Jadaf Dubai, the Gulf’s oldest ship repair yard, is in the process of concluding lease contracts for the spaces within its new plot at the Dubai Maritime City, a purpose-built zone for marine operations such as boat building and maintenance workshops, warehouses, commercial outlets and offices.

Around 85 per cent of the new Jadaf site area of 106 hectares has been booked by companies operating out of the existing Jadaf site on Dubai Creek. Most represent local, regional and international companies specialising in repair and maintenance of steel vessels.
According to Khamis Abdulla bin Jarsh, assistant general manager, Jadaf Dubai, the handing over of the leased units will begin early in the second quarter of 2007 as part of Jadaf’s relocation of its entire operations to Dubai Maritime City. The shifting is being carefully executed in order to avoid disruption of the work for companies operating out of Jadaf’s current site or jeopardising the interests of their customers.
“A master plan for classifying and distributing land and buildings was drawn up with help from specialists from the marine industry. The result was an integrated complex offering all facilities in line with Jadaf Dubai’s operations, especially with regard to ship lifting using very advanced equipment,” the official says.
Due to the increase in demand, new applicants for industrial space are required to submit details of their finances and future plans for not less than five years. A work team formed by Jadaf will closely monitor the implementation of the required criteria.
“At the new location, we have allocated space for traditional sea craft in a bid to encourage the national owners of small ventures. They will be offered lease at favourable rates in line with the vision of the Dubai Government which aims to support such businesses,” says Khamis Abdulla.
Jadaf’s new master plan includes 82 workshops (of 5,000 and 10,000 sq ft) for maintenance and repairs of boats and small and medium-sized vessels, in addition to 82 warehouses of 5,000 sq ft each.
As for commercial outlets, more than 30 separate units are to be leased to companies trading in marine equipment, accessories, spare parts, engines and lubricants, in addition to units allocated for offices, restaurants and showrooms.