Dubai International Boat Show 2017: Speaking to Trixie LohMirmand Senior Vice President, Exhibitions & Events Management, DWTC

Dubai International Boat Show

The annual Dubai International Boat Show is fast approaching. The event, first held in 2008 is steadily gaining in popularity, year after year. As organisers, what are your expectations from the 2017 show in terms of attendance and business opportunities for the exhibitors?

“The Dubai International Boat Show is a key date for many of our local and international exhibitors as it gives them a unique opportunity to not only target new business leads and generated sales but to also have face to face time with their current clientele.

As an international hub, Dubai serves as a melting pot for a range of different nationalities and cultures. This gives international exhibitors exclusive access to potential clients from all over the world, something they may not experience at other shows.

While we have a big focus on audiences that are yacht and superyacht buyers and aficionados, we also host a range of activities and have a number of exhibitors in different areas of the industry. We want to provide a range of experiences for our visitors to enjoy no matter what their interests are.”

Trixie LohMirmand

How many yachts can we expect to see at this year’s show? Can you name a few of the most impressive ones?

“Some of the most impressive launches from the yacht manufacturers will take place on the first day of the show, and while local and international companies plan their launches for this year’s edition, they like to keep everything under tight wraps until then to ensure the ‘wow’ factor for their reveals.

With the running total at 40 confirmed launches already, 2017’s edition is shaping up to be another successful year.

We’ve seen some amazing superyachts launches in the previous editions and we are very excited to see what everyone has planned this year, and visitors can expect to see a full marina of boats moored in the marina and showcased on the show floor.

With that in mind, we’ve had confirmation from BehneMar that they will be bringing the Silver Fast superyacht to show, measuring up at a staggering 77m.”

Superyacht SILVER FAST

What about the exhibitors. How many exhibitors will be displaying and what type of products can we expect?

“845 companies and brands from 60 different countries will be represented on the show floor and, on top of the superyachts manufacturers displaying their latest luxury vessels; we aim to provide a holistic experience at the show. Regardless of visitor’s budgets, the experiences at the show are designed to appeal to a wide variety of people.

There will be a range of exhibitors displaying a variety of products that encompass every aspect of the marine industry. From sailing, scuba diving and water sports organisations to the more niche products, such as personal submarines and ‘aquabatic’ submersibles; the show really will have something for everybody.”

Dubai Marina. Photo credit Mattharvey1

Can you name a few of the most important industry players showcasing their goods at the show?

“UAE based companies Gulf Craft and ART Marine have been long-standing supporters and exhibitors of the show, and it’s been great to see them grow over the years into successful international brands.

The show also has continuing support from the Superyachts Builders Association (SYBAss) with their international members Amels, Baglietto, Benetti, CRN, Feadship, Fincantieri, Heesen, Lürssen, Mondomarine and Oceanco joining us on the show floor this year.

Big players in the marine equipment industry such as Brook Marine, Exalto Emirates, Raymarine, Unichem, Dual Docker and Amro will be out in full force, showcasing the latest technology for in and outboard engines, water filtration systems and marina services.

Outdoor displays will have some incredible pieces of machinery on display, and a big feature will be the Kormaran K7, a uniquely designed boat capable of transitioning between different configurations thanks to its world-first patented transformation technology.”

Dubai Marina. Photo credit Rita Willaert

What can first-time visitors expect from the show and are there any novelties for those returning?

“The show will have water sports stunts put on by hydro watersports; an entertainment hub on the club’s private beach which will provide food, beverages and live music amid a serene beach setting; a supercar promenade featuring some of the most luxurious cars from around the globe; and a retail village showcasing the latest in marine fashion.

Another prominent feature of the show will be the various watersports sessions visitors can participate in and gain valuable knowledge on the best and safest ways to get on the water. Activities such as stand up paddle boarding, windsurfing and kayaking are all on offer, and each session will be accompanied by a team of trained professionals.

Dubai International Boat Show has witnessed an amazing growth in consumer demand for the latest small to medium sized boats, and the show has expanded to cater for this increase, offering a wealth of products from 60 different countries.

The event will also house some of the latest in underwater tech with Ortega’s three-man submarine, Powervision’s fishing drone; PowerRay and Kormaran’s transforming boat, the K7.

For those with a desire to get into sailing, the show’s hands-on boating experiences will educate visitors on the basics of operating a boat, from the safety equipment to rope work and basic knots.

Visitors can also experience luxury on different levels with our new exclusive art gallery which will be featured in the VIP lounge. On display will be marine-themed paintings, sculptures and one-off pieces from international artists such as Igor Lobanov, Jaroslav Proek and Naiel Mulla.

As well as the art gallery, the show will once again host the supercar promenade which will highlight some of the world’s fastest and most luxurious cars.”

In terms of luxury yachting in Dubai and the Middle East, how would you describe the current situation and what is your vision for the upcoming 5-10 years?

“Sentiments for luxury yachting both in the Middle East and abroad are looking positive, with Boat International listing a total of 362 superyachts sold worldwide in 2016 and 30 already sold in 2017.

Of course, with the completion of the Dubai Canal Extension and the recent announcement of the marine mega-project Dubai Harbour, we’re expecting a surge of interest from individuals and business looking to capitalise on what will become the region’s largest marina.

With the Dubai International Marine Club playing an integral part in the Dubai Harbour project, the show will develop alongside, attracting and educating visitors on the maritime industry.”

Dubai Marina. photo credit Roberto Piesio

In addition to attending the Dubai boat show, which other nearby destinations to explore would you recommend to visitors arriving on luxury yachts and staying in the area for a few more days?

The Dubai International Boat Show is strategically positioned in the heart of new Dubai, surrounded on all sides by world-class hotels, restaurants and other amenities that cater to international visitors.

Dubai also offers a host of beachside and water-orientated activities for residents and holiday makers to enjoy which include waterparks, SCUBA diving, surfing and stand-up paddle boarding, and flyboarding.

For those seeking a more luxurious experience, hotels and private beach clubs offer their guests five-star treatments providing spa treatments and lavish food.

Even those out for a thrill won’t be disappointed. The nearby Skydive Dubai allows adrenaline junkies the unique opportunity to see the Marina and Palm Jumeirah while jumping out of a plane.

DIBS-2017

This fantastic event returns to the Dubai International Marine Club from 28 February to 4 March 2017. To buy your ticket online and save 15% click here: DUBAI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW