The ambitious Dubai Canal project will change how boating is perceived in the UAE, inspiring more people to explore the possibilities of on-water living and entertainment, according to one of the world’s leading superyacht builders.

Speaking during an exclusive yacht cruise through the recently opened Dubai Canal, CEO of Emirates-based Gulf Craft, Erwin Bamps, said Dubai’s latest waterfront development will give yacht enthusiasts an opportunity to enjoy “protective waterway cruising”, allowing them to sail through the heart of Dubai within the comfort and safety of the canal.

“The Dubai Canal will enable existing and aspiring yacht owners to experience the yachting lifestyle without having to venture out into the open seas, eliminating the barrier often associated with fear of navigation and seasickness,” said Bamps. “This project is essentially changing the landscape of boating in the UAE, creating a waterway in the center of new communities, similar to other cruising sanctuaries found in modern cities around the world, such as the beautiful waterways adjoining the Sydney Harbor.”

The project is promised to become a yachting destination and tourist attraction in its own right, added Bamps. However, seamless access to, from, and throughout the canal is crucial to realizing this potential.

“A park and ride concept, similar to that of hop-on, hop-off buses, except on water, will help create memorable experiences not only at various drop-off points along the canal, but also while traveling up and down the waterway,” Bamps said.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) recently opened more than 1,600 parking spots under the Sheikh Zayed Road bridge, in the Business Bay and Safa areas, as well as along the waterway itself, allowing visitors to park their car on either side of the canal and enjoy panoramic views from the Boardwalk, or take a ride on a ferry or a water taxi.

During Gulf Craft’s exclusive sunset cruise, guests enjoyed unobstructed views of Dubai’s glittering skyline from the luxurious Nomad 55. Part of Gulf Craft’s long-range Nomad Yachts series, the Nomad 55 boasts a fly-bridge larger than any other yacht in its category, as well as two electric balconies on the main deck, a beautifully adorned main saloon, an exceptionally large galley, and four spacious guest cabins.

“Our Nomad Yachts series, which include the Nomad 55, 65, 75, and 95, takes the five-star loft experience into the water, allowing passengers to take in the magical Dubai Canal surroundings from the comfort of a fully-equipped yacht,” said Bamps. “The range excels both in engineering and design, providing commodious areas for lounging and entertainment, and offering the perfect venue for celebrating special moments with friends and loved ones against the stunning backdrop of Dubai’s moving landscapes.”

With a width ranging from 80 meters to 120 meters, the 3.2-kilometer long Dubai Canal allows boats up to 32 meters in length and 8.5 meters in height to pass through its waterways at a maximum speed of seven knots.

The canal provides a gateway to numerous boating and lifestyle attractions, including the region’s first purpose-built yachting destination, Marasi Business Bay, which will span 12 km of waterfront promenade, and host five marinas with 1,250 berthing spaces. - TradeArabia News Service