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Home » Luxury Hotels » The Burj Al Arab: nine facts about the sail hotel in Dubai

The Burj Al Arab: nine facts about the sail hotel in Dubai

• Margherita Succi
• 1 February 2022
• Luxury Hotels

The Burj Al Arab is considered one of the most luxurious hotels in the world: here are nine facts about it:

Welcome back on the interior design magazine FillYourHomeWithLove !

We often speak about wonderful places, emblems of good taste and the most refined design.

The hotels we present you are not only beautiful, but also landmarks in the world of luxury.

What we bring to your attention is always linked with innovation and celebration of high-end design, elegance and originality.

Today we are going to look at a very extraordinary place through nine facts. It is a dream place, from many points of view.

Known as the Sail hotel of Dubai , the Burj Al Arab is a real icon of architecture and project design.

The Burj Al Arab is part of the Jumeirah group , a luxury brand operating throughout the world.

Jumeirah is the name of the wonderful sandy beach surrounding the Burj Al Arab.

To get to the hotel you need to leave the beach and “dive” into the Persian Gulf, in order to reach the artificial island on which this architectural masterpiece is standing.

The island is linked to the mainland by a 280 meters long gangway.

This hotel was opened in 1999 and not only is the most photographed in the world, but it’s also the most expensive.

We put together nine facts about it that you probably didn’t know, and maybe you will find amusing.

Sail Hotel in Dubai: the mind behind the Burj Al Arab is architect Tom Wright

28 floors, 202 rooms, 8 restaurants, 321 meters high. Here are some numbers that convey the magnificence of this building.

Tom Wright , the architect who designed the sail hotel, is from the famous Atkins studio of London.

He was given a very important task: the hotel had to become the symbol of the Arab Emirates.

It had to represent the country. Wright took inspiration from the sail of the typical Arab boat, called “abra”.

Also the name of the hotel is symbolic: Burj Al Arab means “The Arabs’ Tower”.

The beach is never under the hotel’s shadow

The architect put the hotel 280 meters far from the Jumeirah beach, and doing so, the great mass of the “sail” never project its shadow on the shore, at any time of the day.

Dubai’s sail hotel has five pools and a Spa

A huge spa on two floors, overlooking the ocean awaits you at the Burj Al Arab.

Five pools are scattered throughout the hotel, from the ground floor to the top floor solarium.

Burj Al Arab room price ranges between €1000 and €9000 per night

A simple double room is 170 square meters, the presidential suite is 768!

For the latter, €9000 are not enough for a night during low season.

Care and attentions for guests is total.

It starts with the welcome cocktail, then a special service for clothes arranging in the closets, 200 international newspapers and more than 130 tv channels in all languages.

Every suite has its own butler

On the Burj Al Arab website you can have a look at the many suites.

Among these, the family suite, with its 335 square meters, has two double bedrooms, of course overlooking the ocean.

There is also a huge bathroom and a living room with every comfort.

Little known fact, you can choose between nine different kinds of pillows, ranging from the Egyptian cotton to every type of ergonomic preference.

The bathroom is complete of jacuzzi and separate shower.

For every suite there is a person ready to assist you!

Access to the Sail

Ogni suite ha una persona pronta a esaudire ogni vostro desiderio!

Access to the hotel is allowed only after the purchase of a service

For security and privacy reasons, the access to the gangway connecting the hotel to the mainland is supervised by security guards.

The access is allowed only under the booking of a stay or a restaurant reservation.

One of the restaurants is built within an aquarium!

One of the eight restaurants is called Al Mahara, is located on the ground floor and it’s completely submerged in an aquarium.

There is no classificazione for the Sail Hotel: it’s a 7 stars hotel

The Burj Al Arab claims to be the most luxurious hotel in the world. Five stars are not enough to classify it.

You can buy a culinary experience involving all the restaurants from the ground floor to the Skyview Bar at the top!

If you can not stay one night at the Burj Al Arab, the gastronomic experience is surely a fascinating way to live the magic of this hotel.

There is the possibility to eat every course of lunch or dinner in each restaurant of the sail hotel.

Starting from the aperitif on the ground floor until the dessert on the rooftop bar.

What do you think?

Would you like to experience one of the many wonders of the “sail” hotel in Dubai?

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Inside the Hotel: Burj Al Arab sailboat hotel in Dubai, it looks like a boat sailing the ocean

Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubail is the ONLY existing 7-star luxury hotel in the entire world. The interior of the Burj is covered with 86,114 feet of 22-carat gold leaf. The outside of Burj Al Arab Sailboat Hotel is just as stunning as the inside.

Of course, you can't talk about Burj Al Arab Hotel without mentioning Tiger Woods. Tiger Woods played golf on top of Burj Al Arab hotel , and that's where the famous images of him hitting golf balls into the ocean from the helicopter pad came from. He was playing on the sailboat hotel helipad, practicing for a golf tournament.

Burj Al Arab Hotel also hosted Andre Agassi and Roger Federer, who practiced tennis on the helipad of the hotel before the Dubai Duty Free $1 Million Men’s Open in February, 2005.

Construction of Burj Al Arab, Dubai

Burj Al Arab, Dubai was developed between 1994 and 1999. It was built in the shape of the Arab dhow, a kind of Arabian vessel. Two wings spread in a V shape to form a mast, with the space between them making the world’s substantial atrium. It needed to be a building that might become synonymous with the country’s name. 

Phase I Construction | Burj Al Arab Dubai

A three-month lead would allow the first phase of construction to address the complexity of the structure. During this time, construction scheduling, forming system purchases, crane and hoist planning, and initial programming were possible. The project is used now for value engineering and the development of innovative methods for accomplishing eccentric tasks. A variety of the prime challenges in this phase was related to the exoskeleton embodiments, which were redesigned so on ease the installation and speed up the cycle times to adhere to the tight schedule. Additionally, to the exoskeleton, Genrec was faced with redesigning a variety of structures just to facilitate constructability. Lattice girders were replaced with rear-braced frames construction to box girders. This wasn’t only a saving in money but also made the property much easier to create (Al Habtoor). 

Phase II Construction

For phase II the client had the choice to award it to another contractor should the results of the first phase prove to be unsatisfactory. The client decided to stay with the same firms since their methods were already proving to speed up and cheapen construction. Phase 2 was all of the particular construction of the structure. The partners used many new technologies to hurry up construction and lower the construction cost so the companies could earn more profit by saving money in such places as labor and equipment (Al Habtoor).

Island Construction Process | Burj Al Arab Dubai

Concept and design.

