All set for the seas

The Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) was launched in 1992, with the initial aim of recognising the UAE's long history of maritime trade. Given the number of marina and waterfront developments in the UAE in recent years, however, the event has grown, and last year, DIBS recorded 27,000 visitors. Organisers predict this year's event will be another success, despite the current global economic climate.
"Dubai has transformed into a diverse community that has become interested in a leisure marine lifestyle," says Trixie Loh, Senior Vice President of Exhibitions and Events at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

"The city is currently home to more than 12 marinas and there are plans to add another 30,000 berths, covering 1,500km of coastline."
The show is divided into dedicated sections that cover all aspects of the industry — including an equipment supplies and services area, luxury supplies and services area, a small- to medium-sized crafts section and an area dedicated to mega or super-yachts. "The Dubai Boat Show will showcase the widest range of equipment, supplies and services catering to the marine industry," says Loh.

"This includes scuba gear, water sports equipment, interior design, clothing and accessories, speed boats and super-yachts. There are also special offers and packages exclusive to DIBS."

Diverse clientele

According to Loh, the show attracts three major groups of visitors. "There are the marine enthusiasts from all walks of life who want leisure boats and water sports equipment," she says. "There are high net worth individuals who want to invest in luxury yachts.

Finally there are trade buyers looking for opportunities in boat building and maintenance to develop their businesses."
According to Erwin Bamps, Executive Manager of Gulf Craft Inc. LLC, several notable marine companies use boat shows to define their marketing strategies. "To market the company's product range we participate in major international boat shows," he says.

"As the Middle East represents a significant market share, the company is very prominent in regional events, including DIBS and the Kuwait Boat Show."
By exhibiting at high-profile boat shows, companies can reach a target audience that is composed of people interested in the luxury, sporting and cruising maritime industry, says Bamps.

"All our visitors were overwhelmed with the wide range displayed at DIBS last year," he says. "Shows such as DIBS play a crucial role in our customers' decisions to buy a yacht."
Loh agrees. "Boat shows present the opportunity to sell to exclusive clientele," she says.

"The exhibitors at DIBS can benefit immensely from the large number of visitors with high disposable income who come to the show from the GCC."
With approximately one-third of the world's super-yachts owned by Gulf Arabs, Dubai has gained a formidable reputation as a home port and international destination for global yacht owners.

With this in mind, the organisers of DIBS have added a super-yacht pavilion to this year's event.
"We are proud to present the largest showcase of more than 18 super-yachts for the first time ever in the show. These vessels start at 25 metres upwards in length and they have a minimum price tag of $10 million (Dh36.7 million)," says Loh.

"This is a phenomenal 45 per cent increase from last year, making the event the most definitive occasion for super-yacht displays in the region."
There are also plans to launch several super-yachts exclusively at DIBS this year. "There will be two world exclusive launches and more than ten Middle East premieres where certain vessels will be seen for the very first time at DIBS," says Loh.

If the super-yacht lifestyle is beyond your financial reach, more affordable equipment will be on sale at DIBS and Dive Middle East Exhibition (DMEX) — an Emirates Diving Association event that has run concurrently with DIBS for the past three years.
"The partnership between DIBS and DMEX has enhanced both shows," says Samantha Joffe, Business Development Manager at Al Boom Diving, a key participant at DMEX. "The biggest advantage to attending the event is trade is allowed on site."

Although traditional scuba-diving and water sports equipment was very limited, the range of products on display at this year's event tells a very different story, says Joffe. "There is some great new gear out from Aqualung," she says. "Gone are the days of all-black wetsuits. Dive suits are now available in vanilla pink and choc-mint, with in-built safety and technology.

"So whether you are an avid diver, an entrepreneur interested in a mega yacht or simply a water sports enthusiast, Loh believes this year's boat show will have something for everyone. "We are looking forward to DIBS surpassing all expectations and once again, reaffirming its position as the largest and most successful marine event in the Middle East," she says.