Waterside property developments drive interest in Kuwait leisure boat market

Several waterside projects and resorts in Kuwait, such as the Ras Al Ard Marina, Sharq Marina and the new Kuwait Waterfront Development, Salmiya Marina, are currently under construction which is in turn driving consumer interest in water-based activities.

"Over the last year alone the Kuwaiti marine leisure market has experienced a continued 25 percent growth in sales. Kuwait is continuing to build a global reputation for its marine leisure market, and these waterside developments are creating tremendous interest within the Gulf and further abroad," said Faisal Ahmed, Sales Manager, Al Ghanim Marine, Kuwait.

Kuwaiti marine industry-based companies will be using the forthcoming Dubai International Boat Show, organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre, as further opportunity to increase global interest in the country's booming marine developments and market.

"Participation at the Dubai International Boat Show is vital to driving sales in the Kuwaiti leisure boating market. As a result of our participation at the Dubai International Boat Show last year, we realised a 35 percent increase in sales, across a range of our distributed brands," said Faisal Ahmed.

Alghanim Marine specialises in boats, boat engines and accessories and fishing accessories, and at this year's Dubai International Boat Show will be exhibiting the Topgun - 39 in 3 different engine-sizes. The Top Gun range is renowned throughout the world for its use by the Cigarette Racing Team, which Alghanim Marine represents in the Middle East.

Another leading Kuwaiti company, Alshaya Marine, also has high hopes for this year's Boat Show and will be displaying the Fountain- 48 Express Cruiser which can reach speeds 105 kph. The Fountain - 48 combines the performance of an offshore boat with the space and amenities of a luxury cruiser.

Alshaya Marine is the Middle East's exclusive dealer for Fountain boats, which are amongst the world's fastest, smoothest, safest and best-handling boats on the water, and the sole agent for Well Craft in Kuwait.

"We are delighted to welcome these key exhibitors from Kuwait to the Dubai International Boat Show. As the Show continues to build up a global audience companies, such as Al Ghanim and Al Shaya Marine, will be able to secure an increasing amount of business from the event, which will continue the Gulf leisure boat market boom," said Helal Saeed Al Marri, director general, Dubai World Trade Centre.

For local Kuwaiti manufacturers and dealers DIBS 2006 will be the focal point of the business year, and gives each company the opportunity to showcase their fleet of boats, equipment and products to a captive world-wide audience. Such is the demand for boats and yachts in the last year that many manufacturers point to a waiting list of around 24 months.

The show will take place from 14th - 18th March 2006 at the Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi, and is expected to generate even more multi-million dollar business orders and deals for the booming Middle East leisure marine industry. Visitor registration for the Dubai International Boat Show will go live on 4 February.