New Approach to Mid-East Marina Development Plans
ABU DHABI—Marina development has been at the forefront of superyacht growth strategy in the Middle East. Matthew Bate, Director of Operations at Mourjan Marinas Island Global Yachting (IGY) addressed the issue at the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show 2011...…
by Will Mathieson
ABU DHABI—Marina development has been at the forefront of superyacht growth strategy in the Middle East. Matthew Bate, Director of Operations at Mourjan Marinas Island Global Yachting (IGY) addressed the issue at the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show 2011.
Bate emphasised the favourable geographical position afforded to the Middle East as a cruising destination and its distinct cultural identity, which makes it an appealing tourist attraction for owners and guests.
He warned though, of the need to cap such development at one or two facilities per destination:
“Gone are the days of building huge infrastructure without any concern for the return it provides. The new policy being adopted by marina developers is a process of ‘phasing up’, where we develop the marina as its operational needs grow.”
As well as limiting scale , developers must also consider the unique demands of home porting yachts, which Bate believes will comprise the industry’s future, going “right up to 180 metres.”
As well as ensuring pleasant facilities are in place for visiting UHNWIs, Bate said, “you’ve got to provide unassuming high security and sufficient privacy to come in line with the culture.”
Like many other marina developers, Bate identified the huge variations in contemporary yacht design as a challenge that affects the construction of a marina: “How do you design a marina that’s going to be around for 50 years, which can accommodate individual designs?”
So, the unique demands of a conservative client list, and the increasing difficulty involved in accommodating different vessels, are challenging Middle Eastern marina developers as much as issues of over-development and unnecessary intra-destinational competition. However, Bate cited two GCC examples as blueprints for successful marina development and powerful growth tools for the Middle Eastern superyacht industry:
“The current Qatari development is a hub focused on Qatari nationals and visitors from the surrounding areas. Its design is very lo-rise and this offers room for adaptability as the needs of the area change. There are at least six sites within the hub that are primed for development and marina designers and developers are collaborating to ensure that each site offers a completely unique experience.
“The Wave in Oman is a new development offering a very safe harbour area and special moorings for 80-90m yachts. The megayacht industry is already coming to Muscat and thus, nautical tourism has become central to its development.
“When working in emerging markets we need to follow such examples, and act as one. This is a fantastic opportunity to build something very special.”
Related Links
Mourjan Marinas Website
ABU DHABI—Marina development has been at the forefront of superyacht growth strategy in the Middle East. Matthew Bate, Director of Operations at Mourjan Marinas Island Global Yachting (IGY) addressed the issue at the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show 2011.
Bate emphasised the favourable geographical position afforded to the Middle East as a cruising destination and its distinct cultural identity, which makes it an appealing tourist attraction for owners and guests.
He warned though, of the need to cap such development at one or two facilities per destination:
“Gone are the days of building huge infrastructure without any concern for the return it provides. The new policy being adopted by marina developers is a process of ‘phasing up’, where we develop the marina as its operational needs grow.”
As well as limiting scale , developers must also consider the unique demands of home porting yachts, which Bate believes will comprise the industry’s future, going “right up to 180 metres.”
As well as ensuring pleasant facilities are in place for visiting UHNWIs, Bate said, “you’ve got to provide unassuming high security and sufficient privacy to come in line with the culture.”
Like many other marina developers, Bate identified the huge variations in contemporary yacht design as a challenge that affects the construction of a marina: “How do you design a marina that’s going to be around for 50 years, which can accommodate individual designs?”
So, the unique demands of a conservative client list, and the increasing difficulty involved in accommodating different vessels, are challenging Middle Eastern marina developers as much as issues of over-development and unnecessary intra-destinational competition. However, Bate cited two GCC examples as blueprints for successful marina development and powerful growth tools for the Middle Eastern superyacht industry:
“The current Qatari development is a hub focused on Qatari nationals and visitors from the surrounding areas. Its design is very lo-rise and this offers room for adaptability as the needs of the area change. There are at least six sites within the hub that are primed for development and marina designers and developers are collaborating to ensure that each site offers a completely unique experience.
“The Wave in Oman is a new development offering a very safe harbour area and special moorings for 80-90m yachts. The megayacht industry is already coming to Muscat and thus, nautical tourism has become central to its development.
“When working in emerging markets we need to follow such examples, and act as one. This is a fantastic opportunity to build something very special.”
Related Links
Mourjan Marinas Website
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