European superyacht marina group inks new deals to make big moves into Middle East

Global marina operator D-Marin has announced new partnerships with Meraas and Dubai Holding to promote Dubai as the preferred destination for luxury yachting and boating internationally.

As part of such efforts, the joint venture aims to attract international investments in the Dubai yachting industry, as well as all supporting sectors in the United Arab Emirates.

The agreement was signed at MB92’s facilities in Barcelona, Spain by Ferit Şahenk, chairman of the Doğus Group (the parent company of D-Marin), and His Excellency Abdulla Al Habbai, group chairman of Meraas and chairman of Dubai Holding.

D-Marin superyacht marinas UAE

D-Marin will manage and operate the existing and future marinas being developed by Meraas and Dubai Holding, including marinas in Port de la Mer, Dubai Harbour and Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

Additionally, the partnership seeks to establish a regional centre for the renovation, service and maintenance of luxury yachts and boats in the region, similar to D-Marin-backed MB92, which is currently serviced by branches in Barcelona and the French Riviera.

Alongside this, plans are also in place to develop further marina lifestyle offerings through a broader ecosystem of services and investments that extend into other sectors in the Middle East and Far East regions.

Al Habbai commented, "The success of the two companies in attracting a global operator such as D-Marin to invest in the luxury marinas sector is aligned to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, to promote Dubai as a leading international tourist destination and position the UAE at the forefront of world’s most business-friendly countries.”

D-Marin brings its expertise in managing marinas through its advisory services on the technical and design aspects of building marinas at a competitive cost. The establishment of a local base in Dubai will also ensure integration with its current operations in south-east Europe and the eastern Mediterranean region. The company will additionally provide marketing support.

Ferit Şahenk added, “Through this partnership and our regional centre in Dubai, we will invest in the long-term potential of this city and look forward to taking advantage of opportunities in the management and development of marinas in the GCC region.

“This agreement is a testament to the success of D-Marin in expanding globally. The partnership with Meraas and Dubai Holding will unite our energies to create world-class marine facilities in UAE.”

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