Dubai-based master developer Nakheel has signed an exclusive deal with CAFU, the on-demand, app-based fuel delivery service, for hundreds of boat owners on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah.

Under the agreement, signed by Nakheel chief executive, Sanjay Manchanda, and Rashid Al Ghurair, CAFU founder and chief executive, CAFU trucks – an increasingly-familiar sight on roads across Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman – have exclusive access to Marina Palm Jumeirah East and West, where more than 550 boats are moored.

Manchanda said: “With the number of boat owners in the UAE expected to double to 20,000 between now and 2025, we continue to expand our marine and leisure business by investing nearly AED180 million in new marinas at Palm Jumeirah and Deira Islands, bringing our total number of berths to more than 1,200.

“At the same time, we are enhancing the facilities on offer to our growing number of marina customers, who will undoubtedly welcome this new deal with CAFU.” 

Available between 06:00 and 00:00, the new onsite service offers boat owners a quick, convenient and time-saving way to refuel with diesel or petrol through a mobile app – without needing to be present. 

Previously, they had to fill up elsewhere, involving around an hour’s round trip to the nearest fuel dock. 

Al Ghurair added: “Our objective is to make people’s lives smarter and more efficient by leveraging technology and innovation.

“After the phenomenal success of our car refuelling service, we are going a step further by delivering fuel to boats, freeing up owners’ valuable time – and helping the environment.”