The recent Dubai Boat Show was part of a campaign by the Emirate and the city to promote itself as a marine lifestyle destination – and the more you look around, the more you realise the connection between Dubai and the sea.
Apart from the gleaming glass skyscrapers, Dubai’s traditional symbols and tourism activities revolve around the desert. 4WD tours of sand-dunes, camels and tents are what many visitors associate with the region. Dubai is perhaps lesser known for its beaches, which are clean and mostly uncrowded and enjoy blue skies and perfect weather for much of the year.
Marine Traditions
You don’t need to look far to see how the sea is embedded in the culture of Dubai. The logo of the police features a sailing boat, the 20 dirham note also features the same motif and the history of pearl diving, fishing and trading is well known.
These traditions are still alive and well, through spectacular traditional dhow racing events that are sponsored at the highest level and fiercely contested.
Seaside Living
From established communities like the ‘Palm’ and Marina to new developments like Bluewaters or the Bulgari Residences and Yacht Club, Dubai’s property developers understand the desire for residents and visitors to be next to the beach. Just take a look at the names of Meeras’ destinations – The Beach, La Mer and Dubai Harbour.
Dubai has also recently extended the waterside living areas into the center of the city through the Dubai Water Canal.
Even the ambitious ‘World Islands’ project is beginning to get some traction. The ‘Heart of Europe’ promises to recreate seaside resort towns from France and Italy alongside ‘Seahorse’ houses that float with the bedroom being underwater.
As well as residential units and hotel rooms, these developments will increase the number of berths for boats and yachts.
WaterSports and Beaches
While boat-builders hope that the increased seaside living will create demand for boats, destinations like Kite Beach have shown that there is an appetite to spend time at the beach to work out, run, play volleyball, eat, kite-surf and Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP). Businesses like SALT – which started as a beachside foodtruck have become very popular with ex-pats and locals alike.
Love them or hate them – Jetskis or Aquabikes are commonly seen around the beaches of Dubai and the World Championships have been hosted by the Emirate. Powerboating is also popular – both the traditional wooden boats and modern offshore ‘Formula One’ style racing.
Marine Tourism
Dubai is also investing is raising its profile as a cruise ship hub. Dubai Harbour is expected to house a Cruise Ship terminal that can accommodate 6000 passengers at one time. Dubai currently receives 650,000 maritime travellers out of a global market estimated at 25.3 million passengers by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA).
