The industry in the region continues to grow with Doha's newest marina now open for business

Dubai, UAE, 6 June 2011: Mourjan Marinas IGY, the developer and manager of luxury marinas and yachting lifestyle destinations, has welcomed the first yacht into Lusail Marina, Doha's stunning waterfront destination located within the prestigious Lusail City development.

Mourjan Marina IGY's CEO Michael Horrigan and Eng. Essa Mohammed Ali Kaldari, CEO of the Lusail Real Estate Development Company, were present to welcome the 29 metre yacht 'Lulwa' and its owner Salman Jassim Al Darwish, Chairman and CEO of Porsche in Doha, as it arrived into the world-class marina.

The milestone occasion marks the beginning of a new era in the marina industry in the Middle East as Mourjan Marinas IGY's world-class capabilities and unique focus on hospitality combined together with the services and facilities offered at the Lusail Marina District are expected to make it one of the premier boating and lifestyle locations in the region.

"We are very proud to see the arrival of the first yacht into this landmark marina, offering the community a yachting and marina lifestyle experience, which signifies the very beginning of an extremely exciting time for the industry in this region," said Michael Horrigan, CEO of Mourjan Marina IGY.

"Lusail Marina, and the wider Marina District within Lusail City, are going to be something special and will push the marina industry to a whole new level that has never been seen before in the Middle East."

Mourjan Marinas IGY, who is undertaking the full responsibility for design, construction and operation of all marinas in Lusail City, has developed 96 modern floating marina berths catering for yachts of 10-40 metres in length. The marina has received an overwhelmingly positive response from both the regional and international market with berths filling up quickly and a notable demand from high profile boat owners who are attracted by the privacy and exclusivity of the marina.

"We are pleased with the results we have seen so far," Mr Horrigan added. "People are invited to come down and see for themselves what Lusail Marina is all about."

The new marina includes three on-water lounges, which will become a café, a juice bar, a family lounge and a dedicated area designed and built for events. Unique integrated misting technology will air condition the walkways during the summer season in addition to over 10 000 sq/ft of contemporary shade structures on the marina.

The marina's features include underwater lighting, black and grey water 'pump-out' at the berths, 24 hour security, a five-star concierge service, Wi-Fi services, laundry service, a deck wash for all yachts and valet parking. In addition, the marina was designed as an eco-friendly facility, using the very best materials to meet the highest environmental management standards. The marina is utilising aluminium marina systems that are built of non-corrosive recyclable materials, including marine-grade aluminium alloy frames, composite wood deckings, plastic floats and stainless steel hardware.

"It is my honor to welcome the first of many proud boat owners to our marina and we look forward to welcoming many more as we make daily progress on our visionary Lusail City development and its state-of-the-art marinas," commented Eng. Essa Mohammed Ali Kaldari, CEO of the Lusail Real Estate Development Company.

Lusail City, which covers 38 square kilometers north of Doha, is not only Qatar's largest domestic real estate project, it is one of the most prestigious community developments currently being undertaken in the region and world at large. Lusail represents a new way of thinking about the environment in which 190,000 residents, 170,000 workers, and 90,000 visitors will live, work and play. Lusail City will encompass not only new residential, commercial, and retail opportunities, but a full array of community needs, complete with schools, hospitals, entertainment and social centers. Lusail City is a visionary development master-planned by QATARI DIAR to become a unique state-of-the-art city in Qatar, the region, and worldwide.

"I am excited to be the first boat owner in the Lusail Marina, and to be part of this great project." said Salman Jassim Al Darwish, Chairman and CEO of Porsche in Doha. "This is a stunning location and a truly one of a kind marina. As a boat owner you could not ask for anything better."

Mourjan Marinas IGY utilises its design, engineering, management and marketing expertise to benefit waterfronts around the world with the vision to be at the forefront of the maritime industry in the Middle East.   

-Ends-

Mourjan Marinas IGY
Mourjan Marinas IGY is an international marina developer, operator and investor based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Operating under a new name after an alliance between Island Global Yachting (IGY) and G-Marin; Mourjan Marinas IGY continues to drive the growth of marina development throughout the Middle East.  The company offers the full range of technical, development, operations, marketing and administrative expertise required to design, construct and manage world-class marina facilities internationally.

IGY
From the islands of the Caribbean to the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf and other beautiful yachting destinations around the world, IGY is redefining the very idea of luxury marina experiences.  Founded in 2005, IGY focuses on acquiring, controlling and/or servicing luxury-yacht marinas and the surrounding upland real estate properties. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, IGY also has offices in New York, NY; St. Thomas, USV. In Dubai, IGY is represented through an alliance with Mourjan Marinas IGY which provides marina development and management services throughout the Middle East.

About Lusail Real Estate Development Company W.L.L.:
Lusail Real Estate Development Company, a subsidiary of QATARI DIAR Real Estate Investment Company, was established in September 2008 and is dedicated to executing the development, construction and ongoing operations of the flagship Lusail City development project. LREDC was created to facilitate relationships with Lusail City's primary stakeholders including the investors and development partners in the project.

Lusail City is a visionary development of the State of Qatar, master-planned by QATARI DIAR and developed by LREDC, to become a unique state-of-the-art city in Qatar, the region, and worldwide. The Lusail City development project is one of the largest and most elaborate developments being undertaken around the world, over a substantial area of 38 square kilometers where 200,000 people will live, work, raise their families and enjoy their lives. It will encompass not only new residential, commercial, and retail opportunities, but a full array of community needs, complete with schools, medical facilities, entertainment and shopping centers.

For additional information please contact:
John Rynehart at Four Communications
Telephone: +971 (0) 55 980 6679
Email: mourjanmarinas@fourcommunications.com

For additional information about Lusail City please contact:
Nadine Reaidy - Brown Lloyd James
00974 66 55 7420
nadiner@brownlloydjames.com

© Press Release 2011