Middle East marine sector enters 'new era' of maturity

Industry experts visiting the show have commented that the leisure marine market in the Gulf is reaching a new period of maturity, showing strong signs of growth at both the mass and the most sophisticated ends of the market.

Announcements of new berth openings from companies like Nakheel and Dubai Maritime City have also given potential boat buyers incentive to purchase their desired boats.

Luxury superyachts continue to be a star attraction with a list of serious buyers growing every day. The Rodriguez Group, a company that offers its clientele base a complete range of luxury yachting products and services, is displaying the popular Mangusto range of yachts.

"We have had a lot of interest from very serious buyers, so it has been an extremely successful year for the group so far," said Dr. Rainer Behne, Managing Partner, Rodriguez Group. "Our price range and bespoke offerings mean that we are delivering a very exclusive product, but the Boat Show offers us access to a very high-end range of potential clients, and we believe this show is shaping up to be our most successful to date."

More affordable small to medium-sized boats have seen strong sales. Royal Marine International, distributors of small to medium size sports boats and cruisers including Four Wings, Absolute, Rodman, Chaparral, Robalo, and Wellcraft, has confirmed a number of key sales since the show began.

Husam Atiah, General Manager of Royal Marine International said: "The show has kicked off to a good start for Royal Marine with a deal already made on the first day for one of our sports boats. We have increased our presence this year from seven to 13 boats on display, because we are confident this year's show will bring in a larger number of boat buyers from across the region."

Sales of smaller watercraft are also making a splash, with Jet Ski's and Waverunners popular with all types of buyers. Al Yousuf Motors, distributors of Yamaha Waverunners, reported sales to a range of customers, from yacht owners looking for an added extra for their marine activities, through to new-comers looking to buy their first marine craft.

"Every year we increase the number of Yamaha Waverunners on display because of the strong interest from visitors at the show. A lot of people are looking to buy Waverunners, and the timing of the boat show is good for this with summer just around the corner," said Mehdy Menad, Yamaha Activities Manager, Al Yousuf Motors LLC.

Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of DIBS 2008, said: "Dubai International Boat Show has attracted a wide range of visitors from the high-end customers including royalty looking for luxury superyachts to families and young professionals seeking small trailerable boats. So far we have seen a lot of deals signed during the show and expect to hear about many more throughout the final few days."