GC Marine, the region’s leading boat and luxury yatchs manufacturer, is setting up a new 12,500 sq m manufacturing unit in order to meet the increasing demand for boats and yachts in the region.

Jamal Al Shaali, chairman, GC Marine Yacht and Boat, made the announcement prior to the company’s participation at the Dubai International Boat Show, which was held in mid-March.
GC Marine launched four new models at the show and presented new yacht designs such as the Adora 53, created by the internationally renowned designer John Berrit.
“The Gulf region has had a long historical association with the marine industry and boat building has been a major acitvity of the region for several decades,” he said. “Dubai’s worldclass waterfront and off-shore property developments has already attracted leading players from the marine industry, who are eager to plug the demand gap for marine vessels as these projects go on-stream. There are more than 12,000 boats and yachts currently in the Arabian Gulf and the remarkable growth in the number of participants in this year’s boat show, is proof of the boat and yacht industry boom in the region.”
Al Shaali estimates there are currently more than 80 companies in the Arabian Gulf who are involved in the manufacture of boats and yachts, which he says is a significant contribution to the boat industry.
A recent research report showed that the UAE was the leading boat and yacht manufacturing country in the Gulf. It also revelaed that more than 15 per cent of the vessels made in the region were exported.
“Gulf countries mainly manufacture medium-sized boats, which range from 30-60 feet in length. This is primarily because most berths in the region can accommodate only boats of that size. Several countries in the Middle East, including Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have recently undertaken major marine development projects, which will further enhance the marine industry in the Gulf,” commented Al Shaali.  
“Dubai’s marine industry is poised for tremendous growth, especially after the completion of several major tourist and commercial projects. The upcoming ‘World’ development will have two major marinas, while the ‘Palm’ project will have six marinas,” added Al Shaali.
Commenting on GC Marine’s impressive performance, Al Shaali said, “Even though we began operations only a year ago, we are proud of what we have achieved. We have manufactured over 100 boats and already have a confirmed order book for another 50. GC Marine has been adhering to international quality standards and uses the latest engineering tools while designing aerodynamic bodies. This ensures high levels of safety in extreme sea conditions and allows sailing at different speeds.”
GC Marine  has received the European Conformity (CE) marking. It is a member of the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) and the Arab Marine Industries Association (AMIA). The company has also been awarded the TUV CERT ISO 9001 : 2000 certification.