In business, as in seafaring, success often depends not just on catching a tailwind but on crafting it yourself. Gulf Craft Chairman Mohammed Hussein Alshaali elaborates in his interview with Lara Palmer on building a yacht company from the UAE to a global top-10 superyacht manufacturer over 42 years.
Lara Palmer: What is Gulf Craft’s philosophy and approach to business?
Mohammed Hussein Alshaali: Our philosophy at Gulf Craft is to combine passion and professionalism. In business, and especially in the global market, it is not enough to simply love your work — you must execute with the utmost professionalism. This is particularly true when creating such a sophisticated product, what we consider a piece of art. For us, every boat or yacht is a unique work of art, even though we produce them at scale. Passion and love are essential. Without passion, you cannot sustain the challenges of this difficult road.
L.P.: How did Gulf Craft evolve over the years?
M.H.A.: We started small, building modest fishing boats, unaware of what the future would hold. But as our surroundings grew, so did the demands of our customers. Our founding vision was always to build boats to international standards for the global market. We followed international rules, regulations, and procedures from day one, joined relevant classification societies, and hired the world’s best designers from Europe, the United States, and Asia. After 42 years, Gulf Craft is now one of the most renowned companies producing superyachts, ranking around 10th globally in this segment. Coming from a non-industrialised country and region, this is no small feat.
L.P.: How has your diplomatic career influenced your leadership?
M.H.A.: I always say that diplomacy was my profession, while boat building is my passion. I joined the Foreign Service immediately after university and served for 35 years, including posts at the United Nations, in Washington DC, on the Security Council, in Canada and Switzerland. My travels and exposure to the world through diplomacy helped me better understand business, boat building, and the passion for yachting.
L.P.: What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs?
M.H.A.: First, you must have a vision — a clear idea of what you want to accomplish. Second, you have to fully commit to your goals. Many people have ideas and dreams, but without dedication, they are meaningless. Finally, you must have a strong set of values, as a life without principles has no real significance. If you focus first on serving your country, your community, and your own growth, financial rewards often follow naturally. A rising tide lifts all boats, so too can the success of one enterprise uplift entire communities.