Abu Dhabi: UAE-based yacht manufacturer Gulf Craft and Holland's Icon Yachts BV Wednesday said they will collaborate to build a 52-metre superyacht that would be priced at about 30 million euros (Dh149 million).

Announcing the joint venture at a news conference at Yas Marina where the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show 2010 is taking place, the two companies said their sup-eryacht will combine Gulf Craft's expertise in composite yacht manufacturing and Icon's proven steel sup-eryacht engineering and construction capability.

"We have a number of clients who are considering acquiring larger yachts, but wish to maintain their relationship with Gulf Craft the new 52 metre will allow them to do this," said Nasser Alshaali, Gulf Craft's chief executive officer.

"Gulf Craft was the first yard to produce super-yachts in the region with its majesty line. Our collaboration with Icon will help grow our market share further, and establish our presence in even larger yacht building segments," he added.

Icon Yachts Chief Executive Wim Koersvelt said they plan to have the superyacht ready by the end of 2012 by the time Monaco Yacht Show takes place, but added: "We will not start building the superyacht unless the customer is there."

"The major engineering element of the superyacht will be done in Holland, while the external structure will be built in the UAE," he added.

Koersvelt claimed their superyacht will be about 20 per cent cheaper than the competitors.

Gulf Craft's Alshaali said since 2000, they have sold and delivered 18 superyachts. They are building their yachts at their facility in Umm Al Quwain.

Founded in 1982, Gulf Craft is the Middle East and Southeast Asia's largest producer of fibreglass boats and yachts, exporting 70 per cent of its production to global markets.

The three-day Abu Dhabi Yacht Show 2010 that began yesterday is showcasing 30 of some of the world's most impressive superyachts and about 140 exhibitors.

The yacht prices, depending on size, could exceed $100 million (Dh367 million). The show is displaying yachts of the size of 24 metres to more than 100 metres.

Organisers are expecting 10,000 visitors over the three days of the yacht show, compared with 7,000 last year.