Royalty expected at a ‘busier than ever’ Dubai International Boat Show

The Dubai International Boat Show will feature 840 exhibiting companies and brands – a 12% increase over 2013 – reflecting the UAE’s increasing importance in the international luxury maritime market and heightened consumer confidence across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (GCC).

The show is expected to draw more than 26,000 visitors from over 70 different countries, including 5,000 VIPs and key buyers. Regional royalty and top buyers from Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia and the UAE will join the thousands of visitors from Africa, Asia and China while strong visitor footfall from Europe and America is also expected. Dubai International Boat Show organisers believe the participation highlights the resilience of the region’s maritime industry.

Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of the event, said: “The Dubai International Boat Show’s UAE Inspired Pavilion will enable the UAE’s small to medium boating companies to ascend to the next level in business. The Dubai International Boat Show provides the region’s leading one-stop shop for boatbuilders to access distributors, trade associations, and potential customers, supporting Dubai’s sector market as it continues to grow in the build-up to World Expo 2020.”

Lucrative international platform

More than 50 countries are represented by Dubai International Boat Show exhibitors this year, as well as four dedicated country pavilions from Australia, Italy and USA, with USA companies confirmed to have taken up an impressive 35% increase in exhibition space, highlighting global interest and investment in the lucrative Middle East market.

Show sectors for this year include The Superyacht Experience (SYBAss), Marina Display, Outdoor Display, Luxury Supplies and Services (LSS) where Yachting Pages will be based at stand H7, Equipment Supplies and Services (ESS), Dive Middle East Exhibition (DMEX) and Supercar Promenade.

The purpose-built Marina Display area - the show’s crown jewel – will once again provide a stunning backdrop of the world’s finest superyachts and pleasure crafts for a wide array of regional and international premieres. One of the world’s top 50 largest superyachts top this year’s attractions and is the biggest boat to appear at Dubai International Boat Show in the history of the event.

Among the prestigious key sponsors welcomed back to the show are luxury watch brand Officine Panerai as a Supporting Sponsor, Mercedes Benz as the Official Car Partner and ART MARINE as Official Marina Display Partner. Bombardier, the world’s only manufacturer of planes and trains, is the exclusive sponsor of the LSS indoor pavilion.

The 22nd Dubai International Boat Show is held at the Dubai International Marine Club - Mina Seyahi, from March 4-8, 2014. The event will be open to trade visitors and the general public from 3pm – 9:30pm daily.