2023 Edition | Abu Dhabi Maritime

2023 Winners

Celebrate the Champions! See who took home the prestigious awards in 2023.

Best in Environment

Ayla Marina, Jordan

Runner Up: Marina Smir, Morocco

Best in Practice

Aldar Marina, Abu Dhabi

Runner Up: D Marin, Dubai UAE

Best in Safety

Ayla Marina, Jordan

Runner Up: Royal Yacht Club of Ras Al Khaimah, RAK, UAE

Best in Service

Dubai Creek Marina, Dubai UAE

Runner Up: D Marin, Dubai UAE

Best in Sustainability

Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina, Saudi Arabia

Runner Up: Gocek Marina, Turkey

Best Overall

D Marin Turgutreis, Turkey

Runner Up: joint position ; Royal Yacht Club of Ras AL Khaimah, RAK, UAE & Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Popular Marina

Mangrove / Dalma Marine

2023 JUDGES

Capt. Salmeen Alhammadi

Head of Business Development

Emirates Classification Society

Captain Saif Al Mheiri

Managing Director

Abu Dhabi Maritime

Gunther Alvarado

Chief Operating Officer

Al Seer Marine

Patricia Caswell

General Manager

Gulf Craft Services

Capt. Michael Fetton

Managing Director

JLS Yachts

Farrokh Golchin

Managing Director

StratConn LLC

Richard Haws

Senior Director for Marinas

Red Sea Global

Capt. Salmeen Alhammadi

Capt.Salmeen Alhammadi is Head of Business Development at Emirates Classification Society. He is a seasoned professional with a robust background in the field of business development and operations, particularly within the onshore and offshore sectors, marine, shipping including oil and gas, with more than 18 years of experience.

Career highlights include his role as Head of Business Development/ISD at Emirates Classification Society where he was responsible for coordinating activities to ensure high standards, conditions and safe operation of marine operations and activities.

During his tenure as VP - Business Development/Head of Marketing/Dept. Head of Port & Offshore Commercial at ADNOC L&S, his strategic acumen came to the forefront, navigating the complex landscape of logistics and compliance, forging connections across multiple entities for the cohesive execution of regulatory activities and seamless logistics operations.

Gunther Alvarado

Gunther Alvarado became captivated by the maritime industry at a very early age whilst accompanying his father, a veteran ABS surveyor, on multiple ship surveys around Central America.

After his undergraduate studies in North America, he has dedicated over two decades of his career to the superyacht industry, serving in both onboard and ashore capacities. Today, Gunther leads the ongoing development of the Leisure & Commercial business segments at Al Seer Marine, a leading marine company in the Middle East.

Overseeing one of the world’s largest superyacht operations with a talented team of +700 crew and support staff, Gunther has first-hand experience in influencing the world’s superyacht industry to maintain peak performance and together overcoming challenges with revolutionary solutions.

Gunther strongly believes that the superyacht industry has immense synergies and opportunities in the UAE and Middle East where we can help develop the next chapters of the superyacht industry.

Patricia Caswell

Dedicated to a life at sea, Patricia Caswell is an experienced maritime professional, serving as a Superyacht Captain. With a career spanning over 27 years, Patricia is known for her commitment to excellence, professionalism, and her deep passion for luxury yachting and the marine industry.

In her role as a Superyacht Captain, Patricia has successfully navigated some of the world's most challenging and prestigious waters. Her extensive knowledge of marine operations, safety protocols, and yacht management has earned her a reputation for ensuring the utmost comfort and security for discerning yacht owners and their guests.

In addition to her maritime expertise, Patricia has seamlessly transitioned into the role of combining Captain and Ultra High Net Worth (UHNW) Family Asset Manager. She possesses a deep understanding of the unique financial and lifestyle needs of high-net-worth individuals, effectively overseeing complex personal assets and private affairs for prominent families. Her ability to provide tailored solutions while maintaining the highest levels of discretion reflects her unwavering commitment to client satisfaction and trust.

Expanding her influence in the luxury yachting industry, Patricia now serves as the General Manager of Gulf Craft Services, a leading destination for yacht maintenance, repair, and customization, known for its reputation as a world-class service provider.

Capt. Michael Fetton

Capt. Michael Fetton is from Ireland and began working in the Marine Industry over 3 decades ago.

The first few years provided him excellent training in seamanship along with the experience of traveling the world. During these years, Mike has challenged himself to learn every aspect of this industry, having worked on a wide range of boats from power to sail, high speed to displacement, and everything in between. In 2006 Mike moved to ashore and held positions of Project Manager, Business Development Manager, and Operations Manager.

Mike Fetton joined JLS Yachts in November 2015. Mike took on his current role for JLS Yachts in 2019 he become the Managing Director of JLS Yachts and its 5 divisions namely Superyacht Middle East, JLS Yacht Training Institute, The Yacht & Charter Management Company, Crew Placement Middle East and the newly opened Waypoint Trading.

Mike’s role as an MD of JLS Yachts is to control and oversee all business operations of the Company and its divisions. He provides inspiration, motivation and guidance to the managers in the company to be able to achieve its objectives effectively and efficiently.

Farrokh Golchin

Farrokh Golchin B. Eng. Civil, is the Managing Director of StratConn LLC, supplier of equipment and services to marinas in GCC and beyond.

As a professional with over 20 years of leisure marine industry experience, he has held senior positions within associations and companies in the leisure marine sector and has developed an in-depth and nuanced understanding of marinas and their impact on the greater marine industry.

