The upcoming Dubai International Boat Show draws strong line-up of the most prominent international yachting companies, reporting a full steam ahead for Turkish, Italian as well as US exhibitors with important increase in exhibition space confirmed. GCC’s and Asia’s most affluent individuals are also expected to attend.

Dubai International Boat Show

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
As regional economies continue to experience high consumer confidence, the demand for luxury goods and services has grown, culminating in the largest number of international companies descending on Dubai for the highly anticipated Dubai International Boat Show. The 21st Dubai International Boat Show will be held at the Dubai International Marine Club – Mina Seyahi from March 5-9, 2012.

The show has over 563 international companies and brands participating, exhibitors from more than 49 countries and debut appearances from Malta, Armenia and Malaysia. The United States, Turkey and Italy have increased their presence with Turkey having the biggest confirmed exhibition space.

Commenting on the greater participation from Turkey this year, Sebahattin Hafizoglu, Founder and Chairman of Vicem Yachts, said: “The annual Dubai International Boat Show is among the world’s very best platforms for Turkish companies like ours to sell to Gulf buyers of luxury leisure marine products and services. As Turkey has expanded its exhibition space by more than eight times this year, Vicem Yachts has also increased its presence significantly, in line with our belief that there is demonstrated demand for superyachts of our calibre in the Middle East.”

The United States and Italy have increased their total exhibition space by 110% and 47% respectively. A new Florida pavilion signifies a greater demand for American-made products and leisure crafts, with a 200% increase in products overall from the United States. Enterprise Florida, the official economic development organisation for the state of Florida, returns to the show after a three-year hiatus.

Manny Mencia, Senior Vice President of International Trade Development for Enterprise Florida, said: “The Middle East remains a region of great significance to the State of Florida and the exporters in Florida as evidenced by our annual partnership in the Dubai International Boat Show, Arab Health and the Dubai Air Show. Florida’s marine industry remains one of the pivotal economic drivers in the state and our presence at the Dubai International Boat Show underscores the confidence our businesses have for the region. As the official economic development authority for the State of Florida we are pleased that so many Florida exporters have availed themselves of the export programmes we offer and we are confident that these initiatives will lead to fruitful and mutually-beneficial partnerships in the region.”

According to Dr Ferdinando Fiore, Italian Trade Commissioner for the UAE, “the UAE pleasure boating industry offers vast opportunities for Italian manufacturers of luxury yachts, leisure boats and marine equipment, driven by an increasingly affluent population and an extensive shoreline. The Dubai International Boat Show has always been a huge success for Italian exhibitors. The high level of visitors and the presence of numerous trade operators have proved, over the last few years, of the validity of the event.”

In the Luxury Supplies and Services (LSS) section of the show, there are international exhibitors from Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Oman, Monaco, Netherlands, Turkey, UAE, UK and US with 10 of the new exhibitors from Turkey.

Other sectors of the show have shown strong international interest – the Equipment Supplies and Services (ESS) will have more than 311 international companies and brands showcasing a complete range of marine products essential to the supply and servicing of the leisure marine industry, making it the largest and most comprehensive marine equipment exhibition in the MENA region.

The Dive Middle East Exhibition (DMEX) segment of the show has also seen a 35% expansion this year with new international exhibitors from Denmark, France, Germany, USA and more.

Trixee Loh, Senior Vice President of Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of Dubai International Boat Show said, “The Dubai International Boat Show increasingly appeals to a global audience, and is particularly relevant for marine leisure enthusiasts across the Middle East, through to Asia, the US and parts of Europe. Dubai continues its remarkable momentum in the regional marine industry, which has resulted in increased international attraction to the destination and Dubai securing its position as a marine hub. For participating international and regional companies and brands, there is significant scope for business development and the show’s expanding geographical reach illustrates its importance in the global leisure marine market.”

The Dubai International Boat Show will provide a platform for the widest range of boats in the GCC, latest innovations, world premieres and regional launches. A range of submersibles, sports, fishing and speed boats suitable for a broad range of budgets, in addition to an extensive range of marine equipment supplies and services, will be showcased. The event has attracted more than 26,000 visitors, 5,000 VIPs and high net worth individuals (HNWIs) that are expected to flock to the event.

Affluent buyers from GCC and Asia purchase luxury boats
Keen interest from the Middle East’s growing number of high net worth individuals (HNWI) is again expected at the Dubai International Boat Show where major luxury brands and equipment are showcased. According to a recent Boston Consulting Group, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE are among the world’s top 10 countries with the highest density of ultra-wealthy households.

The Dubai International Boat Show also attracts wealthy buyers from Asia and particularly India, China and Turkey, which have seen a boom in the number of USD millionaires and extremely wealthy individuals. According to a 2012 GCC and regional boating market report by marine industry consultancy Mike Derrett Marine, the strong business and social connections between India, the Gulf States and Europe have resulted in many Indians being exposed to the growing boating lifestyles in these markets with these individuals eager to purchase luxury boats.

The 21st Dubai International Boat Show will be held at the Dubai International Marine Club – Mina Seyahi from March 5-9, 2012 and will be open to trade visitors and the general public from 3pm – 9.30pm daily.