Dubai International Boat Show reports major expansion

'The series of new marina developments that are invariably underway in Dubai in particular and the region as a whole pre-empt the influx of larger boats in the water which has helped us in significantly expanding the size of our show this year with exhibitors to the Boat Show up by 70.45% over the 2003 edition,' said DWTC Director General, Mubarak bin Fahad.

He noted that international participation at the show was up by 62.16% over 2003 with participating exhibitors coming from 21 countries compared to only nine last year (up by 133.33%). 'Considerable growth has been achieved in the net area sold for the exhibition which has gone up from 2,608 sq.m. last year to 5,247 sq.m. this year (up by 101.19%) and the number of boats on display in-water from only 19 last year to 54 this year (up by 184.21%),' Mr. bin Fahad stressed.

'This year's edition will undoubtedly display Middle East's largest ever assemblage of boats, jet skis, inflatables, high-performance racers,leisure crafts, cruisers, yachts, powerboats, personal watercraft, marine equipment and accessories, furniture and fittings, sports fishing products and virtually everything to do with the marine industry,' Mr. bin Fahad added.

Speaking on behalf of the DIMC, Managing Director, Saeed Hareb said, 'The existing and new pontoons at the DIMC will play host to more than 50 boats including the spectacular Forty Love - a mega 42-metre yacht that stands out as the biggest boat on display. 90% of the Marina is ready to receive the boats and we hope to have many more coming in. It is but logical to have a boat show at a Marina and DIMC is proud to be the venue for this great event where we can showcase our local products and be host to international participants.'

Marine tourism is growing rapidly in the UAE as Gulf nationals and Europeans flock to enjoy the pleasant climate during the winter months and more and more Gulf nationals are not traveling as much to overseas destinations in Europe and the USA. This has resulted in a substantial upturn in local tourism and leisure activities of which boating plays a significant part.

Prominent among the exhibitors participating at the event include AS Marine, Azimut, Baia Luxury Yachts, Bavaria, Beneteau, Du Sail, De Birs, Edmiston, Fairline, Ferretti, Gulf Craft, Pershing, Princess, Riviera Pool, Sea Spray Aluminium Boats and Wally among others.

Boat Show 2004 has a comprehensive product profile which includes boats, boating equipment and engines, propulsion equipment, trailers, chandlery, sails, ropes, masts, heating and air-conditioning, navigation equipment, accessories, communications and computer equipment, maintenance tools, marina construction, sports fishing products, diving, jet skis and windsurfing products to name a few.