Dubai: A new initiative called Sea Dubai will see 1,000 yachts gathering for New Year celebrations between Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah from December 29 to December 31.
The event is being billed as the UAE’s largest yacht gathering.
Organised by Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA), the ‘New Year’s Eve Yacht Gathering 2018’ will be launched with support from 12 public and private establishments.
The event aims to enlist the coordination between maritime sector leaders to promote Dubai on the world’s marine leisure map.
The DMCA, Dubai Police, Water Adventure Dubai and Floating Seashores, a project of Kleindienst Group, which is sponsoring the event, are lending support to the initiative.
“It will provide an exceptional experience to enjoy the legendary celebrations of Dubai, alongside the world’s largest fireworks and light displays,” organisers said in a press release.
Sultan Bin Sulayem, chairman of DP World Group and CEO and chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, said: “The New Year’s yacht gathering will further enhance Dubai’s competitiveness on the world’s maritime tourism map. We have now more diversified tourism product offering, and with bold initiatives like Sea Dubai we can expect more success and growth in 2018 and beyond. This will also be a new different way to celebrate the New Year.”
Ali Al Daboos, executive director of operations at DMCA, said: “New Year’s Eve Yacht Gathering 2018 is an important addition to ongoing initiatives for enhancing Dubai’s position as a world-class destination for New Year’s Day celebrations. This is an excellent initiative aimed at delivering a unique three-day experience spanning Burj Al Arab up to Palm Jumeirah. It is in line with relentless efforts to accelerate the growth of the marine leisure sector as a key pillar for consolidating the leadership of the local maritime community as one of the most competitive and attractive in the world.”
Josef Kleindienst, chairman of Kleindienst Group, said: “We are proud to support the first ‘Sea Dubai’ initiative and showcase our spectacular Floating Seahorse — the world’s first luxury underwater living experience — as part of the DMCA’s unique New Year’s Eve celebrations. The Floating Seahorse will be centre stage for light shows and music during this unique three-day marine event.”
New Year’s Eve Yacht Gathering 2018 is scheduled to take place from 11am to 2am from December 29 to 31.
Sea Dubai will also develop frameworks for recreational marine craft licensing regulations and mechanisms. The initiative aims to facilitate the registration and licensing of sailing permits, and identify tourist spots for sailing, resting places, floating restaurants, marinas, and permitted yachts.
