Dubai: Sales at this year's Dubai International Boat Show, which closed yesterday, are set to exceed all previous records, according to the organiser, Dubai World Trade Centre.
Hundreds of boats were sold during the four-day show, and the high turnout of visitors meant that the show was set to surpass the 2007 record of over 25,000 visitors. Companies supplying and servicing the industry, particularly from the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar, also witnessed a high level of sales and interest in their products.
For UAE-based luxury yacht builder Palm Marine, the show saw the sale of seven boats with a combined value of more than $10 million. Demand was particularly high for its Palm Islander 420 and 600, part of its range of Flybridge yachts.
"It's been a remarkable event for Palm Marine, with very high interest in the full range of our products. The UAE's leisure marine industry is entering a very dynamic stage, driven by the opening of new waterfronts and marinas, and this year's boat show has provided us with an excellent opportunity to meet a range of potential customers,' said Harald Schlegel, business development manager at Palm Marine.
Companies from Kuwait and Qatar also enjoyed strong sales. Kuwait-based Alghanim Marine reported high sales of its Cigarette boats - a high performance powerboat favoured by those looking for speed.
"This is our fourth year at Dubai International Boat Show and this year is by far the busiest and the most international. We've brought the Cigarette 39' Top Fish this year and the response has really been positive," said Thunayan Alghanim, president of Alghanim Marine.
First Marine, which started the event with a range of boats in the 20-foot range on its stand, sold four with a combined value of $357,000 within the first two days of the show.
Helal Saeed Al Merri, director-general of Dubai World Trade Centre, said: "The core purpose of the boat show is to do business, make sales, and bring buyers and suppliers together. The strong sales exhibitors are enjoying at this year's event demonstrates how effective the show is for companies looking to drive sales in one of the world's most dynamic leisure marine markets."