The main concern was the shielding of the island, with waves breaking over the island and impacting the structure. The initial proposal was by a rock that was simply available and supported the existing technologies. Architect-Wright, however, rejected the proposal because this would make the island too high and his concept was –a sail rising from water-people close to the sea. There was a lot of debate on the height of the island. Then Nicholas experimented with pioneering concrete blocks – specially designed to reduce the impact of waves. The examination was done to ensure the island was safe-3 weeks of testing came up with positive results.

The land for the construction was claimed back in 3 years and the formation took time of fewer than 3 yrs. Over the waves, the island rises seven and a half meters. A concrete honeycomb-shaped solid block protects the island from waves. These types of blocks were used for the first time in gulf construction. The Burj Al Arab island consists of 20 piles 45m in length. The diameter of the piles is 1.5m. The lowest basement has a depth of 7m below sea level. 

• Temporary tube piles were driven into the sea bed. Temporary sheet piles and tie rods are driven into the sea bed to support boundary rocks. 
• Permanent boundary rock bunds were deposited on either side of the sheet Piles Hydraulic fill layers are deposited between bunds to displace sea water and form islands.
• Constant concrete armor units were placed around the island to protect it from the waves. The units are 2m in diameter and 43m deep piles driven through the island and sea bed below to stabilize the structure. 
• The island interior was excavated and a temporary sheet pile coffer dam was inserted. A 2m thick concrete plug slab was laid at the base of the island. A reinforced concrete retaining wall was built for the Basement floors were created. 

Load Analysis

Total dead load : 2850,000,000 lbs Total live load : 86,160,000 lbs Total load on foundation : 150,000 lbs/SF Maximum horizontal wind load : 2,366,000 lbs

Lateral Loads | Burj Al Arab Dubai

The Burj Al Arab has three tubular steel trusses on the surface of the two sides of the V (in green). The wind and earthquake forces were acted against by cross bracing of trusses. The lateral load was transferred by the translucent fabric wall of the atrium (marked in red). Thanks to the rigidity, lateral loads are transferred to the material wall who acts similar to the diaphragm. The form of Burj Al Arab lowers wind forces more effectively than a square building because of the streamlined V and curved fabric atrium wall (marked in blue).

Vertical Loads

The structure transfers vertical loads from the highest to the bottom of the formation using several  Aspects. The structure transfers the vertical loading through the massive spine. This is often the most direct way for vertical loads to reach the ground. Also, the curved edge is used to transfer the vertical loads. The steel trusses running alongside the structure also help in deflecting the horizontal loads.

Technologies used in construction | Burj Al Arab Dubai

One new technology that they used was the Cantilever Top Climbing Jump Form system for the most core area. The 300-ton forming system was designed by Cantilever Pty Ltd, Queensland, Australia . By using a dozen synchronous electric-operated screw jacks, the entire system is lifted by pushing off the top of the walls previously poured in a top climbing jump form system. The shaping system chosen for the wing walls and the stair cores was Doka’s SKE automatic-climbing form system. The wing areas of the building house the two-story suites. Each of the six walls per wing is 13 meters long and was poured in 3.57-meter lifts. The form was designed by Doka in such a way that two climbing brackets per form were needed. The fewer suspension points meant fewer man-hours were required for each work thus, saving time and money.

Another place where mechanics was used was within the form system for the main floors. This system was designed, manufactured, and furnished by Cantilever Pty Ltd. This was designed as a flying cable and was braced by brackets attached to the walls. The shape itself weighed 18 tons. The frame for every form was constructed with huge castellated steel beams and measured 18.3 meters long by 8.1 meters wide. Once the slab was cast and reached sufficient strength, the configuration was jacked down off the wall brackets and flown into the succeeding position with tower cranes. The table forms saved time by eliminating the necessity for shoring labor to hold them up. Additionally, Meinhardt International helped the venture re-engineer the slabs to a post-tensioned design, reducing the workers on reinforcing steel and the time required to get sufficient strength to strip the form (Doka). 

Lighting Control System

At 14,000 channels, it is the largest architectural lighting control system ever made (Futronix). A PFX-32 dimming control system controls every space’s lighting in each suite. The foremost suites have five systems giving a complete 160 channels of lighting. As if the within lighting schemes weren’t enough, each suite is additionally equipped with digital surround sound, multimedia-enhanced 42” plasma television, internet access, touch-screen video and teleconferencing, fax machine, data port photocopier, and to top it all off, automated curtains (Burj Al Arab). Burj Al Arab is lighted by 150 color-changing LEDs and highlighted by 90 Data Flash strobes. The tower changes colors from white to multicolor because of the property’s evening exterior progresses.

Technical Details | Burj Al Arab Dubai

In the fabric atrium wall, The membrane is built from 2 skins of PTFE-coated fiberglass separated by an air gap of approximately 500mm and pre-tensioned over a series of trussed arches. Located between the outer bedroom wings of the hotel that frame the atrium, these arches span up to 50 meters. The double-curved membrane panels so formed are ready to take positive wind pressures by traveling from truss to truss and negative wind pressures by spanning sideways. Additionally, the cables were provided running on the fabric’s surface to reduce the membrane deflection.

The trussed arches which may extend out from the supports by up to 13 meters are supported vertically on the 18th and 26th floors by a series of 52mm diameter cross-braced bars magically. The core structures received load from the girder of these floors. These bars are then pre-tensioned to make sure that the whole structure remains in tension.

An expansion joint is given for the absolute height of the building on the right-hand side of the wall. this permits the structure to breathe under wind loads and avoids the exertion of large horizontal loads on the relatively weak bedroom structures. The resulting form is entirely appropriate for the building and its function with the material reducing solar gain into the atrium and providing an effective diffused light quality. it’s also appropriate for the Middle-East region where its predicted lifespan and self-cleansing qualities should resist the aggressive environment.

