IGY, the global luxury marina developer, has picked up two awards at the inaugural Arabian Gulf Yachting Awards 2007.

The ceremony, which was held at the Mina Salam Hotel on Dubai’s coastline, was established to recognise the outstanding contribution of companies to the growth of the GCC’s leisure yachting market.

The ceremony was an outstanding success for IGY, who won in two categories; one for the Best Brand presence & international promotion award and the Most anticipated marine project award for its Anchor Marina project on the Palm Jumeirah.

“In terms of what will immediately help the whole industry, Anchor Marina on The Palm Jumeirah is planned to deliver top quality berthing in a prime location. It’s berths we need in Dubai, and that’s what Anchor Marina should deliver,” explained Toby Haws, Boat Owner Middle East editor and the head of the voting committee.

With regards to the Best Brand presence and international promotion award the judges were particularly complimentary to IGY’s presence at many international shows including the Kuwait, Dubai and Monaco Yacht Shows and Cityscape in Dubai. IGY not only promoted their brand but also brand Dubai. Supported by extensive speaking opportunities from as far a field as Australia & France, IGY demonstrated the importance of Dubai’s waterfront living.

“At the same time, IGY’s presence at trade shows, like Cityscape, and their international publicity campaigns which include vivid artist’s impressions continues to support their vision, which earned their Best Brand presence prize this year,” continued Haws.

“The Arabian Gulf Yachting Awards are a key milestone in terms of the marina industry and development in the Middle East. It was a genuine honour for us to be nominated and win in two categories,” said IGY’s Marketing Director Wayne Lowery.

“As far as our ‘Most anticipated marine project award’ is concerned, it is Anchor Marina’s key location and the need for berths in Dubai that swung the judges in favour of IGY and this prestigious development. Again it is extremely pleasing and it is a project that will help define Dubai on the global yachting map,” said Lowery.

IGY’s awards are recognition of the work they have done to change the face of the yachting across the region. The organization is undoubtedly helping to shape the future of the Middle East’s marina and yachting industry through its world-class, technologically advanced and luxurious developments, the luxury marina developer said in a statement.

Anchor Marina, which will open in mid-2008, will have the capacity to house yachts up to 30 metres in length and will incorporate world-class engineering yet to be seen across the Middle East.

Luxurious benefits such as extra stable six metre pontoons, exceptional club houses with fine dining, complimentary concierge services, underwater lighting and wireless internet access looks set to position IGY as the ultimate investor in the region’s waterfronts.

This has been recognised by Nakheel, who have enlisted IGY to develop all of their marinas on the Palm projects and The World. Meanwhile, IGY is expected to announce further marina development deals that will continue to raise its burgeoning global profile. – TradeArabia News Service