Ronautica Middle East (RME), a wholly-owned subsidiary of United Development Company (UDC) and operator/manager of The Pearl-Qatar's three marinas, today announced that Porto Arabia Marina has been awarded '5 Gold Anchors' rating from the Gold Anchor Award Scheme by the Yacht Harbor Association (TYHA).

Receiving the highest Gold Anchor rating is a significant development for the world-class Marina at Porto Arabia and for RME, in that the rating constitutes a testimony to the Marina's international standing as well as to RME's acumen in operating and managing the Marina, consequently positioning Ronautica as a leading force in Qatar's luxury boating industry. The award recognizes Porto Arabia Marina for reaching international standards set for marinas offering excellent facilities, the highest service levels for members and achieving the International Council of Marine Industry Association's (ICOMIA) Clean Marina standard.

Commenting on this recent award, Steven Stiglbauer, General Manager of Ronautica Middle East, said, "We are very proud to have received such accreditation. This award is not possible without a full team effort and the unceasing support regularly received from our parent company and master developer of The Pearl-Qatar, United Development Company.

"Porto Arabia Marina is committed to providing the highest quality facilities, customer satisfaction, safe working environment and the productive use of its resources. We take pride in upholding a clean and friendly marina environment and for achieving the 5 Gold Anchor award", Stiglbauer added.

The Gold Anchor Award Scheme is based on the TYHA Code of Practice for the design construction and operation of marinas. Ratings range from one to five gold anchors and any award issued is a sure sign of a credible, quality marina. The number of anchors, the ultimate 5 in this case, demonstrates the quality of facilities and standard of service available to berth holders as well as full compliance with statutory regulations.

The Yacht Harbor Association (TYHA) is a trade association, which operates the Which Marina portfolio and Gold Anchor Award Scheme. TYHA provides support for marinas and related business throughout the UK and internationally. Moreover, it helps marina businesses improve their services and operate to high modern standards.

About Ronautica Middle East (RME)

Ronautica Middle East is a fully owned subsidiary of United Development Company and is a trusted name in marina management and nautical services. After its incorporation in 2007, the Company established itself as an authority in the marine industry, becoming a leading force in Qatar's luxury boating business.

The Company fields a team of seasoned marina specialists charged with the management of The Pearl-Qatar's three world-class marinas. The principal operation is at Porto Arabia, and is the largest marina facility in the Middle East and one of the largest in the world. It features state-of-the-art berths for up to 850 vessels at lengths exceeding 60 meters. A second marina, at Costa Malaz, was opened in 2013 and offers 117 berths for yachts to 15 meters.

In addition to developing and operating The Pearl-Qatar's marina infrastructure, Ronautica provides a water shuttle service as well as extensive yacht charters, fuel sales and a boat cleaning service. These services will be expanded and service delivery further improved in 2015 so that revenue growth in these categories is also projected.

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