This year’s 22nd edition of Dubai International Boat Show has been marked by swift yacht sales within hours of the show opening, with Dubai-based Sunseeker Middle East signing a deal for the flagship 48-metre superyacht SS 155, worth more than AED 153 million (£25.5 million).
48m Sunseeker superyacht SS 155
The tri-deck motor yacht SS 155, Sunseeker’s newest flagship, is the largest and most advanced yacht that they have ever produced. Accommodating up to 12 guests and 10 crew, the yacht is ideally suited for long distance cruising, with the latest generation of hull design.
Sunseeker Middle East said that they were naturally delighted to be among the first exhibitors to sign a deal on the first day of this year’s show, and to have again sold one of their flagship products, following the success of their 40 metre range.
Leading Turkish megayacht builder, Bilgin Yachts Shipyard, reported a sale of a 50 metre superyacht worth AED 114 million (€22.5 million) on day three of the show, according to Yildirim Bilgen, Sales Executive, and Mustafa Aksu, Sales Manager, Bilgin Yachts Shipyard. The luxury yacht Bilgin 164 was sold to an Egyptian national and boasts six magnificent staterooms – an owner’s suite on the main deck, as well as a VIP cabin and four guest cabins, all situated on the lower deck.
Motor yacht SS 155 by Sunseeker - aft view
Solid leads and sales have also been reported by more international and regional yacht and boat manufacturers within the first days of the show, with big deals expected to continue to take place. Small to medium sized boats are proving a big hit with visitors, as the leisure boating community continues to take advantage of growing inner waterways and marinas.
UAE-based Al Shaali Marine has opened the show with a bang, with the sale of their 88-foot yacht AS 88, which was debuted at the 2014 Dubai International Boat Show. Sold to a local owner of a real estate company in Dubai, the luxury vessel is worth more than AED 9 million and is expected to be based locally.
“We proudly unveiled the AS 88 for the first time here in Dubai, knowing that the Dubai International Boat Show draws serious buyers for our luxurious yachts and vessels, and were delighted to have been able to announce its sale on the first day it was debuted,” said Dr. Sultan Al Shaali, Chief Executive Officer of Al Shaali Marine.
Luxury yacht SS 155 by Sunseeker - Interior
Bahrain-UAE-Oman-based specialists in marine engines, sports boats, and yachts Delma Marine are bullish about their first day of sales, reporting more than AED 4 million within the first few days, off the back of their unique Mercury engines, high speed amphibious vessel the Quadski, and their Boston Whaler line of sports boats.
“We’ve had interest from everyone – from locals, to expats to international visitors – and we’ve definitely seen an increase in sales already compared to last year,” said General Manager Waseem Ben Khadra.
Showcasing more than 430 boats on display – including the stunning 88.5 metre mega yacht Nirvana and 88 metre superyacht Quattroelle, two of the show’s largest ever superyachts – and over 750 exhibiting companies and brands, The Dubai International Boat Show, running from 4 – 8 March 2014 at Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi continues to be the leading platform for sales in the Middle East, with a number of stunning launches, great deals and exciting activities taking place.
It’s now easier than ever to attend the show thanks to convenient public transportation options. Visitors can take RTA water taxis or shuttle buses from parking in Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi: Gateway Towers at the entrance to Palm Jumeirah (shuttle buses), Al Sufouh Beach Parking opposite Dubai Knowledge Village (shuttle buses and water taxis), Dubai Marina Mall (shuttle buses), SkyDive Dubai (shuttle buses and water taxis). Shuttle buses are also available from the Nakheel and Dubai Marina Metro Stations.
The Dubai International Boat Show is open to trade visitors and the general public from 3pm to 9:30pm daily. General admission is AED60 per person for all attendees, while children under 12 will be admitted free of charge (they must be accompanied by an adult at all times). Access to the Marina Display Area may be restricted at certain times.
