Over 20,000 berths expected in Dubai

Dubai: Dubai is likely to be home to more than 20,000 berths within the next five years, according to the Island Global Yachting (IGY), the luxury marina developer and management company.

IGY currently has 24 marinas under management and development worldwide, with a further six planned in the longer term.

The 200 per cent increase in berths on current numbers in Dubai will also lead to the creation of more than 1,500 jobs within IGY's operations in Dubai alone.

Michael Horrigan, CEO of IGY Middle East and Europe, said: "The Middle East is experiencing an explosion in the number of berths as a response to the boom in the region's property market."

"Dubai has always been a city with a strong maritime heritage but with the creation of some of the world's most unique waterfront developments, the city now appeals to a new market: the international yachting community," Horrigan added.