The big boating boom

Major development projects are changing the face of the UAE coastline and are, in turn, encouraging the country's maritime industry to grow. New marinas, yacht clubs and marine leisure clubs are being developed, and the UAE is being promoted as a major boating destination.

There are a number of reasons why the UAE is viewed as an attractive destination for boaters. Jykri Jaamaa, General Manager at Western Marine, says "The all-year-round boating season makes this place very unique.

One can argue it is too hot during the summer months, but July and August are also great boating months. I think if you live here, you should have a boat.

It is a great way to escape the busy business life and for the family to get together. You can use your boat almost every day in the UAE".

A number of boating manufacturers and importers are based in the UAE. Western Marine was inaugurated at the 2006 Dubai Boat show.

The company represents five world-class boat manufacturers, including Aicon and Marquis, and specialises in the sale of 50-foot (and larger) yachts. Western Marine reports that Italian yachts seem to be favoured in the region, due to their contemporary exterior design.

When manufacturing a boat for the region, the Gulf's extreme climate must to be taken into consideration. "Obviously an efficient air-conditioner is important," says Jaamaa.

"All our boats are ‘Gulf spec' which means that generators and air-conditioners have more capacity than European versions. Sun shades are also essential for comfort in the cockpit areas," he says.

For those who enjoy boating, but do not have the time to commit to owning their own vessel, there is now the option of becoming a member of a yacht club. The IFA Yacht Ownership Club (IFA YOC) offers its clients access to a luxury fleet of Maiora yachts and five cruising zones, and is the first of its kind in the region.

It works like a beach or golf club membership, where members pay an annual fee that grants them access to the club's services and facilities which, in this case, is a fleet of Maiora yachts.

This allows the member to enjoy boating without being burdened by the complicated upkeep of a boat. Piaras Moriaty, Vice President, Vacation Ownership IFA Hotels and Resorts, says, "If you already own a yacht or are considering buying one, you understand the challenging logistics involved in having your yacht professionally crewed, managed and ready where you want it, when you want it."

The UAE offers world-class facilities for boating enthusiasts. The Dubai International Marine Club, which was established in 1988, was initially set up to promote and develop water-sport racing in the region. Today, the DIMC offers extensive facilities to its marina members, including berths equipped with electricity, water and a slip way.

Additionally, members enjoy unlimited craning facilities, a 24-hour refuelling and rescue service, and a full workshop.
The Dubai East Marina is the first of a number of marinas that will form part of the completed Dubai Marina development.

The marina has 120 berths and swing moorings. All berths are wide and stable with timbre decking, and utilities for each include electricity and water. The marina office monitors VHF radio for emergency towing and re-berthing assistance; daily weather reports are posted for all boat owners. Members of staff are available for advice on all aspects of boating and for weekly top-side and deck cleaning.

The Dubai Marina is a project that aims to further improve the region's boating facilities. Upon completion, three fully equipped marinas will house around 600 vessels.

The Dubai Marina Yacht Club forms part of this development; members of the club will be able to enjoy their own berths at the front of the club, members-only restaurants, function rooms, reading and chartrooms, and boating related events and seminars.

Future developments aim to make the UAE, and Dubai in particular, a global boating paradise. For example, property developer Nakheel has plans that will make over 40,000 new berths available across its portfolio of waterfront developments.

The first planned marinas are located on the Palm Jumeirah, with a marina on each side of the trunk and two marinas at the top.

Providing approximately 1,550 berths between them, these four marinas will include a number of high-end facilities, including club houses and a yacht club. There are also two marinas under construction at the Dubai Creek that will provide spaces for hundreds of boats.

Another exciting project that is set to further propel the UAE's status as a premiere boating destination is Dubai Maritime City (DMC). When completed, the development will be a mixed-used development for the maritime industry, comprising industrial, commercial, residential and leisure facilities housed on a man-made peninsula between Port Rashid and Dubai Dry Docks.

The project developers are launching the first phase of their new marina berth project in time for the Dubai International Boat Show.

The new berthing facilities, to be located in the commercial district of DMC, will address the growing demand for berthing spaces.

The sheer number of maritime focused developments that are taking place means that the future of the UAE's boating industry looks bright.