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Dubai Boat Show Set to Attract 20 Per Cent New Exhibitors

“We lost around 20 per cent of the last year’s exhibitors, and with the new participants the show will continue to register steady growth this year,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai World Trade Centre, the organiser of the show.

The number of participating companies in the forthcoming show — the biggest boat show in the Middle East and Far East — fell 11 per cent compared to the last year. In 2008 participating companies recorded a 10 per cent increase, but this year 721 companies booked their place for the show, which starts next week, compared to 810 in previous year.

“The global challenges confronting international economies, and the luxury goods market in particular, will only direct more international boat manufacturers and suppliers towards the emerging Middle East markets,” said Almarri.

“The opportunities remain extensive in this region and the Dubai Boat Show is well positioned to provide the international marine industry the boost of confidence and opportunities they are seeking at this critical time,” he added.

The 5-day show is presenting 85,000 square metres of exhibition space with more than 721 international companies from 50 countries, of which 20 per cent are new exhibiting companies and brands from Bahrain, Cyprus, Djibouti, Latvia, Thailand and Virgin Islands.

The 17th edition of the show is taking place at the Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi from March 3-7, 2009, the Dubai International Boat Show is the Middle East’s first boat show to take place this year.

The show will also offer visitors the first opportunity in the Middle East to see boats and marine products from leading popular local and international leisure marine names such as Holland’s AMELS and Feadship, Kuwait’s Al Ghanim Marine, Qatar’s Al Fardan Marine, UAE’s Al Hareb Marine, Al Shaali Marine, Duboats, and Gulf Craft, UK’s Sunseeker, Fairline, and Princess, and US yacht manufacturers Trinity Yachts and Westport.

As the consumer buying behaviour adjusts in response to a changing economic climate, international boat suppliers will be offering products, packages and deals that are attractive and creative.

“The region has been on a steady upward climb over the last decade, so this temporary blip in the demand will only encourage the industry to enhance the creativity and innovation in their product offerings to consumers,” said Saeed Harib, COO, Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi.

The leisure marine industry plays a key strategic role in attracting visitors and driving tourism throughout the UAE and the rest of the Middle East.

Current construction of marina projects across the region will see the opening of up to 30,000 berth spaces and an additional 1,500 kilometres of coastline over the next 5 years.

abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com