Port Ghalib, a $2 billion project being developed by Kuwait-based MA Kharafi Group, will be showcased at the upcoming Dubai International Boat Show.

To be held from March 9 to 13 at the Dubai International Marine Club, the boat show will host the largest display of leisure marine industry - from superyachts and fishing equipment, to marine accessories and diving gear.

Port Ghalib International Marina is the first official international tourist port of entry into Egypt and has been operational since 2002 accommodating up to a staggering 1000 yachts of up to 50 meters in length, said a senior port official.

Participation at the Dubai boat show for the second consecutive year follows the impressive success the company has experienced at other international boat shows such as the ‘London International Boat Show’ and the ‘Düsseldorf Boat Show,’ explained Peter Riddoch, CEO of Port Ghalib, Egypt.

"Comprising nine villages, each with a distinct identity, a large conference centre, 160 retail and commercial outlets, phase one is now over 40 per cent complete with the international marina, four already operating hotels including ‘The Palace’ by Intercontinental, ‘The Oasis’ and ‘The Sands’ by Crown Plaza and ‘Marina Lodge’, along with a substantial residential offering ready for occupation," Riddoch noted.

A four lane ten pin bowling alley, horse academy, children’s centre and all the water sports associated with such an international destination are all up and running. When complete, phase one of the development will incorporate a further 19 hotels, in addition to a yacht club, an 18-hole golf course and further entertainment facilities and services.

'There are currently a wide range of studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments and villas available at Port Ghalib, with prices starting from $80,000. The homes vary in size from the 517 sq.ft. studio apartments to the 3391 sq.ft. Arabian Villas and all come fully finished and furnished,' he added.

In addition to investments in service, retail and entertainment businesses, Port Ghalib holds a number of other investment opportunities. These range from participatory opportunities with the main developers in core project components, to land purchases for secondary developers of resort hotels and residential communities,” Riddoch noted.

MA Kharafi Group, the master developer, is an international conglomerate based in Kuwait with over 50 years of experience in engineering; construction; tourism; leisure and hospitality; banking and investment; real estate and infrastructure development; aviation and food industries.

Port Ghalib is the first integrated community that is being developed by the master developer, with a total area of 8 million sq m in the first phase.

Facing Coral Reef Village across the marina is the ‘Marina Residences’ - a range of 340 luxurious apartments and villas that come fully furnished and air-conditioned, with kitchens that are equipped with appliances, cutlery, and crockery.

Residents will enjoy round-the-clock security and the use of full community services such as maintenance, parking and also access to landscaped courtyards, the whole range of Port Ghalib’s commercial and leisure offering and a fibre optics ring that covers the resort and provides state-of-the-art broadband, TV and telephone services.

“The berths at Port Ghalib International Marina offers fresh water and electricity supplies, communications, solid waste disposal, diesel and petrol fuel supply operated by Caltex, transportation service and medical attendance. The Marina Corniche offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, bars, shops and boutiques, a souk among several other entertainment avenues,” Peter added.

Sogreah consultants have designed Port Ghalib International Marina and have supervised the construction of phase one of its development.

Sogreah are famed for designing harbor development schemes throughout the world over the past 40 years. Furthermore, UK-based Camper & Nicholsons have been Port Ghalib International Marina’s operating consultants since 1999, and ensure proper functioning of the Marina to international standards.-TradeArabia News Service