(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The 23rd edition of the Dubai International Boat Show opened on Tuesday and is expected to draw more than 26,000 visitors from over 120 countries including High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs), first time boat owners, marine leisure and sports enthusiasts, and families making the most of the show's interactive experiences, according to its organiser.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, visited the boat show on the first day. Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, accompanied Shaikh Mohammed on the tour.
The annual event will have more than 430 vessels worth approximately Dh1 billion on display, and a wide range of activities from water sports, live demonstrations, expert talks, and new zones dedicated to sailing, fishing and water sports. The annual event will host 45 global and regional premiers in total including a couple of launches. The industry is growing as rich people are upgrading their boats and new boat owners are looking for small boats, top exhibitors told reporters during the first day media briefing.
"As the popularity of maritime leisure activities continues to soar in the region, the boat show strives to meet growing demand by expanding the show's activities and bringing together key regional and global exhibiting brands and companies. The show continues to promote on-going maritime trade and investment opportunities in the UAE," said Helal Saeed Almarri, director general, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre, the event organiser.
Gulf Craft reveals new line-up of yachts
Abdul Basit
Dubai - UAE yacht and boat builder Gulf Craft on Tuesday unveiled a range of new collection of yachts designed for the passionate seafarer including global launch of its Majesty 122 and the Nomand 65 at the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS).
"Crowd is increasing every year at the boat show and we always bring something new to the event," Gulf Craft chairman Mohammed Al Shaali told reporters at the global launch news conference on the first day.
Alongside the launch of the Majesty 122 and the Nomad Yachts collection, Gulf Craft is also showcasing one of the largest superyachts on display at the show, the Majesty 135, as well as its latest models of Oryx Sport Yachts and Cruisers, and Silvercraft fishing boats and family cruisers, offering a wide range of experiences to everyone.
Founded in 1982, Gulf Craft is a major manufacturer of luxury yachts and fiberglass boats and one of the world's top 10 superyacht builders.
The company is showcasing yachts and boats worth Dh180 million which is also an 18 per cent of the total value of boats participating at the DIBS.
The Majesty 122 is the latest addition to Gulf Craft's Majesty Yachts line of luxury fly-bridge superyachts, which continue to serve the region's growing appetite for truly royal cruising. The superyacht has been designed to suit the Mediterranean lifestyle, with unrivalled lounging areas for entertaining both inside and out, including two decks with lavish interiors, an extended balcony, and a spacious fly-bridge.
"The Dubai International Boat Show is a key international platform for launching our latest yachts and boats to the world. Boating is a lifestyle, it's about an opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family, and making that time memorable.
- abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com
Strong global presence
With over 800 brands and companies exhibiting from more than 54 countries, the boat show reflects the growing popularity of maritime leisure activities in the region, as event organisers report a 10 per cent increase in new exhibitors compared to 2014.
Visitors can view hundreds of boats on land and water across a variety of zones which include: Marina Display, Outdoor Display, Marine Luxury and Lifestyle, Equipment Services and Supplies (ESS), and Diving Middle East Exhibitions (DMEX). At the stunning Marina Display, visitors are sure to be impressed by the Superyacht Life Area where the prestigious Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) will showcase the superyacht lifestyle and experience with the world's leading superyacht builders.
The first day launches include Gulf Craft's Majesty 122, the Riviera 77 Enclosed Flybridge from SF Yachts, Behnemar Middle East's 77m Silverfast superyacht € touted by its Australian manufacturer as the largest and fasted aluminium yacht ever constructed - and the global debut of the Comet Power Cat Line from Italian boat manufacturer Comar Yachts Middle East launches include the 44GT 14m grand tourer from new exhibitor Revolver Yachts, and new members of the Azimut Yachts Flybridge collection, brought to the region by Seas and Deserts Group.
Potential first-time boat owners seeking to enter the lifestyle will be able to scout a large number of small to medium sized craft that include boats as well as jet skis, quad skis and other marine leisure products from exhibitors such as Delma Marine, Ocean Boats and Dar Al Tawasel Services.
Marine sports features
This year's show features additional interactive zones in the Outdoor Display: DIBS Sailing, DIBS Fishing, and DIBS Water Sports, as the popularity of these sports continues to soar in the region. Located near these sections will be the Marine Talks zone, where visitors can pick up tips and hear stories from global sailing, fishing and water sports experts.
Dive Middle East Exhibition (DMEX), supported by Emirates Diving Association, returns with live and interactive demonstrations and first hand access to the latest diving techniques, skills and products. Even more of the latest luxurious and exclusive vehicles from premier manufacturers will be on display in the Supercar Promenade, taking place alongside the show.
Visitors can also enter competitions and prize giveaways, and a vast array of entertainment and show-stopping prizes are available to marine leisure enthusiasts and members of the public this year.
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