Dubai among top ten maritime capitals

Dubai / Emirates Business

Dubai has made waves in the global maritime leisure industry, as Norway-based Manon Business Group announced that the emirate has become one of the top ten maritime capitals last year, and fifth in terms of competitiveness and attractiveness. The emirate continues to innovatively combine state-of-the-art waterfront properties and leisure-friendly initiatives to further enhance the experience of visitors from around the world and resident water-enthusiasts alike.
With an influx of waterfront projects already underway and new, recreation-friendly policy initiatives that aim to support the maritime industry from end-to-end, Dubai is well on track to fulfill Manon’s prediction that it will become one of the world’s most important maritime destinations by 2022. The global maritime community will turn to Dubai from February 27 to March 3 this year, as the Dubai International Boat Show begins at the newly opened Dubai Canal.
Dubai International Boat Show will shine the spotlight on Dubai’s new waterfront developments in their sparkling new venue at the mouth of the Dubai Canal, Jumeirah. A centerpiece in what is now one of the world’s top maritime destinations, the new home of DIBS is set to be the platform for a breath-taking collection of yachts and boats from top manufacturers. The show will also host thrilling aquatic experiences for the whole family, from kitesurfing and kayaking, to sailing and jet-skiing.
Dubai owes its spectacular rise to the top of the maritime destination rankings to a steady growth in marine projects and berth space, as well as maritime initiatives such as Sea Dubai, a programme announced by Dubai Maritime City Authority.
Sea Dubai, launched at the end of 2017 is the latest in Dubai’s efforts to create a safe, integrated and sustainable marine sector and will set clear structures for the registration and licensing of sailing permits as well as designate areas for sailing vessels, permitted yachts, berthing and anchoring.
“Integrating and streamlining Dubai’s maritime leisure products will have positive implications for sea-goers in Dubai, visitors and residents alike. It builds on our already existing achievements of raising the attractiveness and competitiveness of Dubai as a world-class marine destination. With the support of our partners, we are confident that we will realize the objectives of ‘Sea Dubai’ of developing state-of-the-art facilities, clear policy structures and generating new job prospects in the maritime leisure industry,” said Amer Ali, Executive Director of Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA).
Dubai’s position as a leading maritime destination is further strengthened by the wave of waterfront developments with best-in-class amenities and marina projects that quickly giving the shorelines of the UAE a dramatic lift. The Dubai Harbour project alone will include a 1,400-berth marina and will increase Dubai’s capacity for handling yachts by almost 50 per cent from the current 3,000 berths in the Emirate. It will also add the capacity to handle larger yachts of up to 85 metres in length.
To add to the glittering shoreline of the emirate, Meraas has also recently opened the stunning a number of new seaside developments that have already added a new dimension to Dubai’s extensive offerings of waterfront destinations, including Al Seef, La Mer, and The Beach on JBR.
The Dubai Canal, the site of the upcoming 2018 Dubai International Boat Show, has also bolstered Dubai’s position as a maritime capital. The 3.2km extension ranges 80 to 120m in width and cuts through Dubai’s main artery, the Sheikh Zayed Road, across Safa Park and into the residential Jumeirah district, connecting with the Arabian Gulf. This adds 6.4km of waterfront to the emirate and creates 80,000 sqm for public space and facilities.
Franco Gianni, owner of Dubai-based SFG Yacht Design, one of nearly 800 brands set to exhibit at Dubai International Boat Show said of the new projects: “New developments are taking the region’s marine capabilities to a new level. Dubai’s marinas are rightly recognized as some of the best in the world and that’s only going to continue. The number of berths and marina space in Dubai is vital to its growth as a maritime destination.”
As the groundwork for Dubai International Boat Show 2018 is already well underway, Dubai prepares to welcome visitors and potential buyers from around the world. Nearly a quarter of visitors to DIBS last year were international, and organisers expect the event to continue to attract the global yachting community.
Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions and Events Management of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), said: “Dubai has solidified its international reputation for being a must-visit global marine lifestyle destination, and the Dubai International Boat Show aims to embody this reputation. As the city continues to expand its marine offerings and services, DIBS will also continue to build on our world-class features. We welcome the world this year, and hope to show the maritime industry that Dubai is a destination not to be missed.”
Dubai International Boat Show will take place from February 27 to March 3 at the Dubai Canal.