Thousands of visitors throng Dubai International Boat Show 2014

Thousands of visitors have attended the 22nd Dubai International Boat Show 2014 with more expected this weekend to catch a glimpse of the world’s most stunning superyachts, and to experience a wide range of family-friendly activities, prize giveaways, entertainment and dining options.

Visitors from 70 countries around the world, including families, maritime enthusiasts, industry professionals and influential buyers, have already streamed through the Dubai International Marine Club - Mina Seyahi during the first few days of the show, which showcases 430 boats and 19 superyachts with a total value of AED 1.8 billion.

Rashed Al Sumaity, an advocate and legal consultant who visited with friends commented, “This is my first time attending the Dubai International Boat Show and this is the perfect place to find almost any type of boat that I could want. Seeing the superyachts was my favourite part, and after talking to exhibitors and being amongst the exciting atmosphere, I’m definitely interested in buying a small boat.”

Mario Costalas, managing director of a Dubai-based events company, and an avid scuba diver who attends the show every year, was extremely pleased with the Dive Middle East Exhibition (DMEX) feature of the show. He said, “I love scuba diving, and DMEX is the only exhibition I attend where I can see all the latest technologies in diving equipment. The rest of the show is really enjoyable too - I particularly enjoyed the demonstration of the flying hydro jetpack. I’ve never seen anything like that before.”

Superyachts and launches haul in visitors

The 750 exhibitors from 50 countries around the world have seen strong sales figures and attendance at their launches of new boats and maritime products. The Dubai International Boat Show 2014 has hosted 42 total global and regional launches.

Gregor Stinner, CEO of Art Marine commented, “Dubai is one of the fastest-growing leisure maritime markets in the world, and the Dubai International Boat Show has again set the tone as one of the world’s most important maritime exhibitions. We saw an excellent turnout at the launch of our stunning Riva 68’ Ego Super yacht, have acquired strong leads from a wide range of buyers, and the event has enabled us to network with a variety of international distributors.”

Piquing great visitor interest is the Nirvana and Quattroelle, two of the show’s largest-ever superyachts located in the outdoor marina display area on the Dubai waterfront. The 88.5-metre long Nirvana, built by Oceanco and exhibited by Edmiston, features two helipads, a 3D cinema, and performance stage. The 88 metre long Quattroelle, built by Lürssen and Moran Yacht & Ship, and designed by Nuvolari-Lenard, features five decks, a gym designed by sprinter Usain Bolt, and full spa.

Exhibitors have also seen strong interest in smaller boats, speed boats, and jet skis, thanks to more maritime developments come online, residents and tourists increasingly take to the water for leisure time activities, and the UAE hosting safe inland waterways and modern marina facilities.

The 22nd Dubai International Boat Show 2014 is open to trade visitors and the general public from 3pm – 9.30pm daily from 4-8 March, 2014, at Dubai International Marine Club - Mina Seyahi. Admission is AED 60 for adults, and is free for children 12 years and younger.

For more information, visit Dubai International Boat Show.