Abu Dhabi has made very clear its ambition to become a yachting hub in the Middle East — and within this there is a keen emphasis on catering for superyachts.

The emirate has a number of waterfront projects underway and the latest, following in the wake of Yas Marina, is the Al Bateen Wharf project. This is a two-phase project and work will start shortly on the second phase that will include a sizeable marina including several superyacht berths.

This major development, due for completion by 2014, is being managed by the state-owned Tourism Development & Investment Co (TDIC).

The Al Bateen area is the oldest inhabited area of Abu Dhabi city and this project will regenerate it both to support tourism as well as the traditional occupations of fishing and dhow building. The first phase, which has just been completed, includes a 285-berth marina for fishing craft as well as 38 racing dhow berths. Also part of these traditions is the Al Bateen Shipyard, a dhow-building facility that is being retained as part of the project.

The mix of central location, the attractions of the traditional aspects and the development of the Al Bateen Wharf hotel are anticipated to be an incentive for superyachts to visit once the second phase of the marina is completed.

SB understands that the exact berth mix for the second phase marina has not yet been finalised but should be later this year or next. TDIC is also overseeing the huge Saadiyat Island project, another major waterfront development that will include a 1,000 berth marina including a number of superyachts.


Superyacht Business / David Robinson, 17 February 2010