Dubai International Boat Show has recorded scores of major deals this year, with contracts signed for everything from super-yachts through to dinghies, in addition to high sales for equipment and marine supplies.
The Gulf region is poised to overtake Europe in terms of per capita boat ownership, according to exhibitors gathering at the show, and the strong sales recorded at this year’s event underscores the business potential generated by this trend.
Organisers are confident that sales will overtake last year’s high figures, which broke the US$ 100 million barrier, further reinforcing DIBS’ reputation as a key show to “do business” in the boating industry.
Companies from across the region have created a particular splash at the event, with groups from Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and the UAE all registering significant sales.
Long-term exhibitors Al Yousuf commented on the ongoing growth and development of the show, and noted its ongoing specialisation and internationalisation. The group secured its largest-ever exhibition space at the show, with 620 square meters, and has been rewarded with record sales.
“Al Yousuf was present at the first-ever Boat Show, and we are delighted with the pace of its development in recent years. Every Show brings higher levels of business,” said Ayman Ayad, General Manager, Bikes & Marine Division, Al Yousuf
“We have seen unprecedented demand for our full range of in-board and out-board engines, as well as for WaveRunners and Quads. The global market leader, the Yamaha F250 outboard engine, has been our top seller at DIBS 2007 so far,” he added.
In addition, the group has recorded high sales for its Sea Prince 39 luxury boats and Sea Odyssey 42 Boats, both designed by the Everitt Design Group.
UK-based Fairline Boats, which has designed and manufactured more than 11,000 luxury powerboats in the last 40 years, has been exhibiting its flagship yacht, the “Squadron 74 custom,” which retails at nearly US$ 5m.
Fairline was able to use DIBS 2007 to launch its first Middle East dealership, to be based in Dubai.
Commenting on the new dealership, Bryan Jones, marketing manager, Fairline, said: “This show has gone from strength-to-strength in recent years. As the market has developed, our need for a dealership in the region has intensified, so DIBS seemed like the natural location to unveil our plans for the Middle East.”
The UAE’s Gulf Craft Inc. saw high sales levels, breaking its 2006 record of more than US$10 million worth of boats sold within the first three days, including a record number of its Majesty Yachts class vessels.
“Gulf Craft is exhibiting a total of 21 boats this year, attracting significant attention from both visiting VIPS as well as many buyers. DIBS has once again provided us with an ideal platform to achieve local and international sales,” said Erwin Bamps, executive manager, Gulf Craft Inc.
National groups exhibiting in the Luxury supplies and services area have also enjoyed a successful show, with the British Marine Federation, Australian Federation and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) from the USA all reporting high satisfaction levels at the number and value of transactions at the show.
“The NMMA has more than 50 member companies represented at this year’s Dubai International Boat Show, which demonstrates how much US companies are looking to enter the Middle East market. There’s no doubt – looking at the figures – that this has been our most successful show to date,” said Janice Ilg, program manager, Accessory Division of the NMMA.
Al Masaood’s MTU Division recorded a first-day sale worth more than US $1.3m for two 2,500 horse power engines including a fully integrated control and monitoring system.
The MTU 12v 4000 M71 engines on display at Boat Show are among the most advanced engines in the world, offering a rail fuel engine system, sequential turbo and smoke-free engines.
“Every year, we enjoy high sales at the Dubai International Boat Show, and it is great for us to have closed this major deal on the first day. We see DIBS as an important platform to do business, which enables us to turn leads into strong sales in rapid time,” said Amgad Emil, sales manager for Al Masaood’s MTU Division.
Photo caption (1): Dubai International Boat Show 2007 has recorded scores of major deals.
Photo caption (2): Crowds have flocked to the open water area.
About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
Website: www.dwtc.com
As the organiser of Dubai International Boat Show, Dubai World Trade Centre offers over 27 years’ experience of delivering world-class events in the Middle East, providing local, regional and international exhibitors with unmatched expertise and in-depth market knowledge. Our team organises 15 of the largest and most successful international and regional shows in Middle East, providing an ideal platform for business development in the region.
Our commitment to ongoing innovation within the exhibition industry has supported the rapid growth and development of a wide range of business-to-business and business-to-consumer shows, and delivered consistent satisfaction to exhibitors and visitors. DWTC works with the leading trade bodies and industry associations to ensure that all exhibitions deliver full value and are built upon the real needs of their specific sector.
About Dubai International Boat Show
Dubai International Boat Show, the largest marine industry exhibition in the Middle East, is a showcase of yachts and boats from both local and international builders together with the latest innovations in marine equipment and accessories.
Established in 1992, the Show is the Largest Gathering of Leisure Boats, Equipment and Associated Services in the Middle East:
• Exhibitors include both local and international boat manufacturers as well as the latest innovations in marine equipment and supplies
• Over 25,000 visitors expected to attend from around the region including key buyers from Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia
