Superyachts to dazzle Dubai International Boat Show

Each superyacht is more than 25 metres in length, with at least three of the opulent vessels measuring almost 50 metres, and offering luxurious facilities including state-size dining rooms, gyms, spa-baths as well as state-of-the-art entertainment and satellite communications systems.

By securing so many top-name superyacht builders and suppliers, DIBS continues to strengthen its position as the most important marine event in the region for affluent individuals looking to invest in the booming marine market.

The Middle East has long been associated with the world's most luxurious superyachts with the four longest yachts in the world being owned by people in the region.

'In recent years the Dubai International Boat Show has become synonymous with luxury yachting and the lure of seeing these multi-million dollar superyachts at close range is something that appeals to everyone, whether they are a high-end prospective buyer or a first-time visitor,' said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, DWTC, organiser of DIBS.

'The Dubai International Boat Show is also the perfect opportunity for the many superyacht builders and their suppliers to market their wealth of products to a captive audience. This development of the show has also ensured that the eventual sales of superyachts has grown year-on-year,'

he added.

Some of the world's biggest superyacht manufacturers such as Luerssen from Germany and Amels from the Netherlands will be exhibiting in the Luxury Supplies and Services area which will also house the impressive British Marine Federation pavilion, HISWA Holland Yachting Group and the German Boat Builders Association.

Furthermore, many of the companies which supply the extensive high-performance fixtures and fittings to the superyachts are exhibiting; ensuring every element of superyachting is represented at the show.

One of the Middle East's fastest emerging markets is Russia and the CIS with multi-millionaires like Russian oil magnate Roman Abramovich, who owns three giant superyachts, eager to invest heavily in luxurious vessels which are often based in the Arabian Gulf.

Initially attracted to the region's pleasant climate and booming economy, the acquisition of a yacht is usually high on foreign investors' wish-list after purchasing a waterfront property, with the Dubai International Boat Show their first point-of-call.

Undoubtedly one of the most exciting sights at this year's DIBS will be the debut of the New Zealand-based, 50 meter-long, Sensation, which is a US$60 million superyacht offering four decks and can accommodate as many as 10 guests and 12 full-time crew.

The Sensation also boasts an expansive upper-deck saloon for guest dining complete with a piano. The other decks include formal dining rooms, a kitchen and the owner's suite which contains a private office, full bathroom, steam room and king size bedroom suite.

The lower decks contain guest cabins and a sun deck with lounge, jacuzzi, bar and barbecue facilities. Only the very highest quality materials have been used on the superyacht, such as onyx and marble.

Among the local boat builders exhibiting at DIBS is UAE-based Gulf Craft which recently launched the biggest superyacht ever built in the region, the Majesty 130, and will showcase several of the latest models in the Majesty Yachts series.

Exceptional in a multitude of aspects, the Majesty superyachts are trend-setting through their innovative exterior styling and immaculate interior finishing.

'Because of so many international visitors travel to the UAE for the Dubai International Boat Show we always prepare a selection of new product releases for the worldwide market. The Majesty range epitomises the quality of workmanship and luxury of design and fittings that have become synonymous with Gulf Craft,' said Erwin Bamps, Executive Manager, Gulf Craft.

ART Marine, one of the UAE's leading distributors of luxury yachts, will have the world-wide premier of its brand new luxurious Azimut 103S which is more than 30 metres in length and can reach speeds of 40 knots.

Combining Italian style with the latest marine technology, the Azimut 103S offers 120 square-metres of usable external space, divided between the stern platform, the cockpit, the relaxing area at the bow and the new upper deck space.

Special efforts have also been made in the use of the latest yacht technology and design features to combine the technical complexity of a large high-speed yacht with the creation of unique guest areas that will provide the owner with complete intimacy.

The Dubai International Boat Show is the region's leading marine event because it brings together so many different exhibitors from across the world. Visitors and potential buyers will not want to miss this rare opportunity to see these magnificent superyachts close up.

The Dubai International Boat Show is organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre and will take place from 13 - 17 March 2007 at the Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi.