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-ever giga-yacht built in the GCC
This state-of-the-art shipyard will comprise of four sections.
The first section, called the “Viking” section, will include the design and construction of a 144-metre giga-yacht – the first of its kind to be built outside of Europe. With the construction of this giga-yacht, Ras Al Khaimah will join the ranks of the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy as the fourth region in the world capable of constructing giga-yachts – and the first destination in the entire GCC region capable of building giga-yachts. Currently, there are less than 100 giga-yachts across the entire world.
The second section of the shipyard includes a “Coral Garden” section, which focuses on the construction of The Heart of Europe’s first-of-its-kind underwater living experience in the form of the Floating Seahorse Villas, the Floating Venice resort, the Floating Lido hotel, floating solar systems, and coral gardens and reefs transported from The Heart of Europe project – a US$6 billion six-island destination within The World Islands, located 6 kms off the coast of Dubai.
The “Tug” section will handle the construction of barges, supply, and transportation vessels, with plans to more than double Kleindienst Group’s current fleet.
Finally, the “Ferry” section will be dedicated to passenger transportation 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 overall scope of work planned includes approximately 200 boats.
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Josef Kleindienst, founder and chairman of Kleindienst Group, said: “We are extremely grateful to the UAE Rulers, 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 UAE and Ruler of Dubai; as well as, His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, who have created a business-friendly ecosystem for the enhancement of extremely innovative maritime, tourism, and hospitality projects.”
“We are thrilled to partner with RAK Ports in this groundbreaking venture. This collaboration underscores our commitment to advancing the marine industry and fostering economic growth in the UAE. Ras Al Khaimah’s strategic location and conducive investment environment make it an ideal hub for our ambitious maritime and shipbuilding projects,” he added.
Roy Anthony Cummins, CEO RAK Ports, stated: “We are pleased to welcome Kleindienst Group to Ras Al Khaimah. This partnership aligns with our vision to develop world-class infrastructure and attract leading global enterprises. The establishment of this maritime facility will bring significant economic and employment benefits to the region.”
The shipyard will also host a Maritime Academy that partners with best professionals in the industry.