Dubai International Boat Show turns 25

dubai - The event attracts the region's boat and yachting industry and water sports enthusiasts

What started as the Watersports and Powerboat Show, an indoor event launched in 1992 to cater to a specialised market, the Dubai International Boat Show has developed into a not-to-be-missed event tailored for yacht, boat and water sports enthusiasts in the region.

Now in its 25th edition, the five-day event which takes place from February 28 has been supporting the growth of the region's boat and yachting industry and attracting visitors and businesses from all sectors of maritime trade.

"The UAE and Dubai have witnessed massive developments to their maritime infrastructure over the past 25 years, and the Dubai International Boat Show continues to grow in tandem, standing as a testament to the country's thriving marine industry," said Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice-president, events management, Dubai World Trade Centre.

Growing from an indoor show with 55 exhibitors and 3,000 visitors in its first edition, to an event that welcomed 26,000 visitors from 120 countries in 2016, this year's edition of Dubai International Boat Show will provide experiences to both buyers of boats and yachts as well as to visitors with a variety of water sport interests.

With a total of 41 registered launches this year and more expected confirmations in the coming weeks, the exclusive reveals will take place at Dubai International Marine Club among the over 800 companies and brands showing off the latest in marine design and technology.

A weather vane
"In the past, we have seen some amazing projects and the growth of the show has helped inspire a community interested in discovery and exploration, and visitors of the show look to it as weather vane for the industry; to measure the current climate of the regional market," LohMirmand said.

UAE-based Gulf Craft, an exhibitor since the inception of the show and an internationally respected brand, sees the event as a key date in its calendar.

Erwin Bamps, CEO of Gulf Craft, said the Dubai International Boat Show has grown significantly in size and scale, reaching both a regional and an international audience.

"Dubai and the wider region are witnessing a rapid waterfront transformation, and there will undoubtedly be a growing interest in the yachting and boating lifestyle."

Recording $22 million of sales off the back of 2016's show, the home-grown brand has a positive outlook the show's 25th edition. "As this is our home event, we look forward to participating in it year after year. The show serves as not only a key international platform for showcasing our latest creations, but also as an opportunity to represent the UAE as a global player in the leisure marine industry," Bamps said.

Local supplier and long-standing supporter of the show Art Marine views the event as a strategic approach to target the Middle Eastern market and have forecasted another positive year in showcasing their collection.

Gregor Stinner, CEO of Art Marine, said: "Our presence at the 25th edition of Dubai International Boat Show is a continuation of the momentum that we have gained from our support over the past 12 years."

In addition to seasoned participants, the event welcomes a host of first-time exhibitors eager to establish themselves in the UAE. Aiming to capitalise on a globally recognised boat show positioned in an expanding market are Chinese superyacht manufacturer Heysea Yachts; Emirates-based marine service provider DP World and spare parts supplier Yamamotor International; and Ortega Submarines from The Netherlands.

- business@khaleejtimes.com