Dubai International Boat 2004 Show sets sail

HH Sheikh Ahmed, who was accompanied by a host of dignitaries, DWTC and DIMC officials, was conducted on a comprehensive tour of the exhibition, which has grown incrementally over the last edition and will run till March 20th.. Sheikh Ahmed spoke with and examined closely the assemblage of boats, inflatables, leisure crafts, cruisers, yachts, powerboats, marine equipment and accessories, furniture and fittings and sports fishing products, easily the biggest ever and most representative show of its kind in the region.

Apart from being the watermark event for the industry in the region the show is complemented by the new venue the Dubai International Marine Club, which is widely regarded as the driving force behind international and national level watersports in the entire region. It offers ample open space for exhibitors and comes equipped with fully functional marina berths, craning and workshop facilities, all of which make for a far more user and exhibitor-friendly atmosphere. Just a short drive away from the heart of Dubai, the club also features the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Spa which offers 211 rooms with breathtaking oceanic views and every conceivable modern comfort.

Boat Show 2004 already has more than 50 boats with some over 20m in length occupying marina berths. Key exhibiting companies on water include:- Azimut, Baia Luxury Yachts, Pershing, Ferretti, Princess, Gulf Craft, Beneteau, Edmiston, Fairline, Du Sail, De Birs, AS Marine, Riviera Pool, Wally, Sea International and Sea Spray Aluminium Boats and many many more. More than 200 plus companies from around the world are exhibiting within the air conditioned tented structure and external space.

Among the leading lights of the show will definitely be Forty Love, a super-luxury 42-metre yacht brought to Dubai by Edmiston Co., leading yacht brokers and charterers worldwide, which is valued at 15.9 million Euros. Another display bound to attract attention is that of the renowned Victory team from the UAE, who have made their mark in indelible fashion on the world powerboating scene.

The Boat Show is different this year not just in size and scope but also in manner with the DWTC making a concious effort to position it as a lifestyle event for everyone and not just the diehard maritime enthusiast.

Several lifestyle features have been added to the show to enhance its appeal to a cross section of boat lovers and have added new facets to the show including a speakers' corner to provide expert advice and bring celebrities from the boating industry into contact with visitors. There is also a photo competition titled 'Sea of Opportunity' organised by Salam Studios to encourage people to submit aptly themed pictures and prizes for the best entries would be given away on the last day of the event.

Jet ski aficianados and watersport fans who get their thrills from high-speed bravado on the water have a chance to meet with French world jet ski champion, Nicholas Rius, who will be attending the show in the capacity of brand ambassador for JET KID, one of the exhibitors.

For kids to thoroughly enjoy themselves at the event Toys R Us will be creating a kid's corner to engage children's minds and curiosity, stimulating learning through fun and games.

To add more excitement for all ages, SCATRI will introduce show visitors to an incredibly realistic sports fishing simulator created by a team of people who know both big game fishing and the sea. The ideal tool for an amateur fisherman or someone who wants to train or perfect their fishing technique or simply have fun with the SCATRI simulators.