2014 Dubai International Boat Show - forecast for strong sales

by Jeni Bone on 5 Mar 2014 Dubai International Boat Show is considered the largest, most established event of its kind in the region. As one of the fastest growing leisure marine industry exhibitions in the world, the 22nd edition of the event will be a classic showcase of yachts, supercars, equipment and supplies from both local and international builders together with the latest innovations in marine industry.

This year's show will bring together 750 brands, with 42 global and regional premiers, according to the organisers, DWTC. It will also feature 16 UAE-based boat builders.

'Because of the buoyant sentiment and very high consumer confidence in the region, especially in the UAE, the show has grown by a strong 20 per cent' said Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice president of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
Around 30 per cent of the participating companies will come from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and 70 per cent come from across the globe, the organisers said in a statement.

The event is expected to attract 26,000 visitors from 70 countries, of which 55 per cent are likely to come from the GCC.
The show will display 430 boats, valued at Dh1.8 billion, including 19 superyachts.

One of the highlights of this year’s boat show, now in its 22nd year, is the superyacht Nirvana, which at 88.5 metres long is the largest yacht ever to appear at the event.

Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) will offer marine craft licensing services at the show.

The growth in waterfront developments have helped increase demand for small and medium-sized boats, according to Erwin Bamps, COO of UAE-based boat manufacturer Gulf Craft, adding that demand for superyachts in the region has always been strong.

The maritime sector in Dubai contributes Dh14.4 billion to the emirate’s GDP, according to the organisers, sourcing DMCA data. Visitors at the show can expect live entertainment, food and beverages, and can enter competitions to win prizes.
The show will feature a diving pool at the Dive Middle East Exhibition (DMEX) and a range of maritime activities at the Heritage Village.

'So far as being here this week with Nirvana, it is a good place for us to sell the yacht,' said Nick Edmiston, the Monte Carlo-based broker selling the boat, which has a price tag of €3.2 million (Dh16.1m). 'There is a whole hub of wealth here in Dubai.'

The UAE economy grew at a rate of 4 per cent last year and house prices across the nation advanced more than 30 per cent. Consumer confidence reached a record high in June, with sentiment levels at 94.7, according to a MasterCard Survey.

More at www.boatshowdubai.com