The Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) has announced the soft launch of a new integrated online platform, allowing yacht owners to book marina berths across Dubai through mobile and computer.
As reported by Gulf News, the rollout was introduced by Ahmad Saleh, PCFC Head of Demand and Relationship Management at the Gitex Global Conference, explaining: “We are creating this platform by connecting all the marinas in one digital platform where they will publish all their available berth within their marinas.”
With all marine facilities under one network, users will be able to log on to the UAE Pass platform to check for their desired berth and submit their selection to the marina operator. The operator would respond with the terms and agreement before finalizing the contract digitally.
As for short visits, the platform is adding infrastructure to provide instant reservations when needed, and for crew members, for example, integrated payment gateways.
“We are starting with our marinas, which belongs to the PCFC. Then it will be across all the marinas in Dubai, then we can offer it as a solution for all other emirates and globally as well,” added Saleh.
Dubai’s evolved marina landscape provides over 4,000 berths by 20 marinas. Last month, the Dubai Marine Authority introduced the “Dock and Dine” scheme, an initiative giving yacht owners, captains, and crew members the opportunity to gain access to services in Dubai’s marine offerings.
As part of the scheme introduced to boost yacht tourism in the Emirate, members are granted free moorage at the included properties, in addition to access to dining options at various restaurants within a 45-minute to one-hour proximity to the dock. Booking responses for restaurants, hotels, and entertainment options are streamlined to happen between five minutes and an hour, with direct contact to the venues.