According to Ahmed Abul-Azem of the EEAA, the environment is the number one criterion in selecting a location for a marina. The marine life should be preserved and the underwater environment strictly protected. But according to marine specialists, a marina should also be part and parcel of the tourist resort. Its position should not be decided when the resort is nearing completion. It should be decided upon from the beginning.
Investors spend millions of pounds on building concrete structures and they ignore the sea.
The marina should be designed within the framework of the hotel or tourist village. It should be part of a comprehensive study. Maintenance facilities should be provided as well as specialised workshops for repairing boats. Moreover, equipment for combating fire must be available. Khouri added that if a boat or yacht is not being used for an extended period of time, it has to be lifted and placed in a dry dock.