Tens of Thousands Flock to Dubai International Boat Show

The 20^th anniversary edition of the Dubai International Boat show is proving an irresistible draw for boating aficionados and fun-seeking novices alike, with more than 25,000 eager visitors expected to converge on the Dubai International Marine Club up until 17 March.

 

A total of 750 companies from over 46 countries are taking part and there are more than 430 boats on display – not to mention a fun-filled array of marine activities. A host of competitions are also taking place to raise participation and stoke excitement-levels, with the pick of the bunch a chance to win a fully-equipped 22-foot fishing boat.

 

“The 20^th anniversary edition of the Dubai International Boat Show is set to impress. With the size and calibre of the visitor offering, the show has generated a huge amount of buzz with the incredible prizes that are on offer including the boat giveaway and a host of other surprises. Visitors to the show have the opportunity to avail amazing deals on yachts, boats and the full range of marine offerings provided by the top names in the marine industry." said Trixee Loh, SVP of Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of the Dubai International Boat Show. 

 

“UAE, specifically Dubai is my second home, so visiting events of this caliber is something I make a habit of. I have been coming to the show since 2003, each year it only gets bigger and better and I am always impressed by the organization and the progress of the show. I am looking forward to making my next boat purchase here this week,” said Saoud Abdulla Al Darwish, Deputy Chairman, Al Darwish Holding, from Qatar.

 

This year, visitors to the Dubai International Boat Show will have plenty of time to enjoy a range of alternative family-friendly exhibitions and entertainment options in addition to the usual boating spectaculars, including activities related to personal watercrafts, wakeboards, and windsurfing.

 

“I wouldn’t describe myself as a major boat fan, but this show caters to the masses,” said Andrew Boux, Head of Operations, MENA, ASR.

 

“I’m a real ‘motor junky’, so I have already spent a good couple hours checking out all the cars in the Supercar Promenade, including the ‘one of a kind’ Alpha Romeo. The show is so well set out, allowing everyone to chill out in the sunshine with great music playing, in between getting up close and personal with some of the world’s most spectacular boats,” he continued.

 

For those looking to be a bit more active, there will even be a dedicated ‘Try Out Zone’ to test skills related equipment such as surf boards, kayaks, and kite-surfing. 

 

Also hosting try-out sessions is the Dive Middle East Exhibition (DMEX) in association with Emirates Diving Association, meanwhile, the only dedicated diving exhibition in the region, which brings together international manufacturers and local suppliers of sub-aqua diving equipment and services.

 

The show is providing an opportunity for international boating enthusiasts to see the best the Middle East has to offer. 

 

 “Visiting all the way from Finland, this is our first time at the Dubai Boat Show. Our last boat show was the one in Monaco where yachts were just fantastic, however the atmosphere, the weather and the superyachts here are just sensational, "said Charlotte Ormegard, Business Director, Svenska Bank.

 

All of the excitement is set to be sound-tracked by an eight piece jazz band, which will be performing in between a series of local DJ’s creating a peerless atmosphere that is sure to delight.

 

For more information please visit Dubai International Boat Show.

Or follow Dubai International Boat Show on Facebook & Twitter.