Dubai 2006 Boat Show set to grow in 2007

by IBI Magazine on 13 Apr 2006 The 2006 Dubai International Boat Show has achieved record numbers of exhibitors and visitors, as well as more than doubling in exhibition space, organisers have announced.

The 14th edition of the show hosted more than 472 companies from 38 countries over an area of 15,233sqm (164,000sqft), which is a 55 per cent increase on last year. Already over 80 per cent of this year's exhibitors have confirmed their attendance for 2007.

The number of boats on show totalled 252, of which 126 were displayed in-water, representing a 59 per cent increase on 2005.

Final statistics show that 22,418 trade visitors attended the event this year, an increasing of 10 per cent on the previous edition.

Show organiser, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), has reported an ongoing rise in major international interest in the Middle East's marine leisure industry. It is currently in discussions with Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) about show development plans to facilitate this, focusing particularly on additional exhibition space and national pavilions.

'Many exhibitors have commented that 2006 was the year that the boat show stepped up another gear in terms of international status and visitor profile, and we're keen to keep this positive momentum going into 2007 and beyond,' said Trixee Loh, general manager of exhibitions at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Among the ideas under consideration are an extended on-water area to accommodate more boats in the marina, and a greater capacity to host marine equipment manufacturers and display their products.

A number of Middle East companies saw record results at the 2006 Boat Show, particularly those from the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait, who all registered significant sales. Data gathered confirms that sales have already broken through the US $100 million of total sales recorded in 2005.

The UAE's Gulf Craft sold over US $10 million worth of boats in the first three days, including a record number of its Majesty Yachts class vessels.

Sunseeker Middle East also achieved strong results, selling a Predator luxury yacht and a Manhattan 50 craft on the first day, in addition to lining up a significant number of orders.

Another company seeing major success is Bahrain's Al Dhaen Craft. The firm secured sales of eight of the 11 craft it brought in for the show, including two 43ft (13m) vessels for around US $408,000 each.

The next Dubai International Boat Show, again organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre, will take place from March 13-17, 2007 at the Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi.