AIMEX delegation visits key sites in Dubai

by AIMEX on 6 Mar 2009 At the Dubai International Boat Show from 3-7 March 2009 a group of 30 exhibitors showcasing Australia to the UAE market joined the New South Wales Trade Mission organized by the Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) with the assistance of Austrade on a pre-show tour of the Anchor Marina and Jaddaf Dry Docks.

With over 260 berths under construction and a further 260 berths nearing completion, the group became the first international trade visitors to inspect the impressive Island Global Yachting (IGY) Managed Anchor Marina project located at Palm Jumeirah. IGY has successfully signed 5 and 10 year lease agreements for up to 15% of the berths and will continue to market the Marina internationally to current and future boat owners.

IGY Marina Operations Manager Wayne Shepherd believes that despite all other marina projects in the region having been put on hold due to the current economic downturn, the release of a significant number of berths at the Anchor Marina will assist in stimulating the boat building and marine market in Dubai.

With stringent restrictions in place around Palm Jumeirah prohibiting non-marina moorings, Anchor Marina is the sole berthing option in the area for boat owners on the island.

The AIMEX group also visited Sea Spray the largest aluminium boat builder in the UAE and Al Hareb Marine a leading Dubai base composite builder that has been manufacturing Sea Master boats since 1985. The ability to see firsthand these boat building facilities was enlightening for the Australian companies. It also gave these companies the opportunity to talk about their own products which are being showcased at the Dubai Boat Show.

AIMEX CEO MaryAnne Edwards said 'this firsthand knowledge of these companies in Dubai and the opportunity to network with the key management at these factories is invaluable and already representatives from these companies have visited the Australian Pavilion.'

The NSW members exhibiting at the show include: Austral Propellers, Azurra Yachts, Central Coast Marine Installations, Coursemaster Autopilots, d’Albora Marinas, Dynamic Products, GME, Pyrotek Soundguard, Sailfish Catamarans, Seawind Catamarans, Spear Green Design and Steber International.

The other Australian exhibitors include: Aqualuma Underwater Lighting, Ausrunner Cruisers, David Bentley Industrial Design, Dermody Diving and Marine Services, Fixtech Marine Solutions, Hydrive Engineering, LeisureCat Australia, Mackay Multi-Link, Marina Protection Systems, Muir Winches, MultiPanel, Patriot Marine, Perry Catamarans, Poly Flex, Riviera Marine, Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Southern Stainless, Superior Jetties, The Haines Group and Theodore Marine.

More at www.aimex.asn.au