Special Features
Record 41 Premieres At Dubai International Boat Show And Renewed International Confidence In Middle East Marine Market
The 19th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show will parade a record number of world and regional firsts this year as the Middle East’s most illustrious marine businesses unveil their winter and spring launches to tens of thousands of boating enthusiasts.With a record breaking 41 premiers, including 11 World Launches and 30 Regional Premieres, the show will house more than 425 boats and yachts, reaffirming its position as one of the top five international boat shows in the world and the Middle East’s number one destination for leisure marine trade.
The number of companies exhibiting at the show is up by an impressive 20%, with first time appearances by Belgium, Czech Republic, Monaco, Oman, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Ukraine. Sri Lanka and South Korea will debut their national pavilions, bringing the total number of countries to 42, including marine industry powerhouses Australia, France, Italy, Spain, Turkey, UK and US.
With a growing trend towards boats of 40 feet and under, the Middle East market is becoming more accessible to many international marine companies. The number of boats in the GCC alone is expected to reach 50,600 according to latest industry reports, emphasising the interest from first time buyers.
Many of the event’s major exhibitors also say confidence within the industry is returning across all leisure marine markets including the luxury sector, which is still dominated by Middle East residents who own more than 50% of the world’s largest superyachts.
Dubai International Boat Show 2011 will welcome more members of the world’s leading superyacht builders association (SYBAss) than ever before in its 19 year history. AMELS, Benetti, Burger Boat Company, Feadship, Fincantieri, Heesen Yachts, Lürssen, Oceanco, Sanlorenzo and Trinity Yachts will be taking centre stage in the show’s Enhanced Superyacht Pavilion, another coup for the show and a major boost for the industry. Dubai Boat International Show is the ultimate barometer of the world’s confidence in the regions’ marine leisure sector.
Michael Breman, Sales Director, Lürssen Yachts, said: “At Lürssen, we have been building ships for 135 years and we do not compromise on either the quality of our brands or the satisfaction of our clients. The Dubai International Boat Show is a vital platform for some of the most impressive and best known superyacht builders and the number of SYBAss members this year is a clear illustration of that. It is a natural choice for the highest calibre companies, and this event is by far the best in the Middle East to both illustrate and increase Lürssen’s international success.”
In an outstanding display of luxury boats, yachts and marine products, more than 750 companies and brands will be taking part at the Dubai International Boat Show, running from 1 – 5 March at the Dubai international Marine Club – Mina Seyahi.
“The Dubai International Boat Show brings together the leading marine companies from across the world, driving business across five continents,” said Helal Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of the event. “It is both the catalyst for the Middle East leisure marine industry and the focal point of the worldwide boating industry, stimulating demand and encouraging trade between the hundreds of international companies that recognise its importance and success. For nearly two decades, this show has been the lynchpin of the Arabian boating industry and the driving force behind the Middle East’s ever-increasing marine market share. It is not only a show of regional importance but of global significance.”
Among the many key local exhibitors at the show, ART Marine will have a total of 23 boats, including eight regional launches and Gulf Craft, who have supported the Dubai International Boat Show since its first edition in 1992 will return with 15 boats including three global premieres. Other leading exhibitors with world debuts include Bahrain’s Al Dhaen, Aquamarine Boats and Yachts, Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, NRG Marine and Riviera‘s 60 metre superyacht, one of the largest built entirely in the GCC in recent years.
Another of the event’s main attractions will be the Enhanced Superyacht Boulevard, and a Luxury Supplies and Services Area, which includes high-end marine accessories and the finest interior designs. An Equipment Suppliers and Services Area will display deck fixtures and fittings, engines and navigation equipment and an External Area will house high-speed powerboats, fishing and smaller leisure boats alongside water sports equipment and accessories.
Saeed Al Hareb, Managing Director, Dubai International Marine Club said: “Dubai is increasingly becoming a top destination for the leisure marine community and the Dubai International Boat Show plays a leading role in that success. The number of launches and international exhibitors is testament to that and we look forward to welcoming the tens of thousands of visitors and new sailing enthusiasts that make this such a special event to the Dubai International Marine Club.”
Mercedes-Benz is the event’s official car for the second year running and will showcase 13 of their top of the range 4x4s, supercars and executive saloons across the exhibition area. Together with supporting partner Officine Panerai, manufacturers of world class timepieces, the event will cater to the entire marine lifestyle audience.
The expanded 5th Dive Middle East Exhibition (DMEX), the only dedicated diving exhibition in the region, in association with Emirates Diving Association, also returns with an even more impressive presence at double the size of last year. DMEX will bring together international manufacturers and local suppliers of sub-aqua diving equipment and services, with live demonstrations and daily ’try-a-dive’ sessions.
In yet another first, the Dubai International Boat Show will present its first ever Supercar Promenade showcase, with millions of dollars worth of the world’s most celebrated names in luxury motoring on parade, including a global premier from one of the automotive industry’s leading car customisers and some of the fastest cars on the road, including a 430kph speed sensation.
Competitions, prize giveaways and music will be running throughout the show, with the popular feature ‘Heritage Village’ presented by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing providing an experiential glimpse back in time to Dubai’s rich history of maritime culture.
Dubai International Boat Show 2011 runs from March 1 – 5, 2011 at the Dubai International Marine Club – Mina Seyahi and will be open to trade visitors and the general public from 4:00pm to 9:30pm daily.
For more information please visit www.boatshowdubai.com
