipbuilding company based in the Qatar Free Zones, to cooperate on the development, classification, inspection and certification of marine vessels, including yachts and tugs.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/377604/image/large-f01e5735e7cc2f915e2a9af7d8e8e4be.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/377604">Commenting on the agreement, Jumah Abdulla J A Al-Muraikhi, Chairman of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8513" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jinan Shipyard (Company)">Jinan Shipyard</a>, said the partnership reflects the shipyard’s broader ambitions for the sector. “This agreement with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1452" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd's Register (Company)">Lloyd’s Register</a> is a testament to our ambition to set new benchmarks in shipbuilding excellence. By leveraging <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1452" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd's Register (Company)">LR</a>’s global expertise and our advanced facilities in the Qatar Free Zone, we are creating a foundation for innovation and growth that will benefit the entire maritime ecosystem in the region,” he said.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/377601/image/large-151b496f80812ae3d3ed87287dc0c670.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/377601">The agreement represents a step towards strengthening shipbuilding capabilities within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. It establishes a framework for both parties to promote safety, quality and innovation in maritime construction and repair, in line with international standards and regulatory requirements.Engel-Jan de Boer, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1452" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd's Register (Company)">LR</a>’s Yacht Segment Director noted: “This partnership reflects our mutual dedication to advancing sustainable and efficient shipbuilding practices in the region. Together, we aim to support the growth of Qatar’s maritime industry and contribute to global standards of excellence.”Under the MoU, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8513" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jinan Shipyard (Company)">Jinan Shipyard</a> will carry out its construction and repair activities in accordance with LR’s classification standards. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1452" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd's Register (Company)">LR</a>, in turn, will provide technical guidance, assign qualified surveyors, and issue certification following successful inspections and assessments.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/377603/image/large-31f18bc46983c69b93fd49a25ef41c74.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/377603">Kamal El Fassi, Business Development Manager for Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1452" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd's Register (Company)">Lloyd’s Register</a>, commented: “Our collaboration marks an important milestone in strengthening the Gulf’s maritime ecosystem. By combining <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1452" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd's Register (Company)">LR</a>’s global expertise with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8513" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jinan Shipyard (Company)">Jinan Shipyard</a>’s growing capabilities, we aim to help shape a safer, smarter and more sustainable future for shipbuilding across the region.”Gulf Superyacht Summit 2025 The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/events/gulf-superyacht-summit-2024" target="_blank">Gulf Superyacht Summit</a> seeks to inform, assist and advise yachting clients and related interested parties, with the goal to develop the Gulf as a superyacht winter destination. &nbsp;Tickets are available <a href="https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/gulf-superyacht-summit-2025-tickets-1393764560319" target="_blank">here</a>You can find out more about yachting in the Gulf region by <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/market-reports/gulf-superyacht-report-2024-2025" target="_blank">downloading the full Gulf Superyacht Report 2024-2025 here</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/349168/image/large-8445e5adef5d1c4fc32934bec670a6df.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/349168">

Lloyd’s Register signs agreement with Jinan Shipyard

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jinan Shipyard, a shipbuilding company based in the Qatar Free Zones.