Carrefour launches ‘world’s first’ sailing supermarket in Dubai

UAE malls and retail firm Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) has launched a ‘sail thru’ Carrefour store concept to serve yachts and beachgoers in Dubai.

‘Carrefour Bites and More by the Shore’ is new concept where customers can order items to the beach or collect them personally on jet ski, yacht or sailing craft from a specialised Aqua Pod.

MAF said 300 items would be available to customers on Kite Beach, Jumeirah Public Beach and Al Sufouh Beach including hot and cold snacks, ice cream, beverages, fresh and dried foods, and non-food items such as sunscreen.

Jet skiers and small boats can order at the Aqua Pod’s window, pay and collect their items.

Those on larger vessels or on the selected beaches can order by calling 056 4003659 or using the ‘Aqua Pod’ app to order, with delivery promised in less than 45 minutes.

“With Dubai’s stunning coastline being enjoyed by millions of people each year, it is a natural next step to cater to our customers with relevant products in a locale where they are not currently being served,” said chief operating officer and head of operational excellence for Carrefour UAE at Majid Al Futtaim Retail Miguel Povedano.

“It’s exciting to know that we can reach our customers anywhere whether it be land or sea, and we can’t wait to delight them with this world-first service.”

The Aqua Pod concept is designed and created by Aquatic Architects Design Studio (AADS), in Dubai, and has been built and designed with an eco-friendly focus.

It is powered by rechargeable batteries, which will allow it to cruise out to sea and back. An attached ‘seabin’ vacuums any floating debris into its holding tank to ensure rubbish is collected and disposed of once the vessel returns to shore.

The Aqua Pod can also convert grid water in its holding tank to potable water using a built-in purifier, eliminating the need for plastic bottles on board.

MAF said the Aqua Pod experience would only provide customers with biodegradable paper straws and bags and encourage the public to dispose of any waste from their purchases in an environmentally friendly manner.

This service is operational six days a week 10:00am to 6:00pm depending on weather conditions.