RAK Ports and Kleindienst Group, the developer behind The Heart of Europe project, have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding to establish a new maritime facility in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah that will be able to support floating residences and the first giga-yacht built in the GCC
This state-of-the-art shipyard will consist of four sections.
The first section, called “Viking”, will include the design and construction of a 144-metre gigyacht, the first of its kind built outside of Europe. With the construction of this gigayacht, Ras Al Khaimah will join the ranks of the Netherlands, Germany and Italy as the fourth region in the world capable of building gigayachts, and the first destination in the entire GCC region capable of building gigayachts. There are currently fewer than 100 gigayachts worldwide.
The second section of the shipyard includes a “Coral Garden” section, which focuses on the construction of the first underwater living experience in the heart of Europe in the form of the Seahorse Floating Villas, the Venice floating resort, the Lido hotel, the floating solar systems and gardens and coral reefs transported from the Heart of Europe project, a $6 billion six-island destination within The World Islands, located 6 kilometers off the coast of Dubai.
The “Tug” section will be responsible for the construction of barges, supply and transport vessels, with plans to more than double the Kleindienst Group's current fleet.
Finally, the “Ferry” section will be dedicated to the transportation of passengers and fishing boats, as well as sailing and diving boats. With new reef areas in Dubai, the diving industry is set for significant growth. The initial global scope of work planned includes approximately 200 ships.
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Josef Kleindienst, Founder and Chairman of the Kleindienst Group, said: “We are extremely grateful to the rulers of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai; as well as His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, who have created a business-friendly ecosystem for the improvement of extremely innovative maritime, tourism and hospitality projects.”
“We are delighted to partner with RAK Ports on this innovative venture. This collaboration underlines our commitment to promoting the marine industry and fostering economic growth in the UAE. Ras Al Khaimah’s strategic location and investment-friendly environment make it an ideal hub for our ambitious shipbuilding and maritime projects,” he added.
Roy Anthony Cummins, CEO of RAK Ports, stated: “We are pleased to welcome the Kleindienst Group to Ras Al Khaimah. This partnership aligns with our vision of developing world-class infrastructure and attracting leading global companies. “The establishment of this maritime facility will bring significant economic and employment benefits to the region.”
The shipyard will also house a Maritime Academy that will collaborate with the best professionals in the industry.
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