Nakheel has announced two new exclusive island destinations for boat owners and tour operators in the Arabian Gulf.
According to a senior official from the Dubai developer, people can take day trips or stay overnight at Deira Islands, in the north of the emirate, and at a private island off Dubai Waterfront, in the south.
Aqil Kazim, COO at Nakheel, said: “We are expanding our marine facilities to reflect the continued growth in the UAE’s leisure boating industry. Easily accessible from all seven emirates, and able to accommodate boats and yachts up to 165 m long, our exciting new destinations will appeal to marine enthusiasts across the country, and further secure the country’s position as a premium destination for the sector.”
“Nakheel is also bringing new marinas to Deira Islands to meet the growing demand for mooring facilities. Our Palm Jumeirah marinas are almost at full capacity, with over 400 members,” he added.
The statement from the company added that visitors can enjoy a range of water-sports, including swimming, kayaking, snorkelling, canoeing and stand-up paddling, provided that visitors bring their own equipment, with overnight anchoring permits available on application.
It added that the new destinations complement Nakheel’s original leisure boating destination at Antarctica Island at The World, which was visited by more than 700 yacht and boat owners last year.
Helal Saeed Almarri, DG at Dubai Tourism said: “Both domestic and international marine tourism play a key role in distinguishing Dubai as a world class destination. Boat owners and tour companies alike will enjoy these new destinations along Dubai’s world class coastline, and further contribute to this growing sector.”
Nakheel further stated that access to all venues are free to palm Jumeirah marina members, while other boat owners have to pay a nominal fee depending on the boat size.