Currently Farrokh sits on the Advisory Board of Global Marina Institute (GMI) as representative from the Middle East, which delivers globally recognized CMM and IMM certification and marina training with the aim of maintaining and increasing standards in marinas across the world as well as the Board of the Leisure Marine Association MENA.

Richard Haws

At the forefront of marina development projects in the GCC for almost 20 years, Richard Haws has been instrumental in the growth of leisure yachting in the UAE, launching marinas including Dubai Marina, Emirates Palace, Business Bay, Al Bateen, Al Zorah and Royal Yacht Club Ras Al Khaimah.

A previous host and multi-award winner at the Arabian Gulf Yachting Awards (2010 & 2013, since 2019 Richard has been engaged at Red Sea Global in Riyadh as Senior Director for Marinas.

Tasked with developing a new portfolio of 13 marina properties and yacht clubs across the Red Sea coastline, he is also pushing new technology boundaries by establishing a transportation network of electric and hydrogen-powered yachts.

Captain Saif Al Mheiri

Captain Saif Al Mheiri is the Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Maritime, which has been established as the primary custodian of Abu Dhabi’s waterways and tasked with helping position Abu Dhabi as a leading global maritime capital.

Captain Al Mheiri brings over 20 years of professional experience, which includes multiple senior positions at the Department of Municipalities & Transport, ADNOC Logistics & Services, ADNATCO and NGSCO. His experience spans different industries and covers a variety of areas including strategy, planning, business development, mergers and acquisitions, and transformation.

ship operations, digitalisation and innovation, oil and gas, and industrial sectors. Furthermore, he served with distinction in his role as one of the leaders that assisted in developing the Abu Dhabi Plan Maritime, which serves as the main strategy for the development of Abu Dhabi’s maritime sector.

Management, Certificates of Competency (CoC) in Master Mariners, CoC Chief Mate, an Advanced Diploma of Applied Nautical Science, CoC Second Mate, and Diploma of Applied Nautical Science.

Testimonials

Hear what past participants say about the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards.

Captain Mike Fetton

JLS Yachts

Dear Abu Dhabi, Maritime Awards. I am writing to extend my heartfelt gratitude for the honor of being invited to serve as a judge for the inaugural Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards Marina Edition. It was an absolute pleasure and privilege to participate in such a prestigious event that celebrates excellence in marinas.

ADEL MAANI

Marina Manager | Ayla Marina

Please allow me to congratulate and thank you for organizing the Abu Dhabi boat show, the Abu Dhabi Maritime Award – Marina edition, and for hosting us. It is with immense pride and gratitude that I stood before you, on behalf of Ayla, to accept the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards for the Best in Environment and Best in Safety.

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Adel Maani
Marine Manager,
Ayla

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Dimitris Lorentzoz
Director of Marinas,
Aldar Marinas

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Omar Nashashibi
Director of Revenue & Business
Development, Ayla

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Selcuk Balci
Managing Director,
D-Marin

Captain Mike Fetton

JLS Yachts

Dear Abu Dhabi, Maritime Awards.

I am writing to extend my heartfelt gratitude for the honor of being invited to serve as a judge for the inaugural Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards Marina Edition. It was an absolute pleasure and privilege to participate in such a prestigious event that celebrates excellence in marinas.

Moreover, I wanted to take a moment to commend the exceptional efforts and dedication exhibited by the entire team involved in organizing and executing the awards. The meticulous planning, tireless commitment, and unwavering passion that went into orchestrating this event were truly commendable. It was evident that each member of the team poured their heart and soul into making the awards a resounding success.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the nominees and winners. Each submission stood as a testament to the hard work, ingenuity, and dedication prevalent in the marine leisure industry It was a humbling experience to witness such remarkable achievements.

Once again, I express my gratitude for involving me in this esteemed endeavor. I am honored to have been part of the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards Marina Edition, and I look forward to witnessing the continued success and growth of this incredible event in the years to come.

Please convey my sincere appreciation to the entire team for their outstanding contributions.

Warmest regards,

ADEL MAANI

Marina Manager | Ayla Marina

Please allow me to congratulate and thank you for organizing the Abu Dhabi boat show, the Abu Dhabi Maritime Award – Marina edition, and for hosting us.

It is with immense pride and gratitude that I stood before you, on behalf of Ayla, to accept the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards for the Best in Environment and Best in Safety. This honor not only celebrates our marina's physical beauty and facilities but also our unwavering commitment to excellence, sustainability, and safety.

Ayla's vision is a seamless blend of Aqaba's rich heritage with the pulse of modern innovation. We've attempted to construct more than just a marina but a vibrant hub where the timeless character of Aqaba is honoured amidst contemporary experiences. Our design philosophy was simple: to reflect the city's spirit in every curve and cornerstone while introducing facilities that redefine seaside living.

Sustainability and safety are at the forefront of our operations. We've invested in cutting-edge technologies and practices to ensure that our impact on the environment is not only mitigated but also contributes positively to the ecological balance. It's this forward-thinking approach that we believe is key to providing an exceptional experience. We wanted to create a sanctuary for families, a playground for the adventurous, and a retreat for those seeking tranquillity.

In receiving these awards, we reaffirm our commitment to the city of Aqaba — to enhance its allure, celebrate its culture, and contribute to its economy without compromising the charm that has been its signature for centuries.

Thank you once again for this honour, which stands as a beacon, guiding us toward even greater achievements in service, innovation, and community building.

Looking forward to participating in the 2024 event.

Kind regards

2023 Gallery

VENUE DETAILS

Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre ADNEC Group

Khaleej Al Arabi Street P.O. Box 5546

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Contact us

Contact@maritime-awards.com