Dubai Boat Show expands to capture growing regional marine market

The Dubai International Boat Show is expanding its features to capture the growing regional marine market say its organisers, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The news comes in line with the sector’s exponential growth in the lead up to 2020, as predicted by governmental educational institute Emirates International Maritime Academy, based in Dubai Maritime City.

The 23^rd running of the Dubai International Boat Show, from 3^rd to 7^th March of 2015, will be marked by international and regional premieres but, more importantly, new show features dedicated to sailing, fishing and water sports. According to the DWTC, this will reflect the annual event’s significant growth in popularity among serious buyers from across the UAE and GCC, Africa, Southwest and Central Asia, and beyond.

Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice president of DWTC commented, “Every year, the Dubai International Boat Show gains in stature and international popularity because it continues to evolve and improve its offering for visitors.”

With tens of thousands of visitors, from more than 120 countries expected to attend over the five days of the show, and scheduled to view a full range of hundreds of boats on land and water, the show will soon be  among the world’s top four marine industry events by 2020, agree the show’s largest exhibitors. 

Erwin Bamps, CEO of Gulf Craft explained, “Dubai International Boat Show enjoys tremendous potential for attendee selection over the next five years, as it focuses on quality buyers of all sizes of boats. This event also has the potential to become a global Top four industry event, after the US and Europe’s three big events.

“Dubai’s inherent advantages over other, particularly developing market shows, are that Dubai is itself a brand which communicates excellence in all things, particularly exhibitions and events, and also that there is a high degree of wealth in the region coupled with a demonstrated willingness to spend on water craft.  For Gulf Craft, the Dubai show is a platform to highlight who we are and to shine in front of a very select audience.”

Bruno Meier, the company’s chief operating officer and member of the DIBS Conference’s Steering Committee, has said he believes the number of operational marinas in the GCC will nearly double from 43 in 2009 to 85 by 2016, with available berths moving from 9,000 to 16,000 over the same time period.

2015 Show Sectors and New Features

New show features include dedicated sections in the Outdoor Display area of the show for DIBS Sailing, DIBS Fishing and DIBS Water Sports. These are industry areas supporting strong sales growth over the last several years, say organisers, in addition to returning show features, Supercar Promenade, Gulf Boating Conference, Retail Village, UAE Inspired Pavilion, as well as the ever popular entertainment and competitions.

The new DIBS Sailing sector of the show is an interactive zone where sailing enthusiasts can see boats, brands and suppliers from around the world, while the DIBS Fishing sector will meet the needs of even the most expert fisherman.

Finally, DIBS Water Sports will be an exciting new show zone dedicated to all related things, from kayaking, canoeing, jet skiing, and paddle boarding to surfing, kite surfing, and wind surfing, with a dedicated testing pool for water sports enthusiasts.

The 23rd Dubai International Boat Show at Dubai International Marine Club - Mina Seyahi is open to trade visitors and the general public from 3pm – 9.30pm daily from 3-7 March 2015.

For more information, visit Dubai International Boat Show.