Dubai Properties has officially launched Marasi Marina, the first fully-operational jetty at the Dubai Water Canal, making it the only marina in the heart of the city.

The 157-berth, members-only marina spans an area of 40,000 sq m and is the latest addition to Dubai Properties’ Marasi Business Bay portfolio.

The launch, coinciding with the Dubai International Boat Show 2018, marks the completion of Phase One of the master developer’s ambitious mixed-use development that is set to become the city’s most sought-after waterfront destination.

Dubai Properties has appointed ART Marine, the region’s largest 360-degree leisure marine enterprise, as the exclusive operator of Marasi Marina.

The deal that came into effect this January, mandates ART Marine with managing the entire premises, inclusive of its water and onshore areas as well as other ancillary marina facilities.

Opening in time for the 2018 yachting season, the impressive Marasi Marina comprises eight interconnected piers that can accommodate vessels up to 35 m in length.

Built in a record 90 days, the first-class facility features architecturally-themed concrete pontoons that are held in place by the Seaflex anchoring system, an elastic and environmentally friendly mooring solution that is unrivaled in its ability to keep the docks floating yet stable and secure even when exposed to extreme weather conditions.

Other unique details of the project include the innovative incorporation of palm trees within the floating pontoons, complete with a fully-functional irrigation system, said the developer.

A short distance away from the world’s tallest tower, the all-new city marina is located at Marasi Drive with easy access to both Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road.

The gated community includes a serviced reception building and dedicated parking spaces for its members. Adjacent to the Marasi Water Homes, the region’s first and most exclusive residential community that offers an unparalleled on-the-water lifestyle, Marasi Marina also boasts the newly opened Park House, the first onshore dining facility that rounds off the expanded community.

With phase one complete, Dubai Properties continues its ambitious expansion which will see the addition of residential complexes including the 49-story tower of Riverside, public parks and four more marinas along the canal.

On the marina launch, Raed Al Nuaimi, the newly-appointed Group CEO of Dubai Properties, said: “Marasi Marina offers a picturesque backdrop to the much-anticipated waterfront living community that is taking shape in the middle of Business Bay. We take pride in delivering phase one of our vision of transforming the 64-million-sq-ft area into a vibrant, urban lifestyle destination. We will continue to add new experiences for residences and visitors, with the aim of strengthening Dubai’s reputation as a Global City of the Future.”

On the managment deal, Bruno Meier, the chief operating officer at ART Marine, said: "With the addition of Marasi Marina in Business Bay, we write the next chapter of growth for ART Marine, further expanding our portfolio of nine existing marinas in the Arab region."

"We take pride in partnering with Dubai Properties on one of the world’s most ambitious yachting hubs to provide our vast experience in customer service, destinations cruising and yachting knowledge, while continuing to build our strategic approach in growing one of the finest collections of yachting destinations," he added.-TradeArabia News Service