The currently running 22nd edition of Dubai International Boat Show 2014 has already hosted thousands of visitors. More of them are expected to come this weekend to catch a glimpse of the world’s finest superyachts, and to experience a wide range of family-friendly activities, prize giveaways, entertainment, as well as dining options.
Dubai International Boat Show 2014 from above
Visitors from 70 countries around the world — including families, maritime enthusiasts, industry professionals and influential buyers — have already streamed through the Dubai International Marine Club – Mina Seyahi during the first few days of the Dubai International Boat Show 2014, which showcases 430 boats and 19 superyachts with a total value of AED 1.8 billion.
“This is my first time attending the Dubai International Boat Show and this is the perfect place to find almost any type of boat that I could want,” said UAE national Rashed Al Sumaity, an advocate and legal consultant who visited with friends. “Seeing the superyachts was my favourite part, and after talking to exhibitors and being amongst the exciting atmosphere, I’m definitely interested in buying a small boat.”
Fourth time visitor Mario Costalas, managing director of a Dubai-based events company, and an avid scuba diver who attends the show every year, was extremely pleased with the Dive Middle East Exhibition (DMEX) feature of the show. “I love scuba diving, and DMEX is the only exhibition I attend where I can see all the latest technologies in diving equipment. The rest of the show is really enjoyable too – I particularly enjoyed the demonstration of the flying hydro jetpack. I’ve never seen anything like that before!” he said.
Dubai International Boat Show 2014
The Dubai World Trade Centre, which organises the event, has made it 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.
UK couple Bruce and Louise who are based in Dubai and brought their five year old daughter Mae, are Dubai International Boat Show regulars who own a 31-foot sports cruiser and use the show as a way to keep up to date on all their boating needs. “There’s no better or more convenient way to see everything that relates to owning a boat – whether it’s new equipment, new technologies, or new boats themselves, it’s a one-stop-shop for us, and our daughter loves the atmosphere,” Bruce said.
“Dubai International Boat Show 2014 has seen another solid year of visitor attendance, from yachting aficionados to families, demonstrating Dubai’s success as a hub for the global and regional leisure maritime market,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre, the show’s organisers. “We’re expecting a strong visitor turnout over the weekend and it the last chance to see the most luxurious superyachts, enjoy a wide range of family-friendly experiences, and network with exhibiting companies and brands from around the world.”
22nd Dubai International Boat Show
Superyachts and launches haul in visitors
The 750 exhibitors from 50 countries around the world have seen strong sales figures and attendance at their launches of new boats and maritime products. The Dubai International Boat Show 2014 has hosted 42 total global and regional launches.
Gregor Stinner, CEO of ART MARINE, commented: “Dubai is one of the fastest-growing leisure maritime markets in the world, and the Dubai International Boat Show has again set the tone as one of the world’s most important maritime exhibitions. We saw an excellent turnout at the launch of our stunning Riva 68’ Ego Super yacht, have acquired strong leads from a wide range of buyers, and the event has enabled us to network with a variety of international distributors.”
Piquing great visitor interest is the mega yacht Nirvana and superyacht Quattroelle, two of the show’s largest-ever superyachts located in the stunning outdoor Marina Display Area on the Dubai waterfront. The 88.5-metre-long Nirvana, built by Oceanco and exhibited by Edmiston, features two helipads, a 3D cinema, and performance stage. The 88-metre-long Quattroelle, built by Lürssen and Moran Yacht & Ship, and designed by Nuvolari-Lenard, features five decks, a gym designed by sprinter Usain Bolt, and full spa.
Amphibious quad skis from Gibbs Sports on display at the 2014 DIBS
Among the high-profile launches are the 13.5-metre Cranchi, an 11-meter boat from Christ Craft, the 12-meter Everglade by Gulf Yachts, the 8.9-metre Qs855 Activ from Delma Marine, amphibious quad skis from Gibbs Sports, and the first-ever amphibious ribs from ASIS Boats.
35-year-old Ahmed Al Muhairy, owner of a local boat and yacht rental company and an ardent leisure marine fan, is looking to purchase a mid-size yacht, and has now expressed interest in a 48-foot yacht with a local exhibitor. “I’m already in the leisure marine industry, and I know it extremely well. When I am looking to buy a new boat or equipment, and network with other industry players, the Dubai International Boat Show is the number one place to do it,” he added.
Exhibitors have also seen strong interest in smaller boats, speed boats, and jet skis, thanks to more maritime developments come online, residents and tourists increasingly take to the water for leisure time activities, and the UAE hosting safe inland waterways and modern marina facilities.
Exciting prizes, entertainment, and food
Visitors have entered competitions and prize giveaways both in-person and on the radio for tickets to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil semifinals and finals, along with vouchers for scuba diving, boat rides, limousine rides, stays and dining at luxury hotels, and maritime footwear and accessories. In addition, visitors have enjoyed live entertainment from DJs, Brazilian capoeira performers, and a live band.
As part of the inaugural Dubai Food Festival, Nobu at Atlantis, The Palm, will offer a special menu at the Dubai International Boat Show 2014, which has long been associated with premium brands from yachting to fine dining. Featuring celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s signature dishes from the legendary Black Cod to Chicken Tacos with Spicy Miso and selections of sushi, the exclusive menu will give a delicious glimpse into Nobu’s iconic cuisine.
Nobu Atlantis is Nobu’s first outlet in the region and has blazed a new trail for the acclaimed chef, infusing his cutting-edge Japanese style with South American influences to create a distinctly urban experience. For more information in Nobu’s participation in the Dubai Boat Show, visitfacebook.com/atlantisfoodie.
Launched by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) to highlight the Emirate’s strong and growing culinary credentials, the Dubai Food Festival is a city-wide celebration of food, featuring industry conferences, appearances from world-renowned chefs, and a wide range food-related activities, tastings and events.
Show sectors include The SYBAss Lounge, organised by the Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss), Marina Display, Outdoor Display, Luxury Supplies and Services, Equipment Supplies and Services, Dive Middle East Exhibition, Supercar Promenade, and the Heritage Village sponsored by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing. On 5 March, the Gulf Boating Conference examined the topic “Achieving Sustainable Growth in the GCC and Beyond”.
Key returning partners include Italian luxury watch brand Officine Panerai as Supporting Partner, Mercedes-Benz as Official Car Partner, and ART MARINE as Marina Display Partner. Bombardier, the world’s only manufacturer of both planes and trains, is the exclusive sponsor of the LSS indoor pavilion.
The 22nd Dubai International Boat Show 2014 is open to trade visitors and the general public from 3pm – 9.30pm daily from 4-8 March, 2014, at Dubai International Marine Club – Mina Seyahi. Admission is AED 60 for adults, and is free for children 12 years and younger.