Bibliography:

• Kulpa Publications in Civil Engineering, Vol.1, 2017, pg. 37- 44 (A study on the developing concepts of Underwater Construction) 
• https://cd-hospitality.jumeirah.com/-/mediadh/dh/hospitality/jumeirah/occasion/dubai/burj-al-arab/floor-plans/burj-al-arab-jumeriah_floor-plans_al-mahara.pdf  
• https://www.wbpstars.com/restaurant/al-mahara/#:~:text=Restaurant%20Al%20Mahara%2C%20meaning%20’Oyster, Dubai%20on%20the%20world%20map .
•   https://www.lovethatdesign.com/project/al-mahara-dubai/  
• https://www.slideshare.net/shahrozalam210/burj-alarab1203786822334454 **
• https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Burj_al_Arab,_Dubai#Introduction  
• 1. Guinness World Records Book 2006 
• Skyscraper Source Media Inc. 
• www.tomwrightdesign.com
• www.atkinsglobal.com
• www.youtube.com
• Al Abbar Group (2004). “Custom Projects: Burj Al Arab (Chicago Beach Hotel)”. Retrieved November 20, 2004, from www.alabbargroup.com
• Al Habtoor Engineering, Retrieved November 15, 2004, from www.habtoorengg.co.ae 8. Atkins (2004). “Design and Engineering Solutions”. Retrieved November 4, 2004, from www.wsatkins.com
• Burj Al Arab. (2004). Jumeirah International. Retrieved November 28, 2004, from www.burj-al-arab.com
• 10. Burj Al Arab. (2004). Retrieved November 28, 2004, from www.timeoutdubai.com   11. Burj Al Arab (2004). Economist. Retrieved November 28, 2004 from economist.com/  12. Doka Framework experts (2004) Retrieved November 15, 2004, from www.doka.com   13. Emporis (2004). “Burj Al Arab”. Retrieved November 15, 2004, from www.emporis.com   
• Flame Seal (2004). “Steel Fire Retardant Coating”. Retrieved November 25, 2004, from www.flameseal.com
• Futronix (2004), Retrieved December 1, 2004, from www.futronix-info.com
• Go Dubai (2000). “The two most exciting hotels in Dubai”. Retrieved November 28, 2004, from www.godubai.com
• McBride, Edward (2004) “Burj Al Arab”, Architecture, Washington, Aug 2000, Iss. 8, pg. 116, 12 pgs. 
• 18. Jumeirah International (2004). Jumeirah International. Retrieved November 28, 2004, from www.jumeirahinternational.com
• Reina, Peter (2004), “Lodging on High,” Retrieved November 30, 2004, from http://www.uk-ci.net/
• Richardson, Gary. Beautiful Hotel. (2004). Retrieved November 28, 2004, from www.ssqq.com
• Scott Bader (2004). “Crystic® Fire Retardant Resins”. Retrieved November 20, 2004, from www.scottbader.com
• Speirs and Major Associates (2004). “Burj Al Arab”. Retrieved November 21, 2004, from www.lightarch.com
• Tenos (2004). “Burj Al Arab (Arabian Tower Hotel) – Dubai”. Retrieved November 20, 2004, from www.tenos.co.uk
• Wikepedia (2004). “Burj Al Arab”. Retrieved November 21, 2004, from www.wikepedia.org
• http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/MASTERJIN-343616-burj-al- arabbuilding-construction-study-presentation1-compiled-education-ppt-powerpoint/  
• https://sites.google.com/site/ae390spring2012burjalarab/c-structural-analysis/2-

Calculations 

• http://www.scribd.com/doc/61292707/Design-and-Construction-of-Burj-AlArab#scribd  
• https://prezi.com/rw-mulelqtgs/burj-al-arab/ **
• https://www.slideshare.net/rajatrmr/petronas-twin-towers-taipei-101-burj-alarab **
• https://www.futronix.com/pdf/Futronix-Dimmers-and-Digital-Lighting-Control-Brochure-2016.pdf **
• http://faculty.arch.tamu.edu/anichols/courses/applied-architectural-structures/projects-631/Files/BurjAlArab.pdf **

Rashi Sharma is an Architecture student from India awarded for her debating and creative skills in the field of Art and Architecture. She is known for her details through graphics explanation that makes her stand out from other authors. She specializes in writing about architectural content and also reviews categories of books.

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Your guide to the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (DOSC)

• Sailing facilities
• Dinghy for hire
• Racing at DOSC
• Cruising at DOSC
• Sailing Courses
• DOSC Membership
• Membership fees

When it comes to high octane sports and thrilling adventures, there’s no shortage of options in the city. Along with the popular motorsports clubs and exclusive golf clubs around the city, boating and sailing clubs also have quite a few patrons in Dubai. For those wanting to try out their own nautical adventures, one of the most prominent among them is the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club or DOSC.

If you want to channel your inner Popeye the sailor man, you can become a part of the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club, which has extensive courses and attractive membership packages perfect for seafaring adventures! Read on to learn about the history, club activities, membership charges, races and facilities at the DOSC.

HISTORY OF DUBAI OFFSHORE SAILING CLUB (DOSC)

DOSC had a humble beginning in 1974 when it was merely a tent or a barasti shade on the beach with a few small sailing boats. The club has come a long way since its inception and today it is one of the most well-managed non-profit sailing clubs in the UAE. Besides some top-notch facilities, this club also has an extensive volunteer program to assist first-timers to learn how to sail in Dubai.

SAILING FACILITIES AT DUBAI OFFSHORE SAILING CLUB

Facilities for yachts and keelboats.

DOSC is one of the top sailing clubs in the country with a 150-berth marina suitable for yachts and small keelboats. It also features fresh running water and electrical connections, a boatyard and a launching slipway for keelboats ready for trailer sail and maintenance. 

FACILITIES FOR DINGHIES

DOSC also features a paved dinghy park leading towards the wash down area, a slipway and a launching beach. A harbour wall surrounds the entire dinghy park. The club members can get access to the workshop, sail store and a Bosun’s store for dinghy parts.

DOSC also has a Clubhouse to host a variety of social events, where families and friends come together to enjoy great food and music.

• DOSC Clubhouse timings: The Clubhouse opening hours are 08:00 am to 12:00 am every day.

DINGHY FOR HIRE

If you’re looking to hire a dinghy, paddleboats or sailboats at DOSC, there are plenty of options to choose from. These vessels can be hired for pay-as-you-go slots by both members and non-members, for a duration of 2 hours. Some of the vessels are exclusively hired for by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Dinghy Level 2 or RYA Youth Stage 3 certificate holders. DOSC members can also hire a boat of their choice any time of the week, whereas non-members can hire a vessel on weekdays only from Sunday to Thursday.

When a member or a non-member hires a vessel they need to adhere to the rules and regulations to ensure the vessels and those on board are safe.

RACING AT THE DUBAI OFFSHORE SAILING CLUB

DOSC in Dubai is where all the sailing action is! Each year the club holds an array of leisure and competitive racing events. In 2020, the club successfully held three major races including the Airbus Regatta, Dubai to Muscat race and Laser and Cat Regatta. Here are some of the major upcoming race events to look forward to.

