The 2012 Dubai International Boat Show is preparing to celebrate two decades of unrivalled success across the Middle East and a meteoric rise in its status worldwide. The Dubai International Boat Show which runs from 13 – 17 March 2012, has already had to increase its exhibition space at the Dubai International Marine Club – Mina Seyahi to cater to an unprecedented 750 international and regional exhibiting companies and brands.
Dubai International Boat Show to celebrate 20th Anniversary in 2012
With the strong Middle East demand for small and medium luxury, leisure and fishing boats, the show’s external area has also expanded; there will be an additional 30% of dry land exhibition space to cater to this burgeoning market.
Following an estimated AED 1 billion worth of sales as a direct result of the last show, the event is also widening its global reach even further in 2012. Exhibitors from more than 40 countries will be taking part including debut appearances from several new nations from as far afield as Madagascar and Tunisia. South Korea, which made its debut in 2011, has also increased its space by 65%.
“The Dubai International Boat Show has not only maintained its position as an essential event for the region’s leisure marine industry, over 20 years it has become a vital gateway to the global boating market,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO of Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of the show.
“The continuing rise in tourism numbers combined with the ongoing confidence in the shipbuilding industry and some of the best sailing waters in the world, has made this one of the most attractive regions to both industry investors and private owners. With the calibre of international exhibitors, Dubai’s advanced infrastructure and the event’s stunning location, this is now one of the most influential and enjoyable boat shows in the world,” he added.
The 2011 show hosted ten members of the world’s most prestigious superyachts builders association (SYBAss), a record for the event, and this year’s show has already equalled that, with more are expected over the coming weeks. Among the prized names, Abeking & Rasmussen, AMELS, Benetti, Feadship, Fincantieri, Heesen Yachts, Lurssen, Oceanco, San Lorenzo and Trinity Yachts, have all confirmed their participation at the 20th anniversary edition of the show and will showcase their latest yacht models and designs in the dedicated SYBAss Pavillion.
“The Dubai International Boat Show is a vital platform for some of the most impressive and best known superyacht builders and a natural choice for the most prestigious companies. This event is by far the best in the Middle East to both illustrate and increase Lurssen’s International success,” said Michael Breman, Sales Director, Lurssen Yachts, who are celebrating 125 years since their launch of the world’s first motorboat.
Several of the Dubai International Boat Show stalwarts including leading shipyard Westport have also upped their space while North Africa’s latest shipyard, Koot yachts, are among the many first time exhibitors alongside Al Rubban, AM Shipyard and Dutch Thruster Group, who also make their debut appearance. Key exhibitors including Al Shaali, ART Marine, Aquaspeed, Azimut, Cummins, Emirates Boats, Gulf Craft – who are celebrating their 30th anniversary – Heinen & Hopman, Princess Yachts and Sunseeker also ensure that the 2012 Dubai International Boat Show will be the most successful yet.
Leading marine equipment companies such as Exalto, Elcome, Gulf Development Systems, Japan Marine, MTU and Yamaha are also investing heavily in the Dubai International Boat Show due to increased demand from regional boat builders, and the latest international marine technology will be showcased by specialist exhibitors from the national pavillions of Australia, France, Italy, United Kingdom and Turkey among others.
Other key segments of the show include the Superyacht Boulevard, exclusively reserved for the showcasing of superyachts of 25 metres and above; the Marina Display Area, comprising of the largest on-water display in the Middle East; the Luxury Supplies & Services housing the finest luxury boat builders from around the world; and Equipment Supplies & Services, an indoor area filled with exhibitors specialising in products essential to the supply and servicing of the leisure marine industry.
And following on from the hugely successful inaugural Supercar Promenade last year, the finest models on four wheels will be back in force at the show with world class marques that will align perfectly with the prestige of the high end boating brands.
Among the key sponsors, the Dubai International Boat Show welcomes back some of the most prestigious names in their respected fields, emphasising both the world class calibre of the exhibitors and the quality of VIP visitors and buyers that attend the show annually. For the third year in a row, Mercedes-Benz is supporting the event as the official show car, one of the world’s most elite watch brands, Officine Panerai also returns for the third consecutive year and leading private jet manufacturer, Bombadier, joins the show as a major supporter for the first time.
The 20th anniversary of the Dubai International Boat Show will be held at the Dubai International Marine Club – Mina Seyahi from 13 – 17 March 2012 and will open to trade visitors and the general public from 3:00pm – 9:30pm daily.
