Sunreef Yachts Middle East has entered a cooperation with RAK Maritime City for the development of a new facility on a 65,000sqm land reserve in Ras Al Khaimah. The signing ceremony was in the presence of Sheikhs, dignitaries and industry professionals.
Sunreef has two production facilities in Gdansk and the Ras Al Khaimah project marks its first overseas production facility. Following the recent opening of the Sunreef Yachts Middle East office in Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, the upcoming production facility will strengthen the company’s presence in the Middle East and create a closer connection with the Asian and Australian markets.
The first units to be produced in Ras Al Khaimah will be the hybrid 55 Open Sunreef Power as well as power and sail yachts ranging from 50-70ft.
Francis Lapp, founder and President of Sunreef Yachts, said: “We couldn’t have hoped for a better location to pursue our journey in shaping a greener future for yachting. We can now further expand in an environment that merges perfect strategic location, skilled workforce and proactive mindset.
“The yachts produced in Ras Al Khaimah will elevate eco-responsible yachting to a new level and showcase industry-first technology. I would like to thank the RAK Government and RMC management for their invaluable support in making this dream possible and I look forward to building a better future for yachting here.”
Sunreef Yachts and RAK Maritime City will work together to develop the facility, which will include a modern paint shop, carpentry, upholstery and stainless steel workshops, all equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and latest robotics. The first manufacturing and CNC halls are currently nearing completion.
Sunreef chose to develop in Ras Al Khaimah, which is the northernmost of UAE’s seven emirates, due to its “exceptional incentive, industry support and easy access to key markets and transportation infrastructure”.
Sheikh Saqr bin Saud Al Qasimi said: “Ras Al Khaimah is growing its capacity across a multitude of sectors, as we continue our ongoing sustainable economic development, guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.
“Strategic partnerships are integral to the Emirate’s holistic approach to develop a strong and stable economic system with diverse resources. And with that in mind, we look forward to highlighting Ras Al Khaimah’s offering, in a bid to attract more international companies to locate here, thrive and expand into global markets.”
Sunreef described the Ras Al Khaimah project as “a world-class facility that will serve as a hub for innovation in the region and create many new jobs … [and] incorporate the latest technologies in luxury yacht building and meet the highest standards of sustainability and energy efficiency”.
www.sunreef-yachts.com