Dubai: The Dubai International Boat Show is set to inject life into the Middle East boating industry, according to one of the world's leading yacht designers.
Donald Starkey, the founder of internationally renowned Donald Starkey Design, will address the delegates at the sixth Gulf Boating Conference on green marine technical developments and projects to be unveiled at the show during his keynote address, Dubai World Trade Centre, the organiser, said in statement on Saturday.
The Gulf Boating Conference runs alongside the Dubai International Boat Show and Dive Middle East Exhibition and takes place at the Westin Dubai, Mina Seyahi on March 10, starting at 8.30am.
"Whilst we are experiencing the most difficult times ever in the leisure marine industry, new technologies and a focus on more environmentally-friendly engineering could be a catalyst to help move the market forward," said Starkey in a press release.
"There are global and regional signs of increasing confidence in the overall economic situation returning to the market and that better times are on the way.
"Now is an appropriate time for people to be encouraged to invest in a new boat as a means of enjoyment and escaping the stresses of work by spending quality time with friends and family. Waterside facilities in the region should continue to be developed in a way that makes this possible. The spin-off effect on other leisure and service businesses will be felt in a very positive way," Starkey added
There will be 13 global launches and 25 regional premiers on show at the Dubai International Boat Show, as international companies recognise the opportunities still available in the Middle East.
Leading industry experts at this year's Gulf Boating Conference will join Starkey to discuss a broad range of topics including an address from Erwin Bamps, Chief Operating Officer of Gulf Craft on the "current situation in the Middle East and future plans", while Angelo Tossio, Marpol Surveyer for DNV Maritime Services, will focus on "green marine technology and boat design". Other topics include "marina update and future plans", "boat manufacturing trends in the low-cost areas of manufacture" and "current situation: Where is the Middle East industry going?".
An expert panel discussion will also be led by senior representatives of the boating industry including Andrew Wagner, managing director of Al Massaood Marine; Constantinos Constantinou, president and CEO of ART Marine; Toby Hawes, business development manager of Hatteras Collection UAE; and Simon Arrol, principal of The Arrol Consultancy Ltd.
Details
Where and When
The Dubai International Boat Show takes place from March 9-13 at the Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi. The show is open to trade visitors and general public from 3pm-9.30pm.
Admission is Dh55 per person for all attendees without an invitation. Children under 12 will be admitted free and must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
