The Dubai Water Canal: yachting in the UAE
The waterway, which opened in November 2016, effectively turns part of Dubai into an island…
With a width ranging from 80m to 120m, the 3.2-km long Dubai Canal is the final segment of the Dubai Creek extension that terminates in the Arabian Gulf and allows yachts of up to 32m in length and 8.5m in height to pass through its waterways at a maximum speed of seven knots.
The AED2.7 billion project provides a gateway to various boating and lifestyle attractions, including the region’s first purpose-built yachting destination, Marasi Business Bay, which will span 12 km of waterfront, and host five marinas with 1,250 berthing spaces.
Emirates-based Gulf Craft has announced that all its flybridge motoryachts manufactured for the UAE market will meet Dubai Water Canal requirements. Specifically, the brand’s fleet of Majesty (48-155 feet) and Nomad (55-95 feet) yachts will be constructed in accordance with the height limits of Dubai Water Canal, as specified by the regulator, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
According to Gulf Craft CEO Erwin Bamps, the ambitious canal project promises to change how yachting is perceived in the UAE, inspiring more people to explore the possibilities of on-water living and entertainment and allow them to sail through the heart of Dubai within the comfort and safety of the canal.
“The Dubai Canal will enable existing and aspiring yacht owners to experience the yachting lifestyle without having to venture out into the open seas, eliminating the barrier often associated with fear of navigation and seasickness,” says Bamps. “This project is essentially changing the landscape of boating in the UAE, creating a waterway in the centre of new communities, similar to other cruising sanctuaries found in modern cities around the world, such as the beautiful waterways adjoining Sydney Harbour.”
The first modified Majesty and Nomad yachts will be available for review at the Dubai International Boat Show, which will kick off at the end of February 2017.
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