Yesterday, March 3, 2015, saw His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, visit this year’s 23rd edition of the Dubai International Boat Show, in front of thousands of global visitors. Set to run in the fabulous Dubai yacht holiday location until March 7, the event represents the region’s premier marine leisure exhibition.
His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, tours the Dubai International Boat Show 2015
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai accompanied His Highness Sheikh Mohammed on the tour.
The Dubai International Boat Show 2015 runs from 3 – 7 March at the Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi, and is expected to draw over 26,000 visitors from more than 120 countries, including High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs), first time boat owners, marine leisure and sports enthusiasts, and families making the most of the show’s interactive experiences.
The 23rd edition of the show will have more than 430 vessels worth approximately AED 1 billion on display, and a wide range of activities from water sports, live demonstrations, expert talks, , and new zones dedicated to sailing, fishing and water sports.
“As the popularity of maritime leisure activities continues to soar in the region, the boat show strives to meet growing demand by expanding the show’s activities and bringing together key regional and global exhibiting brands and companies, leading boat builders, and maritime trade associations, along with key industry thought leaders at yesterday’s Middle East Yachting Conference. The show continues to promote on-going maritime trade and investment opportunities in the UAE,” said His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre, the event organiser.
Strong international presence
With over 800 brands and companies exhibiting from more than 54 countries, the Dubai International Boat Show reflects the growing popularity of maritime leisure activities in the region, as event organisers report a 10% increase in new exhibitors compared to 2014.
Visitors can view hundreds of boats on land and water across a variety of zones which include: Marina Display, Outdoor Display, Marine Luxury and Lifestyle, Equipment Services and Supplies (ESS), and Diving Middle East Exhibitions (DMEX). At the stunning Marina Display, visitors are sure to be impressed by the Superyacht Life Area where the prestigious Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) will showcase the superyacht lifestyle and experience with the world’s leading superyacht builders.
The show will host 45 premiers in total including yesterday’s global launch of Gulf Craft’s motor yacht Majesty 122, the Riviera 77 Enclosed Flybridge yacht from SF Yachts, Behnemar Middle East’s 77m Silverfast superyacht – touted by its Australian manufacturer as the largest and fasted aluminium yacht ever constructed – and the global debut of the Comet Power Cat Line from Italian boat manufacturer Comar Yachts Middle East launches include the 44GT 14m grand tourer from new exhibitor Revolver Yachts, and new members of the Azimut Yachts Flybridge collection, brought to the region by Seas and Deserts Group.
Potential first-time boat owners seeking to enter the lifestyle will be able to peruse a large number of small to medium sized craft that include boats as well as jet skis, quad skis and other marine leisure products from exhibitors such as Delma Marine, Ocean Boats and Dar Al Tawasel Services.
Marine sports features
This year’s Dubai International Boat Show features additional interactive zones in the Outdoor Display: DIBS Sailing, DIBS Fishing, and DIBS Water Sports, as the popularity of these sports continues to soar in the region. Located near these sections will be the Marine Talks zone, where visitors can pick up tips and hear stories from global sailing, fishing and water sports experts.
Dive Middle East Exhibition (DMEX), supported by Emirates Diving Association, returns with live and interactive demonstrations and first hand access to the latest diving techniques, skills and products. Even more of the latest luxurious and exclusive vehicles from premier manufacturers will be on display in the Supercar Promenade, taking place alongside the show.
Visitors can also enter competitions and prize giveaways, and a vast array of entertainment and show-stopping prizes are available to marine leisure enthusiasts and members of the public this year.
Key returning partners include Italian luxury watch brand Officine Panerai, Mercedes Benz and Emirates Diving Association. Bombardier, the world’s only manufacturer of both planes and trains, returns as a Supporting Partner.
The 23rd Dubai International Boat Show is held at the Dubai International Marine Club – Mina Seyahi, from 3-7 March 2015. The event will be open to trade visitors and the general public from 3 pm – 9:30 pm daily, with admission of AED 60.
