Dubai-based Mourjan Marinas IGY has been chosen to design, build and manage all marinas in Lusail City, a new leisure marine development in Qatar.

Based on the coast just north of Doha, Lusail City is spread over 35km² and will eventually be home to around 200,000 people. Mourjan was awarded the contract by Lusail Real Estate Development Company to take over every aspect of the maritime work — from marina master planning and design, to building, owning and managing the full marina portfolio, which is expected to hold more than 1,500 berths.

"This development is setting new standards in master planning communities and reflects Qatar's unfailing commitment to world-class quality standards," says Michael Horrigan, CEO of Mourjan Marinas. "There is perfect synergy between Lusail City's priority for the integration of the communities with the development and encouragement of yachting in Qatar together with our vision for high quality, well-designed and efficiently managed marinas."

The phased development of the marina districts is expected to stretch over the next five years, says Mourjan. The first phase, which is estimated to be operational in January 2011, will include significant upland development such as waterfront dining outlets and a host of retail establishments. Following phases of the project will include yacht clubs and shipyards.

Mourjan Marinas IGY was formed in 2009 as the result of a strategic partnership between Island Global Yachting (IGY) and Malta-based corporation G-Marin. The company's aim is to drive the growth of marina development throughout the Middle East.

Superyacht Business, 1 September 2010