Dubai Boat Show brings success to Aussies

by Kate Duryea on 18 Mar 2007 Australian companies have enjoyed a highly successful 2007 Dubai International Boat Show with close to $US4 million in estimated sales by the morning of March 17, the final date of the March five-day event.

Australian marine manufacturers and service providers have a strong presence at the Dubai International Boat Show through the Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX).

'The response to Australian products in Dubai is overwhelming,' said AIMEX general manager Mary Anne Edwards. 'This should encourage more Australian marine businesses to look at the Dubai market and take a presence in 2008.'

Riviera service manager Tony Jones has been impressed by the interest in Riviera product and the professionalism of distributor ART Marine and director Allessio Tumbiolo who sold five Rivieras in three days at more than $US3.5 million. Riviera appointed two new dealers in the region in Qatar and Kuwait.

Australian company Aqualuma came to Dubai looking for distributors and has sold more than $US50,000 in LED underwater lights. Managing director Carl Amor is delighted with the response and has a large contract pending for a Dubai project.

GME Sales and marketing manager Sean Griffin described the Show as 'clearly the best in all Asia' and said it had grown considerably over the past few years. The company, supporting its distributor, drew interest from Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

Australian company Polyflex came to Dubai to source a distributor and made excellent engine company contacts while Kingfisher’s managing director John Vela was confident that with high enquiries, he would soon announce a distributor for the region.

MultiPanel managing director Tony Rosso was overwhelmed with the interest, the volume and size of orders discussed which were well in excess of his expectations. 'The quality of contacts and inquiries has been excellent with more than 50 enquiries.'

Ron Marks Dynamic Products’ general manager Graham Roser is now looking to appoint a distributor after the huge interest in the wake board, water ski and water sports products.

Australian company Acoola Marine, and Fixtech’s managing director Simon Hutchinson, a new AIMEX member, acknowledged the support of Andrew Wagner from Al Masaood, the company’s distributor in Dubai. 'He has given us excellent support and we’ve already made big inroads into the United Arab Emirates (UAE) market and we are close to signing deals with Golf Craft and Infinity Yachts,' he said.

Acoola Marine, also with Al Masaood, has been overwhelmed with the interest in the company products and the size of possible orders.

Sunrunner was pleased with the high brand awareness of the Australian luxury sports cruiser manufacturer. Company general manager Andrew Scott said there was a real market in the UAE for Sunrunner.

Patriot Marine’s Barry Moore confirmed high interest in the company’s boats. Orders that had been pending since 2005 are now back on the table and he has received unexpected interest form Iran and Saudi Arabia.

AIMEX’s Mary Anne Edwards said the Australian companies acknowledged the excellent support received by Austrade and the Victorian and Queensland governments and the continued support given by Gold Coast City Council who took a presence at the Show to support Gold Coast companies.

LeisureCat Australia, a new AIMEX member, confirmed some good contacts while Bladerider owner Rohan Veal, a 2005 International Moth Class Champion, sold five Bladerider X8s with a total value of more than $US60,000.

AIMEX, the peak body for the Australian marine export industry, has some of Australia’s most successful marine companies as members. AIMEX president Richard Chapman was at Dubai to view the market and see his distributor.

AIMEX will also participate in the China International Boat Show from April 5 – 8, 2007.
More details are available on AIMEX at www.aimex.asn.au