Kuwaiti companies sail ahead in regional market

With the 200-berth Ras Al Ard Marina and Sharq Marina continuing to take shape, local boating enthusiasts are booking their space in what will be one of the world's most desirable boating destinations. Other Kuwaiti waterside projects such as the Kuwait Waterfront Development, Salmiya Marina will further boost the berths available to boat owners.

At present the most popular vessels being purchased are cruiser motor yachts, between 10 and 15 metres in length, which offer all the luxuries of a superyacht but can be accessed easily and manoeuvred within a small harbour.

As the market continues its impressive growth, Kuwaiti dealers and distributors are importing greater numbers of high performance and luxury boats to cater for the demand, as well as exhibiting at important industry events like the Dubai International Boat Show, the region's largest boat show.

There is also no better venue for prospective Kuwaiti buyers to explore the market than at the Dubai International Boat Show, where manufacturers from across the world will showcase their widest ever range of boats, equipment and products to a global audience.

'We are delighted to welcome several key exhibitors from Kuwait to the Dubai International Boat Show. As the Show continues to build up a global audience these companies will be able to secure an increasing amount of business from the event, which will continue to support the Gulf leisure boat market boom,' said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of Dubai International Boat Show.

One of the local companies enjoying the boom is Kuwait City-based Alghanim Marine which has seen sales of motor yachts increase dramatically during recent years.

Alghanim Marine specialises in boats, boat engines and accessories and fishing accessories, and at this year's Dubai International Boat Show will be exhibiting the Top Gun 39 in 3 different engine-sizes. The Top Gun range is renowned throughout the world for its use by the Cigarette Racing Team, which Alghanim Marine represents in the Middle East.

Alghanim Marine also represents Bombardier's Evinrude and Johnson Boat Engines from 3 HP up to 250 HP, Seadoo Watercraft, Seadoo Sport boat and Can-Am ATV's, Navman's navigational electronics and electronic sea charts (C-MAP), G. C. Marine's pleasure and fishing boats, Kohler's Marine Generators, Tiger Marine's inflatables and various other suppliers of marine accessories.

'Over a very short period of time Kuwait has established itself as one of the key global centres for leisure marine sports and activities, and as a result new residents want to experience it for themselves. This demand has had a massive impact on the local marine market with new orders coming in every week,' said Mr. Thunayan Alghanim, Owner of Alghanim Marine, Kuwait.

Fishing is also an increasingly popular pursuit in Kuwait, and Shuwaikh-based 'Seas and Deserts' have recorded a steep rise in sales for their products which include the Polar, Hurricane, Pursuit, Checkmate and Concept brands of fishing boats.

One of the most popular models is the Polar 2700 CC which is 8.3 metres in length and has a twin 250 horse-power engine with a fuel capacity of 756.86 litres.

The Polar 2700's sleek deep V-entry design and variable dead rise running aft, combined with generous bow flare and design-protected hull, offers a smooth, dry and economical voyage whether going out for the day or having a short vacation.

'One of the key reasons for the Polar 2700's popularity in Kuwait is that it can sleep a family of 4 in comfort with an air-conditioned cabin. The family can spend all day fishing in the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf and then relax in the luxuriously-appointed central cabin at night,' said Ahmad M. Al-Ameeri, Managing Director, Seas and Deserts Group.

'Previously there has been significant demand for leisure boats but there was no where to berth them. As the new waterfront developments reach completion Kuwait will further strengthen its position as one of the most desirable boating locations in the world. In order to do this we must exhibit at the Dubai International Boat Show because it enables us to reach so many new customers from around the world,' continued Mr. Ahmad M. Al-Ameeri.

Another leading Kuwaiti company, Alshaya Marine, is the Middle East's exclusive dealer for Fountain boats which are amongst the world's fastest, smoothest, safest and best-handling boats on the water, and the sole agent for Well Craft in Kuwait.

Alshaya has high hopes for this year's Boat Show and will be displaying the Fountain 48 Express Cruiser which can reach speeds 105 kph. The Fountain 48 combines the performance of an offshore boat with the space and amenities of a luxury cruiser.

The impressive top and cruising speeds of the Fountain 48, as well as the luxurious twin en-suite cabins, saloon and galley ensure that it is the number one choice for the discerning leisure marine enthusiast.

'Demand for the Kuwaiti leisure boat market continues to grow year-on-year with customers coming from all corners of the globe. At Alshaya we have seen a dramatic increase in sales across our entire range of sports and power boats, with many of these sales being placed at the Dubai International Boat Show,' said Bader Alshaya General Manager, Alshaya Marine.

The Dubai International Boat Show will take place from 13 - 17 March 2007 at the Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi, and is expected to generate even more multi-million dollar business orders and deals for the booming Middle East leisure marine industry.