The International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), the voice of the boating industry worldwide, has cautioned that functionality versus form is a vital issue in the development of the Middle East’s waterfront projects.

Dan Natchez, ICOMIA’s First Vice Chairman, says keen attention to functionality will be the key element in the success of regional waterfront projects.

“Without function, the expectations of users will not only go unfulfilled, but they will eventually move to and support facilities that better meet their expectations,” he warned.

“Developers should ensure their projects avoid becoming a missed opportunity – a development that, while it may look nice, has neither achieved functionality, desirability or cost effectiveness.”

Natchez was speaking ahead of his planned address at Waterfront 2005 Dubai – the ground-breaking conference and exhibition being held in Dubai this May to give participants a glimpse of the future of regional coastline development.

Natchez said in light of such huge waterfront development, particularly in the Arabian Gulf, designers had to contemplate the needs of the marine leisure industry.

“Waterfront developments are selected, used and desired because of the water and what images it conjures,” he said. “Yet most designers design from the upland into water, rather from the water into the upland. The latter approach provides for better site lines, aesthetics, comfort of use and functionality.”

Natchez says the regional marine leisure market has the biggest potential for growth in terms of housing and in-water facilities.

“As the population and waterfront communities grow, other aspects of marine industries growth include mixed uses, commercial and industrial. As the area grows in popularity, so the tourism portion of the marine industry will likewise grow.”

Natchez is among a powerful Waterfront 2005 Dubai speaker line-up , to be held at the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel from May 9-10. The event will probe a host of waterfront issues, including environmental impact.

“Developers should attend this event to learn first-hand about the environmental concerns and the needs of the leisure industry to ensure their projects are aligned for genuine commercial success,” said Chris Hayman, Managing Director of Seatrade, the organisers of Waterfront 2005 Dubai.

“The timing of this event is very apt. The Middle East is at the beginning of a renaissance in terms of waterfront development, with governments currently approving public and private sector projects of enormous magnitude, creativity and vision. But without an event of this calibre, which brings together leading thinkers and experienced marine practitioners, some of the developments may not reach their full potential. Put simply – Waterfront 2005 Dubai will unveil the future of regional coastline development – now.”

Delegates at the event will have access to an unprecedented line up of speakers and exhibitors, all specialising in the sector, from architects, masterplanners and engineers, to industry association heads and academics.

Waterfront 2005 Dubai is being held with the full support of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dubai Ports Authority and Dubai Maritime City.