As the nation is gearing up for the long weekend, the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club is holding some exciting events starting from December 2 2020, until December 5 2020, to commemorate the UAE National Day. Here are the events that fans of nautical adventures can look forward to.

CRUISING ADVENTURES AT DUBAI OFFSHORE SAILING CLUB

Whether it’s a leisure cruise overnight or a longer cruise rally, DOSC holds various cruising events in the UAE. The cruise is open for DOSC members, their guests and patrons whose DOSC membership application is under process.

The cruise welcomes sailors with keelboats of varying experience levels to be a part of the events. Those who are taking baby steps in sailing can make the most of the cruising opportunities to harness their skills. Cruises run at least once per month throughout the cooler months, from October to April. There are no charges for the cruise trips.

Here are some of the cruises at the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club that you can be a part of:

A simple and laid back cruise that’s perfect for beginners, Antarctica takes sailors on a relaxing four kilometres offshore cruise from Dubai to Antarctica, at the World Islands.

LEBANON ISLAND BEACH CLUB

This is a short five-kilometre sail from Dubai to Lebanon at the World Islands by Nakheel. Lebanon Island has a private jetty and moor up, so you can explore the private beach and enjoy at the private beach club spanning across 500,000 square feet after docking your boats at the jetty. You can relax at the swimming pool where you will be offered drinks and cocktails as there are two bars in the club. You can also book a private cabana or a chalet for an additional cost.

A day pass to the Island is AED 100 per person and AED 90 for DOSC members. DOSC members are also entitled to a 10 per cent discount off the day pass rate and all food and beverages purchased on the Island. You will need to show your DOSC membership card to claim the discount.

To learn about the registration and booking process for these cruises. you can visit DOSC’s official website.

THINGS TO REMEMBER BEFORE A CRUISE EVENT

• All vessels registered in Dubai must have a Permit to Sail authorised by the Dubai Coastguard
• Submit key details for each vessel to the Coastguard at least 24 hours prior to sailing, including boat name, DP number, owner name, skipper name, number of crew and IRC division
• Depending upon your destination, you will also need to arrange other permissions, such as permission to anchor, booking fees and other permits or charges.

SAILING COURSES AT DOSC

 If you’re new to the sailing world, there’s no reason to worry or be intimidated because the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club’s courses are designed for everyone. The sailing club offers courses for kids, men and women. The training and courses also include sessions on how to manoeuvre dinghies. yachts and sailboats.

The courses are designed to suit each skill level and age. The courses also include crew and skipper level programmes as well. Ladies with a knack for sailing and boating can be a part of the comprehensive courses at Dubai Offshore Sailing Club for women sailors. You can check the official website for more details on the sailing courses offered at DOSC. The club also has an extensive volunteer program to assist first-timers who are curious about the nautical sport but have not tried it yet.

UNDERSTANDING THE POINT BASED MEMBERSHIP SYSTEM

The Dubai Offshore Sailing Club’s membership relies on a point-based system that ensures each member shares the same passion and enthusiasm for sailing as others. DOSC’s points-based membership has a specific set of criteria with allocated points for each. Here are the details for the point-based membership.

Becoming a DOSC member has a lot of benefits and they can also enjoy huge discounts at various outlets. Check out the official DOSC website for updates on the latest discounts.

MEMBERSHIP FEES AT DUBAI OFFSHORE SAILING CLUB

Here is a complete list of the membership fees at DOSC. You can apply for membership from the official website. 

WHAT IS THE DUBAI OFFSHORE SAILING CLUB LOCATION?

The Dubai Offshore Sailing Club address is Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

DUBAI OFFSHORE SAILING CLUB CONTACT INFORMATION

Should you require more information about the activities, events and more you can contact the team on +971-4-394-1669.

WHERE CAN I LEARN TO SAIL IN DUBAI?

The Dubai Offshore Sailing Club is one of the most sought-after sailing clubs in the city that offers an extensive selection of sailing courses. DOSC has courses for kids and grownups alike. You can also be a part of other fun-filled activities at the club.

IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT FOR SAILING COURSES IN DUBAI?

To the delight of young sPopeye fans, there is no age limit at DOSC when it comes to joining a sailing course. Kids as young as 8 years old can be a part of the sailing courses available at the club. After school courses are also available.

DOES THE SAILING CLUB OFFERS BOATS FOR RENT?

DOSC has a comprehensive list of boats available for hire. You can read about the price list provided above to know more about the prices for each type of vessel available for rent. 

This concludes our detailed guide to Dubai Offshore Sailing Club, a bustling club with plenty of activities and things to do. The club is a haven for sailors of all ages from different walks of life.

Check out some of these exciting watersports activities in Dubai for more fun things to do on the beach. Or you can try going underwater guided by a professional at these scuba diving spots in Dubai for close encounters with the majestic marine creatures of the region!

Note: Cover image is courtesy of official Facebook page of Dubai Offshore Sailing Club.

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Hi, I would like to know if you are organizing any sailing day tour even for no member of the club. Thx Stefano

Thank you for writing to us.

You can contact DOSC on 04 394 1669 for more information.

Hope this helps and have a great day!

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Iconic yachts: Inside the build of 162m superyacht Dubai

Related articles, superyacht directory.

The creation of the iconic yacht Dubai was far from straightforward, with the build changing hands three times. Dubai was the largest yacht in the world by volume at the time of her build, with a gross tonnage of 12,488GT. She was originally intended for one royal family but went on to be used by another royal entirely. Commissioned by the Sultan of Brunei’s brother, Prince Jefri Bolkiah, Dubai started her life in Germany with naval architecture developed by Blohm+Voss (now part of Lürssen Yachts ), while design came from the UK’s Winch Design . In 1998, the project rolled to a standstill, with work completed on only the steel hull and part of the aluminium superstructure. The project was lying on a covered floating dock at the Blohm+Voss yard, and liquidators went out into the market to find potential buyers.

• Iconic yachts: The story of Steve Jobs's Feadship superyacht Venus

Her name gives the next part of the story away: the partially built yacht was sold to the Dubai government. “Once Jefri fell out with his brothers, his assets were seized, including the yacht which was at early stage of construction,” explains Kostis Antonopoulos, the former managing director of Platinum Yachts, which eventually oversaw the build of Dubai . “In fact, at that time I was working at SETE of Latsis group and we offered for the project, but Dubai offered more and they got it.”

