Milaha constructs new QR80mn Yachts and Ships Yard at Marsa Port in Umm Alhoul Free Zone

Qatar’s Marsa Port will soon become home to the newly-developed Milaha Yachts and Ships Yard, following an agreement between Milaha and Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA).

A strategic collaboration agreement was signed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal al-Thani, chief executive officer of QFZA and Fahad bin Saad al-Qahtani, Group chief executive officer of Milaha, the industry-leading provider of maritime and logistics solutions, on the sidelines of this year’s Qatar Boat Show, in the presence of Minister of Transport HE Jassim Saif Ahmed al-Sulaiti and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani, Milaha chairman.

The agreement and new facility will reaffirm Milaha and QFZ’s commitment to support Qatar's growing position as a global maritime services hub, aiming to create new job opportunities, with a focus on prioritising the attraction of Qatari talent.

The Milaha Yacht Yard will be located at the Marsa Port within Umm Alhoul Free Zone and span 22,000sq m. It is set to include two covered sheds, three workshops, and an expansive open yard, making it an ideal environment for a wide range of services.

The major project seeks to meet the increasing demand for maintenance services for luxury yachts, naval ships, and wooden boats (traditional dhows), as well as refits, exterior upgrades, modifications, and necessary repairs.

"We are working to develop Marsa Port at an accelerated pace and aim to achieve multiple milestones in the near future as part of our commitment to enhancing the infrastructure in our free zones. We are confident that these steps will create an attractive investment ecosystem that will not only boost opportunities in the maritime industry and yacht tourism but also promote sustainable economic growth, strengthening Qatar's unparalleled connectivity to the world," said Sheikh Mohammed.

He highlighted Qatar's position as a preferred destination for international maritime companies and as a unique regional hub that supports growth and expansion throughout the Middle East.

"This agreement will enhance the efficiency of maritime industry operations at Marsa Port and elevate the level of services provided by Milaha, aligning with international best practices. It leverages the port’s exceptional advantages, most notably its strategic location in the business-friendly Umm Alhoul Free Zone, positioning it as a premier hub for regional and international maritime operations,” said al-Qahtani.

Marsa Port is strategically located in the Umm Alhoul free zone, adjacent to Hamad Port, the world’s largest Greenfield seaport, and only 20 minutes from central Doha city. Marsa has a 7.5 meter deep draught, which serves as a base for companies from around the world to conduct a variety of activities including ocean vessel building and repair, internal design and fit-out, ship provisions supply, safety training, boat brokerage as well as maritime research.

The port’s Synchro Lift is designed to accommodate vessels more than 70m in length and weighing more than 2,200 tonnes, it will also feature a travel lift designed to handle vessels up to 30m in length and weighing up to 300 tonnes.