Dubai Properties, a leading UAE-based real estate master developer and asset manager, has broken ground on the newest marina in Dubai at Marasi Business Bay.

The installation of the pontoons, which marked the occasion, took place in the presence of Abdulla Lahej, group CEO of Dubai Properties at the Marasi Business Bay Promenade.

Launched by Dubai Holding and Dubai Properties Group in May 2016, the Dh1-billion ($272 million) mixed-use Marasi Business Bay is well on track to becoming the city’s most sought-after waterfront destination. It features unique water homes with pools and floating restaurants and is located along the city’s newest attraction – the Dubai Water Canal. Marasi Business Bay hosts the Park, the Pier and the Marina that will eventually comprise 800 berths in total, making it the region’s first purpose-built yachting hub.

Set for completion in the third quarter, Phase One of the marina will feature 157 berths varying in size from 8 to 35 m that are fitted out with all essential facilities for boat owners, including potable water, power supply, drainage and sewage in line with the highest international standards.

Lahej said the ground-breaking marked  a significant milestone in the development of Marasi Business Bay, and was “testimony to our commitment of creating destinations that provide exceptional lifestyle experiences for residents and visitors alike – reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global tourism destination”.

“The new marina at Marasi Business Bay will leverage the latest advances in construction and engineering for its on-schedule completion, offering the city a new active urban lifestyle dimension and waterfront destination,” he added.

The Marasi Business Bay marina will be constructed using state-of-the-art Seaflex technology, making it one of the few marinas in the country to employ the innovative environment-friendly mooring solution. Seaflex provides secure moorings even under the worst weather conditions. The stable self-regulating system elongates and retracts in a smooth, even movement according to the water levels.

The one-of-a-kind Marasi Business Bay marina will offer unobstructed breathtaking views of Dubai’s skyline. It is claimed to be the only marina in the emirate to combine the natural elements of greenery and water, with lush palms and planters providing verdant foliage all along the boardwalk. Marasi Business Bay, at the heart of the extension of the Dubai Water Canal, offers ample parking in a bid to make it an ideal destination.