Initially, the Dubai government assigned the build project to Karam Sadikoglou in Turkey. The dock, partially built yacht and containers holding equipment such as main engines and generators were sent to Sadikoglou’s facility in Turkey. However, progress was slow, and the Dubai government demanded the project be transferred to the UAE. With progress still slow and costs skyrocketing, Sadikoglou left the project. Antonopoulos was brought in to finish the build under the banner of Platinum Yachts , a subsidiary of Dubai World. The project had almost 800 people working on it, not including the hundreds of subcontractors. Antonopoulos’s job wouldn’t be an easy one – he had to reorganise the structure of the build team, restore confidence in the project and gain the confidence of the Palace. Sultan bin Sulayem, the chairman of Dubai World, served as the in-between for the owner and yard.

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“The design of Dubai was quite ahead of its time, and although she had an enormous size the design did not flirt at all with the shapes of cruise ships,” says Antonopoulos. “And except for the hull, the rest was built and outfitted by people who had no idea what a yacht looked like.” Antonopoulos flew employees to the Monaco Yacht Show so they could see the details that make a superyacht. “It was great experience for them and a quantum leap to their knowledge and understanding,” he says.

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The interior design was completed in-house by Platinum, and most of the build-out was by local contractors in Dubai. “The brief was simple: the owner wanted a floating Burj Al Arab – and he got it,” says Antonopoulos of the colourful interior which he describes as an “attack” on the senses. There are many custom details, such as the handmade tiles in the swimming pool, which are lit up by embedded optical fibres. Her massive volume afforded space for 48 guests and 88 crew. Dubai also had a cinema , disco, helideck , and a garage holding a submarine and a variety of toys.

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As Dubai was built for a royal, security was a priority. “I asked a computer security firm to hack the yacht’s network , and while we thought that we had a very secure ship, the guys hacked it in 30 minutes! Of course, we redesigned the security,” says Antonopoulos. Another day, the owner came on board and discovered the lower decks did not have a clear GSM signal, so ceilings had to be ripped apart to add repeaters. Challenges to make the yacht SOLAS compliant were resolved by sending materials for lab tests to obtain class approvals.

Antonopoulos, who currently serves as managing director of Samos Steamship Co, looks back fondly at his time working on the build of the iconic yacht Dubai . “I enjoyed building a really good team,” he says. “When I arrived, the people in the project were working in isolation and there were competing teams… I managed to bring them together and make them understand that by cooperation and teamwork we can not only achieve successful completion of the yacht but we can also enjoy our time together!”

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It’s been quite a while since the royally iconic yacht Dubai was finally launched in 2006, but Antonopoulos says she stands the test of time. “I think her design is timeless and she can even be considered a classic now.” Dubai sails under the UAE flag and is known to be an active yacht, recently spotted cruising in the waters off her namesake city.

More about this yacht

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Dubai's 30 most famous buildings, from Burj Khalifa to Museum of the Future

The city is flush with spectacular examples of unique and groundbreaking architecture.

Dubai World Trade Centre was originally named Sheikh Rashid Tower. Alamy

Dubai's architecture is one of its stand-out features and has helped propel the emirate to international recognition.

The city's skyline is recognisable in an instant, with the world's tallest building towering above a series of skyscrapers.

Closer to the ground, the city mixes unique buildings in varied styles, from massive malls to grand hotels.

The Museum of the Future , which opened in 2022, has become the latest landmark in Dubai and was listed by National Geographic as one of the 14 most beautiful museums in the world .

The Palm Jumeirah, itself an architectural marvel, is now home not only to Atlantis, The Palm, but also Dubai's latest luxury hotel – the much-anticipated Atlantis The Royal.

The 795-room property opened early this year and includes 90 swimming pools, vertical gardens and an expansive sky bridge.

Here are 30 buildings with the most interesting stories the emirate has to offer.

Dubai's most famous buildings

Burj khalifa, burj al arab, dubai world trade centre, atlantis, the palm, atlantis the royal, dubai frame, museum of the future, gevora hotel, dubai opera, etihad museum, cayan tower, jumeirah mosque, jumeirah emirates towers, jw marriott marquis hotel dubai, jumeirah beach hotel, mall of the emirates, rose rayhaan by rotana, princess tower, dubai museum and al fahidi fort, the opus by omniyat, al rostamani maze tower, address sky view hotel.

• Solar Innovation Centre

Al Yaqoub Tower

The gate building.

The Burj Khalifa in 2008 as it edges towards completion. Ryan Carter / The National

This isn't just one of Dubai's most famous buildings, but the world's, as it's the tallest skyscraper on the planet . From most vantage points in the city, you'll spot the 828-metre, 160-storey tower glittering in the distance, looming over the skyline.

It opened in 2010, having taken six years, 22 million man-hours and about $1.5 billion to build, and has a number of other accolades to its name, including the tallest free-standing structure, highest occupied floor and outdoor observation deck, and lift with the longest travel distance.

It was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the firm also behind Chicago’s famous Willis Tower and New York’s One World Trade Centre.

It's also starred in numerous big-budget movies, such as Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol .

There are a few Dubai buildings that are instantly recognisable to an international crowd, including this sail-shaped luxury property, which is also the tallest all-suite hotel in the world.

It's often referred to as a "seven-star" hotel, but those don't exist. It is a five-star property, however, that's gilded with 24-carat gold interiors and often welcomes a VIP guest list that's included the likes of Justin Bieber, Roger Federer and Gigi and Bella Hadid .

The Burj Al Arab has also clinched some record-breaking titles, such as the most expensive cocktail at Dh27,321 ($7,439) and the largest Swarovski crystal chandelier, with its 21,000 crystals, worth Dh1.3 million.

It’s not the architecture, but the vastness of this shopping mall that makes this building world-famous, and it’s only set to get bigger as expansion is still under way. At the moment, it has more than 1,300 stores and in excess of 200 dining outlets.

Customers from overseas will feel right at home, as brands from across the globe have set up shop in Dubai Mall, from France’s Galeries Lafayette to America’s Bloomingdale’s and the UK’s Debenhams.

Other attractions at the centre include the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, a virtual-reality theme park and an Olympic-sized ice rink. Outside, you can watch the choreographed Dubai Fountains, and look up at the Burj Khalifa.

Dubai World Trade Centre, designed by British architect John Harris, is part of a complex of exhibition centres and businesses. Jaime Puebla / The National

Dubai World Trade Centre – originally named Sheikh Rashid Tower – was one of the first skyscrapers built in Dubai, a city now known for its towers.

Construction began in 1974. It was designed by UK architect John Harris under the auspices of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed, Ruler of Dubai at the time. The tower was opened on February 26, 1979 by Queen Elizabeth II .

