Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) has appointed the leisure and hospitality company Belevari Marine to operate a new marina at its Eastern Mangroves complex in Abu Dhabi.
TDIC, the government-owned master developer of many of Abu Dhabi’s biggest tourism projects announced that it had appointed Belevari for an undisclosed sum to operate the 30-berth marina, close to the Eastern Mangroves hotel, which can house boats and yachts ranging from 8 to 33 metres in length.
Belevari currently operates catamaran and speed boat cruises in the waters around Abu Dhabi island.
The new marina includes 24-hour security, trolley, golf buggy and battery charging services, electricity and water connections, and mooring assistance.
It will be located next to a pedestrian zone that will be known as the Promenade, and which will comprise a souq-type retail avenue of six restaurants, a supermarket, and a beauty salon. TDIC said that the restaurants would begin to open over the coming months.
“We anticipate our marinas to enjoy high demand by boat owners, especially at the newly open Eastern Mangroves Marina,” said Ahmed Al Fahim, TDIC’s executive director of marketing, communications, sales and leasing. “The Promenade will start to attract visitors and residents with the opening of its restaurants and dining venues.”
Belevari added that had also signed a deal to operate Al Bateen Wharf, which is currently under construction in the capital and will comprise a 323-berth marina that can house boats and yachts ranging from 10 to 18 metres in length.
The Eastern Mangroves complex is one of TDIC’s major tourism developments. It comprises a 222-room five-star hotel operated by the Thai chain Anantara as well as 88 suites operated by Jannah Hotels & Resorts and 127 rental apartments.
“We have already started to receive requests for registrations at the Eastern Mangroves and anticipate the marina to add more life to the promenade, especially as new restaurants start to open,” said Captain Berend Lens van Rijn, the chief executive of Belevari Marine.
lbarnard@thenational.ae
