Dubai International Boat Show thinks big for 2007

Figures released today show that a total of 22,418 visitors passed through the gates of the Boat Show earlier this month, an increase of nearly 10 percent on visitors who attended in 2005.

Most encouragingly, the show attracted its highest proportion of regional visitors in its history, with significant increases from Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi in addition to many international visitors from as far afield as America and Australia.

DWTC is currently in discussions with Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) on show development plans to serve the ongoing rise in interest, and particularly on ways to facilitate the demand for additional space from exhibitors, including national pavilions and regional manufacturers and dealers who are looking to return in 2007.

Indeed, over 80% of this year's exhibitors have confirmed their attendance for next year.

'Many exhibitors have commented that 2006 was the year that the Boat Show stepped up another gear in terms of international status and visitor profile, and we're keen to keep this positive momentum going into 2007 and beyond,' said Trixee Loh, General Manager - Exhibitions, Dubai World Trade Centre.

'We are currently examining a number of options which will enable us to welcome even higher numbers of visitors and exhibitors in 2007, and to ensure we continue to provide a truly world class event for the region's marine leisure industry,' added Loh.

Among the ideas under consideration are an extended 'on-water' area to accommodate more boats in the marina, and greater capacity to host marine equipment manufacturers and display their products.

A number of Middle East companies saw record results at the 2006 Boat Show, particularly those from the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait who all registered significant sales. Data gathered confirms that sales have already broken through the USD100 million total sales recorded in 2005.

The UAE's Gulf Craft Inc. saw high sales levels, selling over USD10 million worth of boats in the first three days, including a record number of its Majesty Yachts class vessels.

Whilst Sunseeker Middle East also achieved strong results, selling a Predator luxury yacht and a Manhattan 50 craft on the first day, in addition to lining up a significant number of orders.

Another company seeing major success is Bahrain's Al Dhaen Craft. The company secured sales of eight of the eleven craft they brought in for the show, including two 43 foot craft for Dh. 1.5 million each.

'We went to Dubai with high expectations because of the strong reputation of DIBS and our experience justified our optimism. In addition to our sales at this year's show, we anticipate further developments will follow because of the high level customers we have spent time with,' said Ali Hassan Al Dhaen, Director, Al Dhaen.