The building, with 38 storeys and 184m tall, loomed as a solitary structure beside a slimmer version of Sheikh Zayed Road and in the middle of a pale ochre expanse.

"Harris didn't want to use a lot of glass,” architect and writer Todd Reisz told The National in 2021. “He was mindful of what technologies were available and what technologies could be repaired and maintained in Dubai at the time so that you weren't stuck with a tower of 30 storeys and then the elevators didn't work."

Not only does this globally renowned hotel have more than 1,500 rooms, but it’s also home to a record-breaking water park, celebrity chef-backed restaurants and an aquarium that’s home to more than 65,000 marine animals.

The five-star ocean-themed property, inspired by the myth of Atlantis, sits at the apex of Palm Jumeirah’s crescent. It was opened in 2008 and reportedly cost $1.5bn to build.

Its architecture incorporates classical Arabian influences, with semi-precious stones and fossilised shells used throughout the interiors and exterior.

Here, you will also find American glass sculptor Dale Chihuly’s first Middle East installation; a 10-metre-high sculpture that uses more than 3,000 pieces of brightly hued blown glass. The lobby also features eight hand-painted murals by Spanish artist Albino Gonzalez amid its 19-metre-high arched ceilings.

Nothing about Atlantis The Royal is small.

Spanning about 40 hectares, the Palm Jumeirah hotel – which neighbours Atlantis, The Palm – is 500m long and extends 43 storeys and 178m upwards. Its distinctive form consists of six towers shaped like a stack of individual blocks, connected from above by a 90m by 33m sky bridge.

“We were asked to dream big on this project, to create something unique and iconic for Dubai – and when I look at it now, I’m amazed by the audacity of the whole undertaking,” says James von Klemperer, president and design principal of Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, the architecture firm that brought the ambitious project to life.

Glass, steel, aluminium and reinforced concrete combine to create one of the city’s most famous structures. The Dubai Frame is one of the youngest buildings on this list, having only opened to the public in 2018, and it stands at 150 metres tall and 95 metres wide, offering views of old and new Dubai on either side, serving as a “metaphorical bridge connecting the emirate’s rich past with its magnificent present”.

Its rectangular design was inspired by the “golden ratio” of 1.618, which architects and artists are said to believe forms an ideal structural balance.

Inside the 48-storey structure, there is a sky deck, which an lift will take you to in 75 seconds, and exhibitions that tell the city’s story.

Dubai's Museum of the Future opened in February 2022 and has proven a hit with the public. More than one million people from 163 countries visited the museum in its first year . It also won 10 international awards, including being ranked as one of the 14 most beautiful museums in the world by National Geographic.

The 78m-tall structure was designed by Dubai firm Killa Design.

The unique facade consists of 1,024 stainless steel plates manufactured entirely by robots. Its shape represents Dubai's perpetual energy, while its elliptical void represents what we do not know yet, according to the architects.

The low-carbon, stainless steel-clad surface is adorned with Arabic calligraphy designed by the Emirati artist Mattar Bin Lahej.

The calligraphy is based on a poem by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, about his vision for the city's future.

One quote reads: “We may not live for hundreds of years, but the products of our creativity can leave a legacy long after we are gone.”

At 356 metres and with 75 floors, the four-star Gevora Hotel became the world’s tallest hotel when it opened in 2018, a record it nabbed from JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, which is 355 metres and 72 floors (although this is again set to be eclipsed by Dubai Marina’s 82-storey Ciel Tower by 2023).

It took 12 years and is said to have cost more than Dh500m to build. The property boasts more than 500 rooms and suites, plus five restaurants, and is recognisable by its gold-coloured facade and tapered pyramidal crown structure on top.

In the heart of Downtown Dubai is this 2,000-seater, multi-format theatre that plays host to world-class shows throughout the year. The dhow-shaped building, designed by lead architect Janus Rostock of Atkins and opened in 2016, is a tribute to the city’s maritime history.

It’s been designed with flexibility in mind, so it can host everything from musicals to ballets and fashion shows to art exhibitions. The opera house, which is within walking distance of The Dubai Mall, also has a rooftop restaurant and sky garden, boasting views of the Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa.

From a live concert by Emirati singer Hussain Al Jassmi to the popular musical The Phantom of the Opera , and even a new slate of hologram performances , the entertainment schedule here is incredibly varied.

Not only can you explore the Emirates’ rich heritage in the exhibits at this museum, but the site is history-making in itself. The 25,000-square-metre building is located where the Union House once sat – the place where the constitution was signed, and the UAE was founded, on December 2, 1971.

The museum features an eye-catching curved white roof that was inspired by the shape of the treaty. Designed by Canadian firm Moriyama & Teshima Architects, the building also boasts seven columns, symbolising the pens used to sign the agreement for each emirate.

Etihad Museum is home to a library, education centre, temporary exhibition space and a restaurant. Across eight permanent pavilions, discover the events that led up to the unification of the country, with emphasis on 1968 to 1974, and what its constitution means for the rights and responsibilities of Emiratis.

The same architectural firm behind the design of the Burj Khalifa and Trump Tower in Chicago is responsible for this 306-metre-tall, 75-storey skyscraper in Dubai Marina.

The distinctive, twisting luxury apartment building is the world’s tallest high-rise with a 90-degree spiral.

Formerly known as the Infinity Tower, the structure is complex, with each floor rotating 1.2 degrees around a cylindrical lift, forming the twist that carves out its niche in an already impressive and bustling skyline.

While Dubai may be most famous for its super-tall skyscrapers, its religious buildings should not be overlooked, as often they are architectural masterpieces.

Jumeirah Mosque, located on Beach Road, is particularly well known, as it offers a gateway to those seeking deeper knowledge of Islam and life in the UAE through guided tours six days a week.

It was a gift from the former Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and construction was completed in 1979. The white stone building’s architectural influences draw from the Fatimid Caliphate of Syria and Egypt, with a large central dome, twin minarets and elaborate stonework, of which the intricacies are best viewed when illuminated at night.

It can accommodate up to 1,500 worshippers.

Last year, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, one of Dubai's most recognisable pieces of architecture, turned 20 . The complex, which consists of a 305-metre hotel and 350-metre office tower, has lost none of its lustre over the past two decades, continuing to stand as a striking gateway to Dubai's financial district.

Its reason for being was, in the 1990s, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, launched a design competition for a new landmark in Dubai’s then-growing financial hub, requesting twin towers that would be at least twice the height of the 149-metre Dubai World Trade Centre.

