(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Dubai International Boat Show's growth and international appeal reflects strength of UAE's leisure marine market, according to industry experts.
The 21st edition of the Dubai International Boat Show, the region's leading leisure marine event, on Sunday announced that 430 boats, including 19 luxurious superyachts, valued at more than Dh1 billion, will be on show next week.
The event will witness an impressive 30 global and regional launches. The show takes place March 5-9, 2013 with more than 750 companies and brands and tens of thousands of visitors and buyers expected to attend.
Industry leaders from around the world have selected the Dubai International Boat Show to showcase their exciting debuts, including Al Shaali Marine, Art Marine, Chris Craft, Delma Marine, Du Boats, Fountaine Pajot, Gulf Craft, IMG Boats, Safwa Marine, Riviera and Van Dutch among others.
For the first time in its 21-year history, the show will feature 'Made in the UAE Pavilion' to host the country's top up-and-coming boat builders. The pavilion, sponsored by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, aims to promote the growth of the country's small to medium enterprises in the boatbuilding industry, facilitate their break through into international markets and replicate the success of larger manufacturers in the UAE.
With the regional marine industry showing signs of growth, a strong international presence is reinforced by the participation of the largest number of countries in the history of the show.
This year exhibitors from 49 countries with six debut appearances from Armenia, Belgium, Malaysia, Malta, Palau and the Russian Federation highlights the Dubai International Boat Show's position as a focal point for the industry with boat manufacturers choosing Dubai to promote their yachts to reach local and global buyers.
Helal Saeed Almarri, chief executive officer of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and director-general of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) said: "The Dubai International Boat Show has secured its position as the region's leading leisure marine event. This year's impressive line-up of global and regional launches and the large increase in international participation, serves as a true barometer of the stability and strength of the regional maritime industry. As the catalyst for the Middle East leisure marine sector, the show stimulates greater demand and encourages foreign trade and investment, highlighting Dubai's position as a global marine gateway."
Ali bin Ghulaita, chief executive officer of Dubai International Marine Club, expressed his delight at welcoming the 21stedition of the Dubai International Boat Show to DIMC, commenting that the show continues to grow from strength to strength over the more than two decades since its unveiling.
Saeed Hareb, senior advisor, Dubai International Boat Show said: "The show continues to attract the highest calibre of exhibitors and boating enthusiasts from around the world, as well as new visitors keen to become part of the leisure marine community, as Dubai further cements its position as an international marine hub. We are looking forward to celebrating the show's 21st edition."
Erwin Bamps, chief operating officer, Gulf Craft, said this large number of high net worth individuals is driving the demand for luxury marine crafts.
"Year-on-year we have witnessed an impressive growth in the Gulf's marine industry with customers spanning across the globe, to include a significant number of local customers. Gulf Craft continues to see an increase in sales across our portfolio of luxury marine craft, with many of these orders being placed at or as a direct result of the Dubai International Boat Show," Bamps added.
By Abdul Basit
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