Sheikh Ahmed to inaugurate region's largest ever maritime exhibition

As the concrete apron in front of the DIMC resembled a veritable beehive of activity, with standfitters putting the finishing touches to their displays and cranes lifting boats into place, while yachts, speedboats and other assorted sailing craft jockeyed for position at the pontoons, the stage is set for a far bigger and brighter show all around.

While the sailing craft both big and small will undoubtedly be the cynosure of all eyes at the show, there will be considerable interest in all the other aspects of the exhibition which covers marine equipment and accessories, furniture and fittings, sports fishing products to mention just a few.

Big name boats and yachts from leading manufacturers including 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 which will be on display at the Boat Show with a vast variety of cruisers, high-performance racers, inflatables, jet skis, personal watercraft, motoryachts and sportfishing boats also vying for attention.

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.

Growing worldwide interest in the fast growing Middle East market is reflected in the international participation at the show which is up by 62.16% over 2003 with participating exhibitors coming from 21 countries compared to only nine last year (up by 133.33%).

There has also been remarkable growth in nett 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%).

Size and scope apart, this year's edition of the Boat Show is different in other aspects too. An effort has been made to present it as an event for everybody and not just the diehard marine enthusiasts, with a host of lifestyle features being introduced to give it an overall more complete and well-rounded look. This will make the show this year an event that offers a variety of activities for the whole family to enjoy.