Gulf Craft, the UAE’s premier shipyard and builder of Majesty, Nomad, Oryx and SilverCAT yachts, has officially become the first manufacturer in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to accept cryptocurrency payments across its full range of products and services.
The initiative, launched in collaboration with ARP Pay—a Bahrain-based, fully licensed fintech platform—enables clients to settle purchases, servicing, and refits using regulated digital assets. Stablecoins such as USDT and USDC are seamlessly converted into AED or USD, providing a secure and compliant method of transaction.

A recent pilot transaction, which saw a portion of a new yacht purchase settled in crypto, validated the platform’s benefits, including faster payment processing, reduced fees, and increased convenience for international clients.
“Adding a crypto option future-proofs our customer experience,” said Erwin Bamps, CEO of Gulf Craft Group. “We stay ahead of the curve by adopting technologies that shape tomorrow’s commerce, especially as more high-net-worth individuals prefer transacting in digital assets.”
Whether commissioning a flagship Majesty yacht or selecting from Gulf Craft’s sportier Oryx and SilverCAT models, buyers can now opt for a payment method that aligns with the digital-first economy.

The move also reinforces the UAE’s broader ambition to lead in both maritime and financial innovation. With its growing fintech ecosystem, VARA-regulated crypto frameworks, and advanced digital infrastructure, the Emirates continues to attract global pioneers.
“The UAE was built on maritime trade and bold innovation,” said Mohammed Hussein Alshaali, Gulf Craft’s chairman. “Embracing regulated crypto payments is the next natural step in continuing that legacy.”
Gulf Craft’s adoption of cryptocurrency not only broadens client flexibility, but also sends a strong signal of confidence in the region’s regulatory clarity and digital future—positioning the shipyard as a technological trailblazer on the global stage.