Dubai International Boat Show opens

The show, being held from March 15 to 19, 2005, and organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), is expected to attract thousands of high profile visitors from around the world. The 40,000 square meter exhibition area, is accommodating 440 exhibitors from 30 countries. In addition, 85 berths will cater to boats ranging from 39ft to over 200ft, making it the premier networking event for buyers.

Helal Saeed Khalfan Al Marri, Director General of DWTC said, "The opening day of the exhibition seems to have set the pace for the rest of the boat show. As expected, a lot of visitors and buyers have shown interest in the impressive line up of luxury boats and yachts. This show provides ample opportunities for exhibitors to interact closely with visitors, which has greatly benefited both parties."

"The Boat Show showcases the widest and most exclusive range of boats and marine services. The show has drawn big names from the regional and international boating and marine industry, enhancing its reputation and credibility. The event represents all sectors of the marine industry," added Al Marri.

Exhibitors at Dubai International Boat Show are leveraging the favourable market trend towards leisure boating and demand for waterfront properties, by targeting high profile buyers with their new range of boats and marine equipment.

First-time exhibitor Captain Stephen Corbett from Isora Yachts, said, "We have been recently appointed as the exclusive agents in GCC for Riva Yachts, the super luxury yachts from Italy, and we are proud to launch this during the boat show, along with our yachts from Sealine International, UK and Sugarsand Boats, USA. We have also introduced our 'Customer for Life' policy which focuses on the importance of pre and post services to customers, covering the complete range of requirements from yacht maintenance to marine training and boat handling skills."

Stuart Burke, Production Manager, Al Hareb Marine said, "We have launched two boats at the show, the 44 feet closed cabin and the 52 feet tri-haul aluminium boat. We had notable success during our participation in the last edition of the show and we are certain to have another fruitful event this time as well. The nature of this industry requires buyers to physically see the product and have a face-to-face interaction with the dealers and exhibitors; the boat show fully serves this need, providing us with the required edge."

Dubai Festival City, which participated in the exhibition for the first time, had a two-fold objective. "Firstly, to build awareness among the yachting community about our planned Festival Marina, a Mediterranean-style super-yacht hub which will enhance Dubai's standing as a centre for marine lifestyle and leisure," explained Bassem Terkawi, PR Manager, Dubai Festival City. "Secondly, to network with a wide range of marina suppliers and operators to ensure that our offering attains world-class standards and meets all the requirements of super yacht owners. We are glad that both our objectives are fulfilled," added Terkawi.

Joe Goddard of Dubai Marina (Emaar) remarked, "Dubai Marina offers berthing facilities which are in line with the current market requirements, that mainly cater to leisure boating. The term berthing has assumed a wider meaning today and should be considered as a lifestyle offering. The Dubai International Boat Show is the only credible platform in the marine industry where dealers can effectively showcase their products to prospective buyers."

The VIP Tent, housing premier exhibitors like Dubai Maritime City, Exomos, IFA Hotels and Resorts and Dubai Festival City, will be one of the major attractions of the show, along with on water sailing demonstrations by Jebel Ali and DIMC Sailing Schools. Visitors will also see innovative water sports equipments, displayed by individual companies as well as national group pavilions.

"The Dubai International Boat Show serves as a one-stop shop, further boosting the maritime sector in the UAE and supporting various developments in the region's marine industry," concluded Al Marri.