UAE-based retail giant Majid Al Futtaim has unveiled the “Carrefour Bites and More by the Shore,” the world’s first sail-thru supermarket, to serve yachts and beachgoers in Dubai, Invest-Gate reports.

Yacht crews, jet-skiers, and speedboat passengers will be able to shop from a custom-built store or “Aqua Pod” anchored out to sea, offering hundreds of items for sale, Majid Al Futtaim said in a statement on December 5.

The retail giant highlighted that 300 items would be available to customers on Dubai’s Kite Beach, Jumeirah Public Beach, and Al Sufouh Beach, including hot and cold snacks, beverages, fresh and dried foods, as well as non-food items such as sunscreen.

Speaking on the initiative, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Retail Hani Weiss said, “Carrefour Bites and More by the Shore is a world-first for Carrefour and our industry. More than ever, a successful business depends on continually reinventing itself to stay ahead of customer needs and expectations.”

“Carrefour Bites and More by the Shore is an innovation underpinned by a clear business strategy based on ‘customers first’, and aligned with our vision to create great moments for everyone, every day,” he added.

The custom-built, sail-thru store will be operational six days a week from 10 am to 6 pm – subject to weather conditions. Jet skiers and small boats can order at the Aqua Pod’s window, pay, and collect their items, while those on larger sailing vessels, or those on selected beaches, can phone through their order and a skiff will deliver their items within 45 minutes.

“The Aqua Pod is a unique concept designed and created by Aquatic Architects Design Studio (AADS), in Dubai, and has been built and designed with an eco-friendly focus,” according to the statement.

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

In addition, it confirmed that the Aqua Pod experience would only present clients with biodegradable paper straws and bags as the company aims to encourage the public to dispose of any waste from their purchases in an environmentally friendly manner.