Hill Robinson at the Gulf Superyacht Summit 2023

As experts in the region, Hill Robinson representatives will be taking part in panel discussions during the event.

By Hill Robinson
Hill Robinson
21 November 2023

Due to its high concentration of ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals and expanding yachting infrastructure, the Gulf region represents a rapidly growing market for the superyacht industry. Having had a presence in Saudi Arabia for over six years, with its second office in the Kingdom now open in Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina, Hill Robinson is strategically positioned to provide unparalleled agency services to yachts operating in the area.

With the upcoming Gulf Superyacht Summit taking place in Abu Dhabi from 22 to 23 November 2023, Hill Robinson will take to the stage to share its regional expertise. Yan Turner, CEO of Hill Robinson Saudi Arabia, will be part of a panel of industry experts discussing the increasing number of yachts entering and operating in the Middle East and the implications this has on refit infrastructure.

During the discussion, Yan will be reflecting upon the lack of superyacht refit facilities in Saudi Arabia. “While it’s a challenge for yachting in the region, it’s also an opportunity in the fact that lessons can be learned from the refit infrastructure built in Europe,” he comments. “The Middle East has shown it is very committed to investing in quality yachting infrastructure, but the biggest challenge is going to be developing the ecosystem of local subcontractors, which requires a long-term strategy.”

Kevin Laverty, Director of Projects at Hill Robinson, will also be part of a panel discussion surrounding the conversion of existing vessels for superyacht use, during which he will share his experience and expertise. “A conversion project requires very clear objectives from the outset, and the candidate vessel needs to be able to deliver on those objectives,” Kevin advises. “Without clear objectives, scope creeps, and cost and time overruns are inevitable.”

For more information about the Gulf Superyacht Summit programme, please click here.