Building on the success of its Blue Flag accreditation as well as a successful year establishing itself as the preeminent yachting and regatta destination in the enchanting Middle Eastern yacht charter location – Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace Marina was recently honoured with the international ‘5 Gold Anchor’ certification by UK-based marina industry body, The Yacht Harbour Association.
Prestigious ‘5 Gold Anchor Award’ for ART Marine Marinas' Emirates Palace Marina
Set in the lush grounds of the iconic Emirates Palace Hotel, with its infamous gold bar vending machine, Emirates Palace Marina is a sheltered 167-berth haven for yachts up to 140 metres. Offering secure berthing for a diverse selection of yachts, in addition to luxury motoryachts, the marina is home of the Abu Dhabi Cruising Association sailing club, and also acts as the Abu Dhabi hub for Seawings seaplanes for those who wish to arrive at Emirates Palace in style.
In her assessment notes, Mieke Vleugels, the Award assessor, stated “The name Emirates Palace itself evokes an image of luxury, refinement and excellent service and I was glad to find out that Emirates Palace Marina more than lives up to the grand expectations set by the legendary hotel. The marina combines exclusivity with a personal approach that will have any berth holder or visitor feeling welcome. Staying at Emirates Palace Marina is like catching a glimpse from a fairytale world, all the while enjoying the comfort and cosmopolitanism modern Abu Dhabi has to offer.”
Operated and respected in marinas around the world, the Gold Anchor scheme is a voluntary assessment programme which is focussed on customer service and providing quality facilities for the boat owner. Ratings range from one to five Gold Anchors and provide assurance of quality and credibility of the marina.
Emirates Palace Marina is managed by ART Marine Marinas. On the announcement, ART Marine Marinas General Manager, Bruno Meier, said, “I am proud of our achievements at Emirates Palace Marina, and look forward to adding a few more ART Marine Marinas to the list of recipients of this prestigious industry recognition”.
Luxury is a key term at the marina as berth holders are treated to the refinement one expects in a five-star hotel. Everything is possible, from onboard dining to butler service, laundry to ‘valet’ boat docking. Though catering to yachts of all sizes, the marina is designed for superyachts over 30-metres in length, and as such has a high level of security, 24-hour assistance and emergency equipment expected by yacht crew and owners.
Capt. Toby Haws, Marina Manager, is ably assisted by a small but strong team, all of whom take customer service to a new level. “The role of Emirates Palace Marina is not just to exceed the expectation of our bertholders and visitors, but also to set the standard for yachting in the region,” he explained. “This is why we aligned ourselves with the Gold Anchor program, as it is now the global benchmark to achieve. Assessing facility, customer service and environmental responsibility, it looks at all areas a modern marina operator must perform in.”
Welcoming long term bertholders and visitors alike, Emirates Palace Marina is the ideal destination for those cruising to Abu Dhabi, with instant access to the sea, full fuel, water, electricity, wifi and clubhouse provision, a city centre location and of course all the 24-hour services of a 5-star hotel. As its assessor closed her report: “This marina’s efforts to set an example are nothing less than admirable.”
