MUSCAT -- After six years of sterling service, Marina Bandar Al Rowdha (MBAR) bade a fond farewell to its previous General Manager, George H Williams, and welcomed in Island Global Yachting (IGY) as the new operators of the Sultanate's premier marina, at a party held in honour of the departing GM at the marina's Blue Marlin restaurant, on Sunday.
Dr Noel J Guckian (OBE), the British Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman, graced the event along with other dignitaries, MBAR members, staff and invited guests. IGY is one of the world's leading developers and operators of luxury class marinas, with extensive experience in the Middle East, having already designed, developed and operated marinas such as Nakheel's signature projects, including the 'Palm Island', 'The World' and the Dubai, UAE, Waterfront.
This is why the Ministry of Tourism has chosen IGY to take over operations at MBAR. As noted by the company's Operations Manager, Captain Bruno Meier, they are aiming to build upon past achievements that has seen MBAR achieve 100 per cent berthing occupancy. Williams will be taking up new challenges, in the Sultanate, primarily focusing on his own company, Marine Developments Associates (MDA) consultants to the Sultanate's emerging marine leisure industry.
In his farewell speech, Williams said, "I have enjoyed the challenge of developing Marina Bandar Al Rowdha to its present state, with 100 per cent berthing occupancy offering a good level of service to predominantly residential customers, and will miss the staff I have worked with so well, the boat-owners, friends and colleagues." He added, "It was time to move on with my career and the opportunity to be part of the future growth, in marine related projects, was too great an opportunity to miss."
Over the past six weeks, Captain Bruno has been overseeing the re-structuring work at MBAR. He has twenty years of experience in the nautical, hospitality industry and is an internationally recognised specialist in marina management. He noted, "Marina Bandar Al Rowdha is a perfect opportunity for IGY to prove their unwavering commitment to providing only the finest facilities and services in the industry. Located at the gateway to Oman's scenic coastline, MBAR is uniquely positioned, both geographically and commercially to take advantage of a growing residential and tourist population."
Commenting on his future aspirations at MBAR, he said, "I intend to raise the level of existing services to a premier level of standards, as in all other IGY's worldwide locations." MBAR is open to the public and, besides the delectable Blue Marlin restaurant; there are a number of sea-tourism related establishments at the premises.
By Ali Ahmed al Riyami
© Oman Daily Observer 2006