Construction started in 1996 and it was designed by architect Hazel Wong. Its distinctive design is formed of two equilateral triangles connecting traditional Islamic themes with contemporary architecture. They’re clad in aluminium panels, allowing the buildings to capture the sun’s changing light, offering a different perspective on the towers depending on where you view them from.

This striking shopping mall, which first opened in 1991, is recognisable thanks to its Egypt theme. Sphinx statues greet customers at the entrance, while inside stained-glass pyramids, pharaoh sculptures and columns dotted with hieroglyphics are seen throughout.

Amid the Egyptian interiors, you’ll find well-known international brands jostling for space, such as Burberry and Chopard, as well as a range of local, home-grown boutiques.

Wafi Mall is also home to Khan Murjan Souk, where you can find Arabian handicrafts, plus dozens of restaurants, mini golf and even an outdoor pool.

It's also where the eye-catching, pyramidal five-star hotel Raffles Dubai is located.

Before Gevora Hotel, the $490m, 355-metre-tall JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai was the tallest hotel in the world, standing just 26 metres shorter than the Empire State Building. It might have lost that title, but it is still the tallest five-star property, featuring twin towers that are home to more than 1,600 rooms and suites, plus a slate of award-winning restaurants, bars and lounges, including steakhouse Prime68, which sits on the 68th floor, offering incredible views of the Dubai skyline.

The towers’ unusual form, designed by Archgroup International Consultants, was inspired by the date palm, “a symbol deeply entrenched in the Arabian culture”, according to a statement on the firm’s website. The buildings were symmetrically placed on a seven-storey podium to get the best views of the Burj Khalifa, Business Bay and Arabian Gulf.

About as famous as the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab is the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, thanks to its striking wave-like form, recognisable from any postcard or Instagram post from the region.

In 2018, the hotel, which first opened in 1997, reopened after undergoing an extensive renovation during which it was closed for five months. The result was a space that is "contemporary and yet warm, with white, gold and blue accents throughout sharing a seamless connection with nature", according to the Jumeirah Group.

The five-star property, designed by Atkins, has welcomed many VIP guests over the years, and features more than 10 restaurants and bars, five swimming pools, a climbing wall and the world-famous Wild Wadi Waterpark.

There are a number of reasons Mall of the Emirates, open since 2005, is famous the world over. As one of the leading shopping destinations in Dubai, it’s much-loved by residents and tourists, and was designed by American firm F+A Architects.

Its domed main entrance foyer with glass ceiling is instantly recognisable, but one of its most defining features has to be Ski Dubai, the indoor ski resort that maintains a temperature of about -1°C throughout the year, even during the scorching UAE summer, and has an 85-metre-high mountain and five slopes.

Before Gevora Hotel and JW Marriott Marquis, the city’s 333-metre-high Rose Rayhaan by Rotana was the world’s tallest all-hotel tower for three years.

The four-star property has 72 floors and nearly 500 rooms, plus three dining outlets and a wellness club.

It’s a looming example of postmodernism, with a distinctive tapered roof and spire that allows it to jut out of the skyline, carving its place in the annals of architectural history in Dubai.

Six of the top 10 tallest residential buildings in the world are in Dubai. This is one of them. Princess Tower opened in 2012 and was the world's tallest until it was taken over by America's 432 Park Avenue three years later (now that is third, following two more New York spots).

The 414-metre postmodern building, which took six years to construct, lives up to its regal name as its dome, topped off by a decorative mast, weighing 110 tonnes of steel and aluminium, almost resembles a crown.

The Dubai Marina development stands at 107 storeys and encompasses basement floors, a ground floor and 100 above-ground levels. To this day, it’s the third tallest building in the UAE, after Burj Khalifa and Marina 101.

Dubai isn't all skyscrapers and shopping malls, as the city is also full of cultural landmarks, such as the Dubai Museum, which is in Al Fahidi Fort.

It was built in 1787 as the premises of the ruler and a fort of defence, according to Dubai Culture. It was later turned into an arsenal for weapons, and used as a prison for outlaws.

During the reign of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed, it was renovated and reopened as a national museum in 1971, with another underground section established in 1995. At the moment, it is closed for renovation until further notice.

While the Torch’s reputation may have been marred by tragedy, as it made international headlines for unfortunate fires, this is by no means the only reason it’s world-famous.

It was actually the world’s tallest residential building when it opened in 2011, surpassing Australia’s Q1 Tower. It’s now ninth on the list, falling behind five other UAE properties, but it’s no less notable, nor less popular as a home of choice in the Marina. This is thanks to its impressive amenities, which include a pool deck with a stunning city view, as well as a sauna and steam room.

The 321-metre building is another example of postmodernist architecture, originally designed by Khatib & Alami.

After the Burj Khalifa, this is the second-tallest building in the UAE, and the fourth-tallest residential building in the world, standing at 425 metres.

Construction began in 2007 and was supposed to be completed in 2014, then 2017, however the project stalled as the original developer, Sheffield Holdings Limited, ran out of capital .

It’s more than 95 per cent complete at this point, but a new investor is still being sought. Once finished, it is supposed to house a hotel and residences.

Zaha Hadid's first project in Dubai is a work of art to rival any of the renowned Iraqi-born architect's award-winning structures.

The Opus is home to the ME Dubai , which is the first and only hotel in the world that Hadid created both its architecture and interiors for. The cube-shaped building spans 7,831 square metres and was designed as two towers that form a whole, with a large free-form void in its centre.

The portions on either side of the gap are linked by a four-storey atrium and connected by an asymmetric three-storey bridge that hangs 71 metres above the ground.

O-14 building

Despite having won several awards, this may not be a building people would know simply by name, but its distinctive architecture certainly makes it stand out in Business Bay.

The 22-storey commercial tower, also known as the Swiss Cheese, is wrapped in a 40-centimetre-thick exoskeleton with 1,300 holes. There’s a one-metre space between the facade and windows, which is said to allow hot air to rise and cool air to come in from below.

It was designed by architects Reiser + Umemoto with an open concept to give the perception of space. It’s home to offices, shops and four levels of underground parking.

Adrian Fisher, who The Washington Post once referred to as the "Michael Jordan of maze design", created the vertical maze (said to be the world's first) that sits on the facade of this Sheikh Zayed Road tower.

The lines of the balconies on the front and rear of the building form real and separate puzzles that were painstakingly created. “Once people realise there is this challenge towering above them I am sure they will be excited to solve it,” said Fisher.

Ten types of natural stone have been used in the building’s creation, including black slate, Siberian white marble and verde Bahia honed with a water jet.

