Dubai Marina Yacht Club opens leisure precinct

by Jeni Bone on 2 Dec 2008 Hailed as 'a city within a city', a new marina-based leisure experience has officially opened adjacent to the Dubai Marina Yacht Club, positioning the venue as a premier destination for marine enthusiasts from around the globe.

Created and operated by Emaar Hospitality Group, the hospitality subsidiary of Emaar Properties, the elegant clubhouse, situated along Dubai Marina canal, offers memberships to boat-owners while the public can enjoy an array of amenities including marine-themed restaurants and retail outlets.

Billed as the port authority for all operations and berthing along the 3.5 km Dubai Marina canal by the Arabian Sea, Dubai Marina Yacht Club will eventually cater to over 500 yachts from 10 to 35 metres in length.

Dubai Marina will have four berthing areas in all, with the East Marina already open. A highlight of the Club is the elegant clubhouse designed by architects Holfords with Hirsch Bedner Associates Design Consultants.

Mr Steve Stiglbauer, General Manager, Dubai Marina Yacht Club, said: 'Dubai Marina Yacht Club is the first marine club in the extensive portfolio of Emaar and is our contribution to the rich marine sports heritage of the region. The club will drive the marine sports and leisure industry of Dubai and serve as the ultimate destination for marine enthusiasts and boat owners. The diverse array of specially tailored facilities for boat owners will greatly add to their convenience and make marine pursuits easier than ever before.'

He added: 'The Dubai Marina Yacht Club also welcomes non-members. Apart from restaurants that offer spectacular waterfront views, the Club looks forward to familiarizing them with the Marina-based lifestyle and inspiring them to be active participants in marine pastimes.'

The Dubai Marina Yacht Club is billed to become the new centre of lifestyle yachting in Dubai, and will feature a marine retail shopping arcade, international yacht sales and brokers' offices, a ship chandlery & nautical gifts store, a yachting fashion boutique and charter yachts. Built facing its own 116-berth private marina, the ground floor opens out through a waterfront café/bistro onto a public boulevard encircling the canal called Marina Walk.

All dining areas within the Club are accessible to the public and are managed by Emaar Hospitality Group. Food and beverage choices include the soon to open Aquara, a world-class licensed seafood restaurant with a beverage outlet, and the recently opened 25º55º - a relaxing café bistro with attached deli style food court offering takeaways and boat catering - named after Dubai's nautical co-ordinates. While Aquara offers a diverse choice of seafood and will also host a Friday brunch, the all-day dining 25º55º will also be a great location for a sumptuous breakfast, overlooking the Arabian Gulf.

Ms Helen Landau, Food and Beverage Manager, Dubai Marina Yacht Club, said: 'Our focus is on establishing a reputation for fresh and healthy food, cuisine with a twist and a relaxing dining experience for guests.'

Members-only facilities include a private beverage outlet, a cigar lounge, and a library and chartroom overlooking the bay. A choice venue for weddings, the Club also offers extensive conference facilities available for members and corporate and business users. All indoor meeting rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art technology while open-air venues offer breathtaking views over Dubai Marina.

The Al Dana meeting rooms, located on the ground floor, cover a total area of 200 sq m and can host up to 200 guests. The meeting rooms can be used independently for small social engagements or for larger corporate gatherings. Access to open-air dining areas allows guests amazing views of the Marina waterfront. The Rooftop Garden Terrace is a perfect outdoor venue for small gatherings.

The Club also offers charter yacht service on Athena Dubai, a 13-metre American-built Carver motor yacht, which is much sought after by corporates for offshore meetings as well as for formal dining and al fresco parties and sunset cruises.

As part of the Club, a modern boat repair facility is scheduled to open in 2009. It will feature a 50-tonne travel lift with a 3-tonne jib crane; wash down bay, floating work berths, spray paint sheds and administration offices. Services offered include boat hauling and launching, wash down, application of antifouling and paint, spray painting, boat building, marine fabrication and rigging and fiberglass, engine and marine electrical repairs.

www.dubaimarinayachtclub.com