This year’s 23rd edition of the Dubai International Boat Show has reported high attendance, vast international reach, as well as strong sales so far, with debuting and long-term exhibitors achieving significant ROI and business opportunities during the first days of the event. The Show is set to close on a high note in the fabulous Dubai yacht charter location today, on Saturday, March 7, 2015.
Dubai International Boat Show 2015
UAE-based Al Shaali Marine, who unveiled the AS 100 superyacht this year, valued at USD5.45 million (AED20 million), is expecting to sell at least three superyachts and seven medium-sized boats by the end of the show, with more leads expected to convert in subsequent weeks.
“We know that Dubai International Boat Show draws serious buyers, and this year has been no exception. Not only are we expecting to sell superyachts and boats, but we’ve also inked three dealership agreements – one regionally and two in Europe – to supply our high quality, UAE-manufactured luxury yachts to even more buyers,” said Sultan Al Shaali, CEO of Al Shaali Group.
The new and deluxe 77 Enclosed Flybridge yacht from Riviera, touted as the largest, most luxurious and most technologically advanced Riviera ever and unveiled to the Middle East for the first time at the show, was sold on day four through its exclusive regional distributor, SF Yachts. On the same day, local 360-degree leisure marine company ART Marine reported the sale of the luxury Italian-made Fiart 47, worth EUR800,000 (AED3.2 million).
San Lorenzo Middle East, represented by ACE Marine, also confirmed the sale of their 26.45m superyacht SL 86, worth EUR5.6 million (approximately AED 22.3 million) in the first three days of the show, with serious prospects expected to convert to sales in the coming days.
“It has been a very productive boat show with great results so far, and has given us the exposure we are expecting. There has been a constant flow of very serious, high net worth prospects from the UAE and GCC countries, and we are already looking forward to the next boat show,” said Tarek A. Khalil, Managing Director of ACE Marine.
Renowned manufacturer or luxury sailing and power catamarans and superyachts from 60 to 200 feet, Sunreef Yachts, has also seen strong interest in their 70 foot charter yacht Damrak II luxury power catamaran, worth EUR2.2 million (AED8.8 million). “We’ve confirmed and secured two sea trials from very serious buyers who want to experience this elegant vessel on water, and we’re also seeing a lot of interest in our bigger, custom-made boats in the 115 to 200 feet range,” said Francis Lapp, Founder and CEO of Sunreef Yachts.
Brisk sales in small and mid-sized boats
Solid leads and sales have also been reported by small to medium sized boat manufacturers, as well as for smaller leisure marine craft, which are proving a big hit with visitors as the leisure boating community continues to take advantage of growing inner waterways and marinas.
Regional specialists, Delma Marine, have recorded total sales of AED12 million across their unique Mercury engines, amphibious Quadski and Boston Whaler line of sports boats, including a Cabo yacht valued at approximately AED3.67 million.
Local manufacturer Al Hareb Marine has also reported the sale of four boats at a total value of AED8 million.
IMG boats, local manufacturer of uniquely designed fishing boats, reported two custom sales: a 52 footer worth AED2.4 million as well as a 40 foot sport fisher valued at AED1.1 million, with more orders to be finalised on the final day.
First-time exhibitor Brodie Boats, premier wake boat specialist and authorised dealer for Moomba and Supra wake boats, has already seen a massive return on investment on exhibiting, after visiting the show last year.
“We already have at least half a dozen near confirmed orders for our wakesports boats, which range between AED200,000 – AED400,000 each, across a range of different buyers. We are seeing a range of customers from expatriates in the region who want to introduce their families to watersports through to GCC nationals who are keen to be involved in wakesports. We expect a turnover of at least AED2 million at the close of the show, with more to come,” said Jake Brodie-Stedman, General Manager of Brodie Boats. “From a B2B perspective, we’re working on GCC-wide distribution agreements, where we can start importing to other countries, which couldn’t have happened without the Dubai International Boat Show.”
Returning exhibitor MTM Powersports, distributor for Sea-Doo watercraft and Can-Am vehicles in the region, has sold more than 12 Sea-Doos, as well as two of the only Middle East-built jetboats, with total sales currently around 840,000 dirhams, according to Commercial Manager Bassem Wazafi.
“Watersports are becoming more and more popular in the region and we’ve seen this reflected in the sales of jet skis and jetboats every year. The Dubai International Boat Show is the best way to be able to showcase our range to local, regional and international buyers seeking more than a big boat or yacht,” Wazafi said.
Exhibitors from the show’s new sectors, DIBS Fishing, DIBS Sailing and DIBS Watersports, have also fared well, with sales taking place every day of the show..
“Kayaks have been our most popular product. We sold four on the first day itself and continued to sell many every day. The turnout has been amazing and we’ll definitely be exhibiting again next year,” said Sterenn Bourges, CEO and Owner of Sea-You watersports company specialised in non-motorised equipment.
Hani Dahlin, Managing Director of Dar Al Tawasel Group, distributor for the unique seabreacher vessel, has reported more than 30 sold in the first three days, with expectations of even more. “We’ve had some very interesting customers ranging from residents to GCC nationals to simply tourists visiting the show and seeing the range of boats and products on display, and buying on the spot. It has been a very successful show for us,” Dahlin said.
Showcasing more than 430 boats and over 800 exhibiting companies and brands from more than 54 countries, 26,000 local and international visitors have descended on this year’s Dubai International Boat Show, which closes today (Saturday, 7 March.)
