New Dubai-based boat and yacht manufacturer aims to cater to the growing marine industry in the Middle East

Jamal Al Shaali, a veteran seaman who is credited for shaping the marine industry in the UAE, has launched a leisure and commercial boating company, GC Marine Yacht and Boat, to cater to the growing demand for luxury yachts and boats in the Middle East.

The new company was launched at a press conference held at the Crowne Plaza in Dubai today (Wednesday, February 25, 2004). Jamal Al Shaali, Chairman of GC Marine Yacht and Boat, is a member of the prominent Al Shaali family, who have had a long and historic association with the marine industry for decades. Al Shaali has made a significant contribution to developing the marine industry by being the first to manufacture and promote locally manufactured boats and yachts to the international market, in his previous role as General Manager of a leading boat and yacht manufacturing company in the Middle East.

GC Marine Yacht and Boat will initially manufacture 20 to 70 foot fishing boats, luxury yachts and ferries. The company's fleet will have the advantage of Al Shaali's years of experience on Gulf waters, combined with adherence to international quality standards. The company will operate from its state-of-art manufacturing facility at Al Jadaf, Dubai Ship Docking Yard.

"With the recent boom in the construction of waterfront properties and a swiftly growing network of marinas across the GCC, the marine industry is receiving a tremendous boost. Nearly 2000 additional marina berths will be added to the existing capacity in the next five years in the UAE alone. Qatar and Bahrain have also initiated major waterfront projects and properties. The potential in this sector is immense. Moreover, the new constructions are attracting large numbers of multi-national expatriates and locals with high purchasing power and luxurious lifestyles," said Jamal Al Shaali, Chairman of GC Marine Yacht and Boat.

"On the other hand, there is a growing acceptance among international boating enthusiasts for boats and yachts manufactured in the Middle East. A member of the ABYC (American Boat and Yacht Council), GC Marine Yacht and Boat aims to cater to this growing segment of boating enthusiasts with a range of fishing boats and yachts, ideal for sporting or recreation on Gulf or European waters. Our boats are created by qualified engineers with strict adherence to quality standards in order to also cater to the growing international boating market. They are manufactured in a state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled facility in Dubai. They are certified by RINA, the industry leader in marine equipment and apparatus certification, and will also be CE certified to sail in European waters. A service warranty ranging between three and five years is also supplied with each boat," added Al Shaali.

"The UAE has a long association with the sea, and boat building is one of Dubai's oldest traditions. GC Marine will aim at continuing the boating tradition in Dubai, regarded as the center of commerce, trade and tourism in the region. Dubai is also recognised as the region's key trade zone for the marine industry, owing to its natural climate and good on-land technical support network. Thanks to a sailing tradition that goes back centuries and its reputation as a busy seaport, Dubai already has in place an effective network of on-shore support. The city also boasts favourable warm sunny weather, calm, blue waters steady, predictable wind, and negligible current and tide almost throughout the year. With these advantages, we are confident that GC Marine will be able to capture a sizeable share of the marine market," concluded Al Shaali.

GC Marine's range of boats includes the Sooly 31 and Sooly 26 sports fishing boats; the Sea Breeze 26, a small cruising boat and Adora 38 and Adora 70, which are excellent sport cruisers for a day cruise or for fishing tours.