A total number of 19 marina industry employees from across the Middle East are presently going through marina training in Dubai. The Global Marina Institute (GMI) approved Intermediate Marina Management (IMM) course started on 25 November and will last until 28 November.

The course is being delivered as a joint venture by the British Marine Federation (BMF) and the Marina Industries Association (MIA). This is the first time such internationally recognised marina training has been delivered in the region. The course is being delivered by professional experts and industry Certified Marina Managers (CMM’s). The CMM’s are from the UAE, Australia and Spain.

GMI Chairman Mick Bettesworth CMM said conducting this first IMM course in the UAE was a major development for the marina industry in the region and for the GMI. “GMI members the BMF and MIA are extremely pleased with the response from across the Middle East to participation in the IMM course. The excellent level of participation demonstrates the rapidly maturing status of the marina sector across the region. It also indicates the commitment by investors and leaders in the sector to ensure that marina staff are participating in the internationally recongised GMI marina training pathway.”

Bruno Meier CMM and General Manager ART Marine Marinas based in Dubai is actively involved in the course program. He said, “The excellent numbers participating in the course indicates the regions rapidly growing significance as a serious provider of world class marina facilities and services.” Steve Sammes CMM and a MIA and GMI director said the joint venture with BMF was an important development with the course reflecting the global nature of the marina industry. “To see such a high quality gathering of marina personnel from across the globe get behind this course is a great example of the work GMI is doing through its member organisations.”