Cruising and dining on the Dubai creek is not a new idea, as many dhows and one high sea catamaran have been providing sightseeing and restaurant services for many years …

So what is so innovative on an old market?

Patrice Douce (*) “young retiree” of Sodexho Alliance” which runs successfully Bateaux Parisiens in Paris, Bateaux London in London and Bateaux New-York in New-York has been convinced that the timing was right to bring a similar concept in Dubai as the role of Dubai as the business and tourism “hub” is being confirmed every day..
The concept is to offer visitors and residents alike a genuine alternative to the traditional fine dining in Dubai upscale restaurants and the not so ”fine “ dining offered by existing players on the Dubai creek. i.e. provide the “best of the two worlds”
 

From the concept to reality what is the “trek”?

• Elaborate a clear and detailed concept with the appropriate adaptations to the local market ( i. e copy but adapt, avoiding at all time a ”me too” approach so prevalent in the Middle east !)

• Build an ambitious and conservative (!) business plan

• Find the partners (time consuming experience when you consider the partner should fit your detailed and well thought of scope of requirements )

• Build the vessel- in that case with Seine Design Engineering and Architect firm whose past experience and achievements make you confident that the “baby’ will be the “ as per your expectations , the “One and Only” to use the motto of one of the most prestigious hotels in Dubai !

• Recruit and train a team fit for the challenge and nevertheless “affordable” in terms of cost as the Dubai is indeed very competitive even for outstanding products or services..

• Overcome regulations and red tape obstacles you have never completely assessed or imagined (Everything is possible and just the opposite applies ! )

Lessons for would be entrepreneurs :

• Have a dream! Things never happen if you don’t dream of them!

• Move your dream into a vision, and into a business plan ( not funny !)

• Assess your cash, energy and enthusiasm and add 50% for “contingencies” !!

• Jump into the water and take a deep breathe, you are close to make your dream to become true..

Welcome on Board !
Al Minsaf by Bateaux Dubai is moored behind the British Embassy, Bur Dubai side, across intercontinental Hotel and sails for unforgettable dinners, lunches and sightseeing cruises and tailor made private charters Website: www.bateauxdubai.com Reservations: (04) 337 1919   (*)Welcome committee member FBC