Dubai: Saeed Hareb, director of Marinas at Nakheel, has promised boat owners that there will be no shortage of berths in the near future.
"Dubai will have the largest number of berths in the Middle East," he said, speaking of plans for about 14 berths in the company's various projects, from Palm Jumeirah to Palm Jebel Ali and The World.
But boat owners will have to wait a while as the construction will take some time. Hareb, who wears many hats, recently took up his post in the construction company.
He is also the managing director of the Dubai International Marine Club, which he has seen grown from a port cabin, to board member of the Dubai Sports Council.
As Dubai becomes a hub for water sports, the shortage of berths has hit many owners hard, who have to seek space in other emirates such as Umm Al Quwain.
The Dubai Marine Club has space for more than 300 boats and charges Dh50 per foot per month. Most of the boats range from 20 feet to 160 feet. Hareb is also promising to make Dubai a destination for super yachts which exceed 170 feet in length. "There are a number of people who own such yachts and look forward to berthing here," said a source from the Club.
Logistical advantage
"The first super yacht marine will be constructed at Palm Jumeirah soon," said Hareb. Dubai has space for one super yacht only at the moment.
Dubai is well known for water sports, said Hareb, recounting how Alinghi of Switzerland won the recent America's Cup in Valencia, Spain. The world-famous regatta attracts top sailors and yacht designers from across the globe.
He said the team came to Dubai for preparations. "The prime reason is Dubai offers a good spot because of its logistics, access to the water, suitable weather in winter and steady wind," Hareb said.
He said despite the fast development in the emirate, people try not to forget their traditions. He pointed to dhow races held every year in which families take part.
"Dhows were used for transportation, fishing, diving for pearls and moving cargo," he said. The design of the dhow boat is same as the traditional boats but different material is used as this is built for racing, Hareb said.
There are traditional rowing races where 40 boats participate. "Earlier it was held in the Creek, now we [have] moved it to Mina Seyahi, to blend the traditional with the modern." Hareb joined the Marine Club in 1990 when it was a portakabin. "Now that cabin is the Barista Bar, which everyone in Dubai knows," he said. Le Meridian Mina Seyahi was built in 1999. Mina Seyahi incidentally means the Harbour of the Tourists.
The Westin Hotel will open in April, he said. "Sports cost money and earlier the government used to give us a yearly budget. Then it was decided we should generate our own money and that's why the hotel was built," he said.
Hareb was born at Al Shindaga. "When I opened my eyes, Port Rashid was to my left and the Creek on the other side," he said, noting how the sea is in his blood. His grandfathers were heavily involved with the sea. One was a harbour master. His other grandfather used to guide the dhow pearling fleets to the best spots. "He did not have any GPS equipment. There used to be 80 dhows behind him as he tested the waters and approved the location for diving," he said.
