Al Marakeb doubles sales in 2012 and plans expansion for 2013

Local sales increased by 60% while their network of regional and international agents grew, helping to boost export sales to 40% of total sales. The company aims to increase exports in 2013 by signing several more international agents in Africa and Europe.

Nour Al Sayyed, Architect and Head of Design and Production at Al Marakeb, says, "The multi-billion dirham boating industry in the UAE has witnessed a steady increase in demand in 2012. This is an indication of a maturing market and as a result there is great growth potential which Al Marakeb aims to capitalise on."

Al Marakeb will also introduce two new models to their fleet line up bringing the total to five different models, while existing best-selling models will see feature enhancements next year designed to increase the appeal and value offering.

At the entry level, the Habbar 25 will be launched in January 2013. Costing just Dhs28,000 it is a basic 25ft unit, simple and practical, especially for fishing devotees. At the other end of the scale the Scylla35 will be Al Marakeb's top-of-the-range offering. Set to be released in June 2013, this 35ft long, upscale boat will offer a comprehensive list of features including a cabin, and will be priced at Dhs145,000.

In order to meet increased sales and production, Al Marakeb increased its workforce by 50% during the year.

"One of our unique sales propositions is that every craft that leaves our workshop is different," adds Al Sayyed. "It is part of our brand mission that the client feels he owns a unique and luxurious product, at a highly competitive price. This is an attribute of Al Marakeb's product offering that we will ensure continues."

In addition to the new product offerings, Al Marakeb also has several product and feature introductions that the company believes will further strengthen brand appeal. The Spartan 25's basic specs will be increased such as hinges on the back seat bench, a longer and wider console unit - all at no extra cost (Dhs38,600). It also gets CE certified (EU Certification for Recreational Craft) for 2m waves.

Additions to Dino 31, Al Marakeb's best seller for 2012 which saw sales quadruple compared to previous year, will include among others, a compass and a windscreen, all at the same cost of Dhs60,000.

Finally the Triton 35 is an upgrade to the former Triton33, where its gets an access platform with teak wood finish thus increasing it in length. Other supplementary features will be the windscreen, stainless steel bow railing and an upgraded sound system. Maintaining the competitive pricing strategy, the new model will be priced at Dhs105,000.

Arselan Ozturkmen, General Manager at Sky & Sea Adventures is an owner of five Al Marakeb boats.

"For us the boats tick all the right boxes," he said. "They are competitively priced, highly- durable and low maintenance making them a great workhorse for our business which includes boat cruises, fishing trips and different water activities. Moreover, as Al Marakeb is a small company, we get a personal service from the management team, who understand our needs, equating to benefits such as flexible in-house payment plans, excellent customer service and follow up."

On the back of the expansion plans and increased product line up, Al Marakeb's marketing plans are also being raised a notch over the next 12 months, including the introduction of annual fishing competitions in March and a charity event in September. They will also be back at the Dubai Pre-Owned Boat Show in November 2013 where they will reinforce their growing reputation alongside some of the more established competition.

Al Sayyed concludes, "The demand for our boats is out there, and through constant upgrades, investing into expanding our factory capacity, and a consistency in the services that we provide, Al Marakeb is surely to meet the market demands and perhaps one day have the capability to produce and sell over 300 boats per year worldwide."