Dubai: The 22nd edition of the Dubai International Boat Show opens on Tuesday.
It will run between March 4 and 8 at the Dubai International Marine Club, and will be open for trade visitors and the public between 3pm and 9.30pm. The entry fee is Dh60.
“Because of the buoyant sentiment and very high consumer confidence in the region, especially in the UAE, the show has grown by a strong 20 per cent” said Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice president of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
The show will bring together 750 brands, with 42 global and regional premiers, according to the organisers, DWTC. It will also feature 16 UAE-based boat builders.
GCC participation
Around 30 per cent of the participating companies will come from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and 70 per cent come from across the globe, the organisers said in a statement.
The event is expected to attract 26,000 visitors from 70 countries, of which 55 per cent are likely to come from the GCC.
The show will display 430 boats, valued at Dh1.8 billion, including 19 superyachts. The largest superyacht will be the 88.5 metre superyacht Nirvana, which features six decks, two helipads, a stage for live performances and a cinema.
Gulf Craft will showcase superyachts and small and medium-sized boats, such as a 135-foot superyacht, its largest at the show, valued at around $ 16.5 million.
Among the regional launches are a 13.5-metre Cranchi, an 11-metre boat from Christ Craft, the 12-metre Everglade by Gulf Yachts and the 8.9 metre Qs855 Activ from Delma Marine.
Also, Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) will offer marine craft licensing services at the show.
The growth in waterfront developments have helped increase demand for small and medium-sized boats, according to Erwin Bamps, COO of UAE-based boat manufacturer Gulf Craft.
He said that demand for superyachts in the region has always been strong.
Maritime activities
The maritime sector in Dubai contributes Dh14.4 billion to the emirate’s GDP, according to the organisers, sourcing DMCA data.
Meanwhile, visitors at the show can expect live entertainment, food and beverages, and can enter competitions to win prizes.
The show will feature a diving pool at the Dive Middle East Exhibition (DMEX) and a range of maritime activities at the Heritage Village.
