Simply Abu Dhabi XXVII

1 3 4 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I O ver the past 40 years, Dubai has continually amazed the world with its ability to rapidly transform. Adapting and modifying with ease and precision, its current maritime projects – no less than three vast waterfront developments – are yet again confirming the city’s commitment to innovation and creativity. Conceiving and constructing destinations that will stimulate fresh growth in the tourism sector and enhance Dubai’s profile as a magnet for wealth and investment, as well as attracting the world’s superyacht elite, the projects – Port RashidMarina, Marasi Business Bay and Dubai Harbour – promise to deliver on all fronts. Port Rashid Marina Dubai Ports World – one of the largest marine terminal operators in the world – prides itself on foreseeing change and innovating to create the most productive, efficient and safe trade solutions globally. Now nearing completion of the first phase, its much- anticipated Mina Rashid Marina sets out to achieve just that. Located on the southern coast of the Arabian Gulf, close to the heart of Dubai, Mina Rashid is already a luxury cruise destination and multi-purpose port. Attracting some 500,000 tourists a year, it is the only port in the Middle East to receive the prestigious ISO-9002 accreditation and the Security Certificate of Excellence by International Maritime Security (IMS). By the first quarter of 2018, the new Port Rashid Marina will see a 400-berth facility for yachts up to 35m, alongside some exclusive berths reserved for vessels over 100m. For the superyachting fraternity, however, it is phase two that is piquing interest, with the proposed creation of a second marina with 70 berths dedicated to yachts from 40m to the very largest luxury vessels. With tenants already beginning to occupy the commercial surfaces ashore, Port Rashid will, when complete, include its own exclusive amenities aimed at the homeporting of the world’s largest yachts. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation and Chairman of Dubai Ports World, said: “The corporation will develop Port Rashid Marina as an integral part of its commitment to supporting the diversification of the economy of the UAE.” He added that the project, which supports the Dubai 2021 Plan, is a qualitative addition to enhance Dubai’s position as a major destination for luxury holidays and marine tourism. With Mina Rashid’s direct access to the Persian Gulf, its highly attractive price policy, very protected waters and unlimited car parking, it is hoped it will be a viable alternative to the premium ports in Italy and Monaco, says Fabiana Maccarini, CEO of Fabmar Middle East, a Dubai-based consulting firm, and Dubai Port’s primary consultant for Port Rashid: “From a technical point of view, the marina can offer all the hardware of a port for all kinds of boats. With the ongoing renovation of the upland area of the port, specifically oriented to attract superyachts and including real estate development, Mina Rashid marina will become the Dubai maritime homeport hub and the destination for international yachts and cruises.” With 650,000 maritime travellers expected to descend on Dubai over the course of 2017, many of whom are superyacht owners looking to berth their ever-growing vessels, the advanced infrastructure and world-class services provided by the city’s three major new waterfront developments look set to take the yachting world by storm. by Julia Zaltzman On thewaterfront