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As the largest and most influential marine industry event, the Dubai Boat Show sets the momentum for a week of anticipation and excitement as the leisure boating fraternity focuses on the unveiling of at least five major global launches and 22 regional premiers of the most spectacular boats and yachts from around the world. Many more launches are due to be announced during the coming days.
Additionally, the event will usher in 19 Superyachts from across the globe to Dubai next week, marking a staggering 45 percent sector growth in the show.
Despite the widespread slowdown across many industries, the show is presenting a massive 85,000 square metres of exhibition space with more than 721 international companies from 50 countries, of which 20 percent are new exhibiting companies and brands. This further proves the strength and resilience of the industry and the enduring Dubai Boat Show brand.
These achievements are evidence of the Dubai Boat Show's growing global appeal as one of the most sought after and strategic leisure marine events in the world.
"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. 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,"
said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), organiser of Dubai International Boat Show.
The Dubai International Boat Show is the preferred platform in the region for the worldwide debut of four superyachts and over ten exclusive regional premiers from world-class companies such as AMELS, Burger Boats, Emirates Yachting, Gulf Craft, Platinum Yachts, Sunseeker and Western Marine.
New to the show is the Superyacht Pavilion. As one of the fastest growing sectors in the Middle East marine industry, this showcase brings together the finest superyacht and luxury boat builders in the world. This exclusive section houses some of the biggest names in the business, including Abeking & Rasmussen, AMELS, Burger Boats, Feadship, Heesen Yachts, Lurssen Yachts and Trinity Yachts.
This major highlight will present the largest-ever marina display of superyachts with more than 19 models, measuring over 25 metres. This records an astounding 45 percent growth of superyachts in the show this year.
The Dubai Boat 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 Dubai Boat Show has grown from strength to strength in tandem with the expansion of the marine industry. 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," noted Saeed Harib, COO, Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi.
Even non-marine luxury brands are seeking premium associations with the Dubai Boat Show to leverage on its prestigious market connectivity and exclusive access to the affluent consumers in the region. Aston Martin, Damas, Lamborghini, Range Rover and Tiffany will be participating in the show.
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.
This year's Dubai Boat Show registered an impressive 20 percent growth in National Group Pavilions and International Marine Associations. First-time exhibitors include Associacion Nacional de Empresas Nauticas (Spain), Finnish Marine Industries Federation (Finnboat) and South African Boat Builders Export Council (SABBEX).
Held alongside the Dubai Boat Show is the Dive Middle East Exhibition (DMEX) which will also run from 3 - 7 March 2009 offering a unique platform to showcase the very latest in diving equipment, supplies, services and techniques. Complimented by live diving demonstrations the show will host a series of presentations on the latest dive gear, training programmes and projects taking place around the region.
As a testament to the strength of the Dubai Boat Show as the ideal meeting place for a variety of marine industry professionals, the event will also play hosts to the 5th Gulf Boating Conference. Entitled 'Where is the industry going?' the conference will be held on 4 March 2009 and has the highest ever recorded pre-registered delegates. Topics discussed will allow attendees insights into recent changes in the market and business prospects that have emerged in the region.
Visitors to the event can also take advantage of the many competitions and promotions going on at this year's event including 1,000AED to spend on Paspaley supplied by Damas, Cole Haan tote bag and luxury Damas giveaways and a chance to win the Emirates Yachting Grew 188 and a Yamaha Wave Runner. Other exciting highlights include diving demonstrations, the Superyacht Extravanganza and High Fashion and Jewellery Show.
Rima Ali Al Mashni