This relatively new build, designed by the same architects as the Burj Khalifa, has not one but two defining skyscrapers that are linked by a sky bridge with a 200-metre-high cantilever observation deck known as the SkyWalk that offers 360-degree views of the city.

The 260-metre-tall, five-star hotel boasts a combined floor count of 117, with more than 150 rooms, plus residences and amenities such as a spa, restaurants and a 70-metre-long infinity pool.

The Solar Innovation Centre

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority's Innovation Centre, which is in the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the world's largest single-site solar park, opened in November 2020 .

The centre, which aims to be a public attraction and clean-technology innovation hub, houses 30 interactive exhibits and an auditorium for events, conferences and training programmes on solar power, renewable energy and other green initiatives.

The four-storey building covers 4,355 square metres and is 88 metres high. Its design is based on the principles of “divine geometry” as seen in Islamic art, according to architecture firm Kettle Collective.

The angular spire is formed by twisting ribbons of glass, creating faceted interiors. Integrated photovoltaic panels, solar shading and smart management systems are just a few of the features that have been incorporated into this sustainability-focused building.

It might not have a clock, but Al Yaqoub Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road bears a remarkable resemblance to London's Big Ben. In fact, the 328-metre skyscraper was inspired by the British building and boasts 69 floors.

The project by Al Yaqoub Group, with Lebanon's Arabian Construction Company as the main contractor, was designed by Dubai's Adnan Saffarini Engineering Consultants.

Anyone who's been to Paris may find familiarity in The Gate Building in Dubai International Financial Centre, as it was modelled on the Arc de Triomphe at Champs Elysees.

It was the first building in DIFC to be completed and comprises 15 storeys with office and retail space over 46,000 square metres.

US architecture firm Gensler , which has offices in Dubai, designed the property, sitting on an axis with the Emirates Towers and the World Trade Centre, as it frames these two city landmarks.

This article was originally published on June 2021

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Setting Sail: Launching a Boat Building Business in Dubai

Sep 4, 2023 | 🇦🇪

Dubai, with its stunning skyline, vibrant culture, and strategic location on the Arabian Gulf, has long been a hub for maritime activities. The emirate is not only known for its luxury yachts and breathtaking cruises but also for its thriving boat building industry. If you have a passion for boats and dream of setting sail on a business venture, Dubai is the ideal destination to turn that dream into a reality. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the steps and considerations for launching a boat building business in Dubai.

Dubai’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa has made it a global maritime hub. Its world-class infrastructure, tax-free business environment, and a government committed to promoting the maritime sector have contributed to the success of the boat building industry in Dubai. Here are some compelling reasons to consider Dubai for your boat building business:

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• Strategic Location: Dubai’s location on the Arabian Gulf provides easy access to major markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. It’s an ideal location for both production and distribution.
• Booming Marine Industry: Dubai boasts a thriving marine industry, with a high demand for luxury yachts, commercial vessels, and leisure boats. The city hosts prestigious events like the Dubai International Boat Show, attracting boat enthusiasts from around the world.
• Business-Friendly Environment: Dubai offers a business-friendly environment with minimal bureaucratic hurdles, no income tax, and full ownership rights for expatriates in designated free zones.
• Skilled Workforce: Dubai is home to a diverse and skilled workforce with experience in boat building, engineering, and marine design.
• Infrastructure: The emirate has world-class ports, marinas, and facilities for boat testing and maintenance.

Steps to Launching Your Boat Building Business in Dubai

1. business plan development.

Before you dive into boat building, it’s crucial to create a comprehensive business plan. Your plan should outline your business goals, target market, financial projections, and a strategy for achieving your objectives. Consider factors like the type of boats you plan to build, the size of your operation, and your production capacity.

2. Legal Structure and Licensing

In Dubai, you have several options for the legal structure of your business, such as a Free Zone Company, Mainland Company, or Offshore Company. Each option comes with its own set of requirements and benefits. Consult with a business advisor or legal expert to determine the most suitable structure for your boat building business.

3. Location Selection

Choose a location for your boat building facility. Dubai offers various free zones and industrial areas, each with its advantages. Select a location that aligns with your business needs, considering factors like proximity to ports, access to transportation, and infrastructure.

4. Licensing and Regulatory Compliance

Obtain the necessary licenses and permits for your boat building business. This may include trade licenses, environmental permits, and approvals from regulatory bodies like the Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA). Compliance with safety and quality standards is paramount in the marine industry.

5. Funding and Investment

Secure funding for your boat building venture. You can explore options such as bank loans, venture capital, or partnerships. Dubai’s financial institutions offer various financing solutions to support entrepreneurs.

6. Skilled Workforce

Hire a skilled and experienced team that includes boat builders, marine engineers, designers, and administrative staff. Dubai’s diverse workforce allows you to find talent from around the world.

7. Suppliers and Partnerships

Establish relationships with suppliers for raw materials, equipment, and marine components. Building strong partnerships can lead to better pricing and support for your boat manufacturing process.

8. Manufacturing and Quality Control

Set up your boat manufacturing process and implement strict quality control measures. Ensure that your boats meet international safety and quality standards. Quality is key in the competitive boat building market.

9. Marketing and Branding

Develop a strong brand presence for your boat building business. Utilize digital marketing, participate in boat shows, and build a website showcasing your boat models. Dubai’s cosmopolitan atmosphere provides ample opportunities for marketing.

10. Sales and Distribution

Establish a sales and distribution network for your boats. Collaborate with local dealers, distributors, and yacht brokers to reach potential buyers. Attend boat shows and exhibitions to showcase your products.

11. After-Sales Service

Offer excellent after-sales service and maintenance to build a loyal customer base. Providing ongoing support can enhance your reputation in the industry.

12. Innovation and Adaptation

Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in boat building. Dubai’s maritime industry is ever-evolving, and innovation can set you apart from the competition.

13. Sustainability

Consider environmentally friendly practices in your boat building process. Sustainable and eco-friendly boats are gaining popularity, and Dubai has a growing interest in environmental sustainability.

14. Expansion and Growth

As your boat building business flourishes, explore opportunities for expansion, both locally and internationally. Dubai’s strategic location can be a springboard for global market penetration.

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Launching a boat building business in Dubai is an exciting endeavor that can be highly rewarding. With its strategic location, business-friendly environment, and a thriving maritime industry, Dubai offers a unique platform to turn your passion for boats into a successful business. By following the steps outlined in this article and adapting to the dynamic market, you can set sail on a promising journey in the boat building industry in Dubai.

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