Dubai World spells out guidelines for marina operations and use

The details are contained in a new comprehensive guide book authored by the Civil Engineering Department (CED) of Ports, Customs and Freezone Corporation.

Unveiling the guide book titled, "Marinas and Small Craft Harbour Regulations and Design Guidelines," the Chief Civil Engineering Officer, Nazek al Sabbagh, said: "This guide book follows the lead established by CED with its previous publication 'Building Regulations and Design Guidelines'. It is the first of its kind in the UAE and most probably the first in any Arab country.

'It is a pioneering effort that has put together the cumulative wisdom and knowledge of major marina developers such as Nakheel and Istithmar Leisure Marinas who contributed in many ways to this important document."

The book is a comprehensive guide to marina development, starting with the simple task of providing basic mooring facilities and ending with integrated developments comprising all supplementary services of maintenance, repair, sport and other leisure facilities.

It lists all planning requirements, approval stages, design specifications for marinas and mooring systems. It also lays down navigational requirements for vessels using the marinas and specifies design loads and deals in detail with elements of mooring systems, pontoons and fenders. The book concludes with a description of service facilities such as boat lifts and launches.

It pays particular attention to the marinas' impact on the environment and provides the user with enough guidance to do the needed Environmental Impact Assessment. It also concentrates on safety during the construction phase as well as the operational life of the marina.

Mrs. Al Sabbagh said: "Our publication serves many functions: It is regulatory in nature, laying down the CED's requirements in any marina development. It also serves the vital function of communicating with developers, consultants and contractors at every stage of development. This common understanding will provide for a smooth process of development, and positive working relations amongst all parties where roles are well defined and requirements clearly listed."

Dubai has clearly established itself as the Middle East's premier destination for marinas and waterfront activities. Nakheel's developments alone will add hundreds of kilometers of beachfront to the Dubai coastline when fully completed, making it vital for a stringent code of regulations to be in place in order to ensure a safe and secure environment.

The Palm islands are the three biggest man-made islands in the world. And another Nakheel project, The World, comprises islands in the shape of the continents and will add considerably to the new beachfront to Dubai's coastline.

Dubai Waterfront will be the world's largest waterfront development, and when completed will provide residence for more than half a million people. Further inland Jumeirah Islands is the world's largest man-made inland island community.

When fully developed, Dubai will be home to thousands marina berths - the largest number for any waterfront resort in the world.

The new book sets out rules and regulations covering marina developments, including design requirements for wharfs and docks, onshore and offshore facilities, especially floating docks.

It provides a comprehensive guide to all elements of marina operations from the basic task of providing mooring facilities to complementary services, maintenance work and leisure facilities.

Using the new publication as a vehicle, CED have partnered with EFI International to start a comprehensive training and accreditation program for their staff and clients with an innovative Colour Card System.

The CED Chief Civil Engineering Officer, Ms Sabbagh, said: "With this system, we hope to spread the knowledge about our processes and empower our clients to assume a much larger role than before, leading to a smoother and faster operation and enhanced communication and relations.

"The Middle East region is certainly in need of such a publication. Across this region many splendid beaches are currently being developed into major tourist attractions and there is a growing realisation that they have to be developed according to the best international standards. We believe our book of guidelines will prove useful to all the people of the region, not just in Dubai."

The CED also hopes that the new guide book will acquaint the key players with the full scope of marina development, and serve as an educational tool for universities.