Dubai plans to build the Middle East and North Africa’s largest marina as a part of its latest megaproject announced Monday.
The waterside ‘Dubai Harbour’ development, to be developed by Meraas, is set to span 20 million square feet and include berths for 1,400 boats.
It was announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The project will be located on King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, in the area between Jumeirah Beach Residence and Palm Jumeirah, also known as Mina Al Seyahi, a government statement said.
It will also include a cruise ship port and terminal, a shopping mall covering 3.5 million sq. ft., an events arena, luxurious residential buildings, hotels, offices, retail stores, public services, restaurants and cafes and the ‘Dubai Lighthouse’.
The masterplan of the new destination integrates Skydive Dubai, Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) and Logo Island into a single community. To be developed in phases, the Dubai Harbour project will be completed in four years once ground has been broken.
Sheikh Mohammed said: “We are happy that this new project, which represents a unique and innovative new addition to the region’s tourism landscape, opens up a range of new opportunities to investors. ‘Dubai Harbour’ creates a venue for new investments that support our vision for this important sector and promises to further accelerate the expansion of the tourism industry in the UAE, which is already growing rapidly. I am confident that the project will have a highly positive impact on our entire region’s tourism sector. We are keen to encourage new projects and promote investments that will contribute to bringing to the region more tourists interested in experiencing this part of the world.”
Meraas will work closely with various Dubai government entities, in particular with the RTA, to deliver a “futuristic infrastructure” that connects ‘Dubai Harbour’ to the surrounding areas and provides multi-mode transport systems within the development, the statement said.
Dubai Harbour will have a fully equipped urban port to welcome global cruise liners and a fully serviced and state-of-the art passenger terminal, offering a duty free shopping experience. The 150,000 sq. feet terminal will be able to accommodate 6000 passengers at one time, the statement said.