Dubai Harbour Marina Design Contract Awarded to Camper & Nicholsons Marinas

Since early 2018, working on behalf of Meraas Development LLC, Camper & Nicholsons Marinas have played an integral part in creating and designing the detail of the largest marina in the Middle East.

Currently under construction and due to be completed in time for the highly anticipated Dubai 2020, Dubai Harbour, comprising the 1,100 berth complex, split over four separate marinas, along with a cruise ship terminal, residential towers and a unique entertainment environment, will become a maritime leisure hub and a significant feature of the Dubai waterfront.

Camper & Nicholsons Marinas had already completed a detailed design review and study for the marina which included a comprehensive market assessment and international market positioning strategy, culminating in a concept design and feasibility report for all elements of the four marinas in Dubai Harbour, including some of the largest superyacht berths in the world. Camper & Nicholson Marinas international expertise helped inform the marina masterplan and final design detail to ensure efficient use of water areas and ease of use for all guests of the marinas.

A rendering of the finished product besides the iconic Palm at Jumeirah

During the detailed design period, the large-scale reclamation and construction work on the marina was already well underway, requiring constant and seamless communication with the Meraas team to ensure any design changes could be made simultaneously with the construction team.

Dan Hughes Camper & Nicholsons Marinas Chief Operating Officer comments, "Marine tourism is a central pillar of Dubai's economic growth and diversification and it is fantastic to see that the work completed by Camper & Nicholsons Marinas being brought to life and incorporated in one of the most forward-thinking new marina builds in the world."

Dubai Harbour under construction

Mathieu Salomon Camper & Nicholsons Marinas Technical Director says, "The detailed design has been carefully considered to create animation close to the shoreside linking the marina with the commercial and public realm elements of the marina. We have been delighted to work so closely with the professional team at Meraas and to create a marina with a unique design and well-thought through features." And continues, "This is a great reference for Camper & Nicholsons Marinas in-house consultancy team, and we are so pleased that the marina will remain a focal point in Dubai for many years to come."

Luc Khaldoun, Senior Director of Marine Projects for Meraas comments, "Dubai Harbour will be an iconic and innovative waterfront development, successfully creating a world-class maritime facility with the best super-yacht marina and cruise terminal in the region that attracts visitors from all over the world. Combined with an exhilarating and unique entertainment offer, Dubai Harbour will be the new home of experiences, active marine tourism and living in Dubai."

Luc continues, "We chose to work with Camper & Nicholsons Marinas largely due to their solid reputation and consistent high-level of detail in marina design and consultancy projects around the world. As an operator of their own marinas, they really understand the long-term impact of design choices. Dubai Harbour is a different concept of marine living in the UAE, and we have incorporated many aspects of these forward thinking features to help create a unique environment and in-turn, hope to create greater demand for yachts in the area. Camper & Nicholsons Marinas has shared our vision of Dubai Harbour being the jewel in our crown, and the marina has been specially designed to host a plethora of yachting events and exhibitions further promoting Dubai and UAE as a yachting destination of the future."

Due to the sheer size of the Dubai Harbour project, various features formed part of the Camper & Nicholsons Marinas design, including feature platforms around the marina basin perimeters for pop-up stands, exhibits and vendors and VVIP berths; the design also includes the largest superyacht berths in the GCC Countries, up to 160m with their requisite power supplies (estimated to be in the region of 1,600 amps). The marina also incorporates, three fuel docks, a boatyard and facilities for small-scale re-fit and maintenance, crew facilities and operations control.

Photo credits: Thumbnail, copyright Dubai International Boat Show, modified; others courtesy of C&N Marinas