A Sharjah-based company is relaunching its marina on the east coast of Musandam in Oman in a bid to tap rising demand from sailing events.
Zighy Marina, a 45-berth and three-pontoon facility, is expected to relaunch under new management officially next month. The parent company, Intermass Engineering and Contracting, has invested Dh15 million so far in the facility.
The marina can accommodate craft from 15 feet up to 100 feet in length. Monthly berth prices range from Dh500 to more than Dh10,000.
"We are the only marina in the entire east coast of Musandam, so we are more than just a parking lot," said Nour Al Sayed, the head of design and production at Al Marakeb Boat Manufacturing, a sister company of Zighy Marina. "We are a stopping point for boats going in and out of the [Arabian] Gulf."
The marina plans to be a host during the Sailing Arabia yacht race in March.
Sailing in the Gulf is growing in popularity. The Volvo Ocean Race made its first Middle East stopover in Abu Dhabi last year, and will make another during the 2014/2015 race.
"While people are becoming more and more aware [of us], it is not a party hot spot," Ms Al Sayed said of Musandam. "People are still hesitant to come because it's in the middle of nowhere."
